Category Archives: Writing

It can be hard to find time to do something you would really like to do, but feel like you don’t have enough time to do. I have been there. I have said just that…admittedly, I still sometimes say that. I don’t have five hours to devote to writing a book. I can’t be in a string quartet because I can’t make it to all of the concerts. I don’t know what my work schedule will be like so I won’t sign up for that class. The truth is that we make time for what is important.

When I was in school, I remember that the kids who were involved in band, speech, debate, athletics, choir, honors classes, etc. were usually excelling at most, if not all of these subjects and activities. They knew what was important and they made time for it. They didn’t simply “just try harder” and go about their days, they used their schedules and planned accordingly. I’m a writer, so it really helps me to write tasks in a list, what I plan to do in the day and at certain times. Figure out why you want to write and whether it is really as important to you as you think that it is.

Maybe you really do have a lot on your plate that spending a large amount of time at once is not feasible. I totally relate to that. Here are some ideas on how to find time to write even when you’re busy.

1. Write during a break: If your job offers you break for lunch or mid-morning or mid-afternoon, use that time to write. Instead of getting together with the group of colleagues around the water cooler, lock yourself in your office and write. You can even take a walk outside for a few minutes to brainstorm ideas of what to write. I used to work at a coffee shop and we were allowed a ten minute break. Yikes! That always went really quickly no matter what I did. But, when I spent those ten minutes writing, I had a sense of accomplishment that carried into the second half of my shift. I also had the imagination that carried into the rest of my work day.
   
2. Write (during AND) when you finish your work day: Use writing as a transition activity from work to home. There will be a sense of relief of escaping from your job into a world that you have created (fiction or non-fiction) which takes you far away from the reality of your just-finished work day. I worked in a machine shop on an assembly line with automated machines for awhile. I was fast enough that I caught up to the machine and had a few seconds between parts. My boss allowed me to have a piece of paper and pen at my workstation next to me while I worked. During those few seconds, I jotted down phrases to jog my memory. Then, when I got home from work, I have a page full of writing prompts that I had spent all day anticipating writing more fully.
   
3. Write while you travel: I used to ride the bus to get to my job. I’ve also had trips that meant I traveled by train and on airplanes. Sometimes I would feel travel sick if I looked down for any length of time, but mostly I felt fine. This means that I’ve actually written quite a few words while I have been traveling. It is easy to catch up on text messages, emails, group chats, shows, etc. while you have a moment sat down, but writing instead could be a good choice.
   
4. Write instead of time wasting activities: I hesitate to suggest this one. I love watching lots of episodes or my favorite shows on streaming services or tv. I claim often that it is for research for my writing and art. I love to notice the costume and set designs. I notice the stage directions, the placement of the vase on the shelf, the books on the table, the color of their shirts and the moods of the characters. I love trying to discover what those extra details are meant to communicate because I want to be able to communicate these things in my own writing. Yet, I know I can get into a bingeing spiral of entertainment that turns into numbing and then shame and then numbing again when I reach the one too many episodes. So, if you’re like me and you spend lots of time in front of a screen consuming, I wonder if you might watch “just one less” instead of “just one more” and then use that episode length of time to create instead of consume.
   
5. Write in small gaps wherever you get them:
   *Keep a notebook by your bed to record your dreams or before bed or first thing in the morning thoughts.
   *Keep one in the bathroom–it’s not like you have anywhere else to be.
   *Write standing next to the microwave while your TV dinner heats up (or cup of coffee for the third time).
   *Set a timer for five minutes and jot down everything that comes to mind when you take a break from daily activities.
   *Get a gratitude journal for the living room coffee table, or a one-line diary.
   *Have a notebook, or simply use a note on your phone, in your bag so while you wait in line at the grocery store or to pick up your children from school, you can jot down a few notes to elaborate on later.

If you need a little inspiration for what to write (without feeling overwhelmed!), sign up for this sweet freebie I made with you in mind.

And, if you want a little more, I’ve got an amazing free Facebook group, “Creative Writing: Making it a Habit.“

It’s a group for creative writers and my goal is to create a supportive community where we can all grow into the creative writers we’ve dreamed of becoming. I’ll be sharing tips for making creative writing a habit and overcoming barriers toward writing and creative expression. I think you might find it very valuable. I’d love to have you join here, if you’re interested.

Still not sure what to do? Why not try a couple ideas–schedule them in your calendar–and see what works well. Then, do more of that. Whatever doesn’t seem to work for you, then drop it.

Better yet? Book a Discovery Call today! 🙂 We can talk about your creative writing goals. Maybe working together with me as your creative writing coach could be your next great decision!

What works for you to write when you’re busy? Tell me in the comments.