It's hard to believe November is already here. Where the heck did the time go? At the beginning of October I endeavored to write at least two hours a day, five days a week. Instead, I was lucky to get in a few hours two days a week. Something always came up. I'd be okay with this if it was an isolated incident, but it's not.
I'm insecure that I'll never finish my book because I simply can't find the time to write, and I'm so close at 300 pages. To make matters worse, my idea journal if filling up fast. I have so many cool stories I'd like to begin, but my personality is such that I can't take on a new project until I finish the first. How the heck am I supposed to accomplish this if I can't find the time to write? I considered tackling my WIP in the evenings when everyone is in bed, but by that time of night my brain is fried. I couldn't formulate a sentence if my life depended on it. What's an Aspiring Novelist to do? Any suggestions would be welcomed. Until next time, happy writing.
I just try to find whatever time I can. Some days it works better than others. Some days I only manage a sentence but it's a sentence more than I had before.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great outlook, M.J. Eventually one sentence adds up to a paragraph and so on. At least your making progress. You've given me food for thought. Thanks for stopping in to comment on my blog.
DeleteI thik we all struggle with time management. I try to set aside my "sacred time" for writing and don't let anyone disturb me.
ReplyDeleteYou're fortunate to have Sacred time. I'm having trouble penciling it in. Guess I'll have to figure something out if I want to make progress. Thanks for stopping in.
DeleteThank you for your much needed words on my blog. :) I appreciate you sharing your experience from the bottom of my heart.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about finding the time to finish that novel. I was in a similar situation when I started out. I finished my first story by promising to myself to write as much as I could each day even if it was only for 15 minutes. It worked. When I first started, I literally did only 15 min, but then as I worked, the times got longer and the words flowed more. Keep at it, you WILL finish, I believe that with all my heart. Writing is in our blood and while we may have problems getting started and finished, we do accomplish what we put before us. :)
No problem, Melissa. I hope they helped. The fifteen minutes is a great idea, it's just finding the space to fit them in that's a challenge. Guess I'd better figure out something if I want to finish my WIP. Thanks for the kind words. Looking forward to getting to know you better.
DeleteThere's really no easy answer. We have to prioritize. For me, it was thinking that writing was a part-time job and not to be left as an afterthought. It had to be at the top five on my things to do list. It's the only way I was able to finish and it also kept me sane.
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree. Writing is one of my top priorities next to my family, which comes first. It just seems like they have placed more demands on my time over the last six months. I'm going to have to just find a way to do this. Otherwise, I'll never finish,
DeleteI have nothing to offer. I'm feeling exactly the same way. The only option on some days is to write at night, but I'm fried too. I guess the best we can do is carry on days when it works out.
ReplyDeleteRight on, Tonia. Well make it work somehow. Writing is too important not to. Best of luck on your WIP.
DeleteIt's not a race. We each have to go at it at our own pace. I'm not a fast writer either. I look at those who turn out two or three books a year and wonder why I can't do that. But it's all right.
ReplyDeleteI don't know,Alex, you're pretty impressive. Seriously, kind of like a blogger superhero. I really enjoy your posts, and the groups & blog feats you host are not only enjoyable, but also helpful.
DeleteI know it's not a race, but after three years, two and a half drafts and 300 words into my current WIP, I'm ready to be done with this story so I can move on. Yes, I know, the only way that will happen us to write. I'll figure something out. Hey, maybe ill write about my findings next. Thanks for stopping in to comment on my blog, it's always a pleasure.
Oh, I really sympathise because that's exactly how I feel. I've been taking on small projects for the very reason that life gets in the way, never mind exhaustion!, and I'm afraid that if I start the ambitious novel that's been bubbling away in my mind I'll be so short of time that frustration will kill me! I've come to the conclusion that there will never be a 'right' time, so I think I'm going to draw up a writing timetable, leaving out the days I know will be busy and trying to sneak an hour into those that won't. I think the key is to think that some writing time is better than none. Best of luck - hope things get easier for you.
ReplyDeleteGood points, LindaC. Glad I'm not alone in my struggle to find enough hours in the day to accomplish my writing aspirations. At least you had the foresight to see how it would frustrate you. I jumped in head first. Stealing an hour here and there may be my only option if I want to finish the ole WIP. Thanks for stopping in to comment on my post.
DeleteThis is a common problem, and one reason why I can never be a "night writer." I have to wake up at 4am and turn nothing on but my laptop and focus the two hours before anyone wakes up to my story. Nothing else. I've been able to crank out a few stories that way. And while it can be grueling rising at that hour, the sacrifice is well worth it. You get a quiet house, no distractions, and better yet... a fresh brain! :)It takes some getting used to at first, but after a week or so, you'll be excited to get up so you can work on the story.
ReplyDeleteWow! That's dedication. I'm impressed. Although the morning is my favorite time of day, and I tend to rise fairly early (not at 4 a.m.), I'm not much of a morning person. Don't get me wrong, I like to write early, but when it comes to exercise or interacting with people, I prefer to do that later in the day after a couple cups of coffee. I may try your approach. Perhaps I'll begin at 4:30 or 5:00 on the days when I'm swamped. Thanks for the idea. Ironically, it's an obvious one that never crossed my mind. Thanks for stopping in to comment on my post. Looking forward to getting to know you better.
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