MAKE TIME FOR WRITING BY RITA KARNOPP

“Some day I’m going to write a novel.”  “When I retire I’m going to write a best selling book.”  “When the kids are out of the house, I’m going to get that book written.”

Yep . . . we’ve all heard those comments . . . time and time again.  What strikes me as almost funny – they make it sound so easy.  Like they’ll whip that book right up in a couple of days without too much effort! 

Writing takes hard work, sel f-discipline, and time.  You just can’t rush a book . . . the reader will feel it right away.  Actually, you’d feel it way before you sent it off to your publisher. 

We all have twenty-four hours in a day.  If you choose to write – fabulous.  If you choose to wait until you have more time – good luck with that one.

So what is the secret to getting your book written?  I know - you are all groaning – because you know I’m going to say it again!  The one and only secret there is; plan and set goals.  Yep, there you have it.  I might add a bonus secret:  Take your writing schedule seriously.  Treat it like a business – not a hobby.

Writers make time to write.  You have to decide what will work for you and then schedule it into your monthly plan.  If you write best in early morning – set your alarm and write two hours before work.  What?  Five am is too early?  Fine, how about six?  If you were to write one hour every day before going to work – would you get your book finished?  YES!  If you don’t shedule that hour every morning – will you get your book finished?  NO!  There you have it.

What are you willing to sacrifice or willing to do to make your dreams come true?  The point I’m making here, some writing regularly is better than no writing at all. 

If you write best at night (that is me) then write two hours a night regularly.  If it expands into later … and later … let it be.  I love a writer’s surge – and I wouldn’t stop it if I could.  Some of my best writing has happened around three in the morning.  Yes . . . I know . . . it’s crazy.  But there are times I’m just lost in the story and my fingers won’t stop typing.  I’ve finished fifteen books this way and I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.

I’m not suggesting you forget the family and friends.  Heck, I still work full-time and I still get those books written.  It takes determination, stubborness, self-discipline, and a sheer joy of typing ‘the end.’  To see my new book cover with my name on it is like getting a calorie-free banana split!  The feeling of satisfaciton and pride – there is nothing like it.

Sit down and lay-out where you spend your time.  Okay, now look for areas that you could trim and set aside for writing.  Come on – be honest.  What it boils down to is do you really want to write – or is ‘no time for writing’ your excuse so you don’t have to face it . . . or do the work.  It’s a procrastination technique that works so well.  If you truly want to write – become aware of how you spend your time – and adjust accordingly.

The bottom line here is that we aren’t given time to write – we make time to write.  If you decide you really want to write that book, you’ll find a way to make it happen.  The reality is you must create a time schedule to write – and take full advantage of it.  Once you write ‘the end’ you will be so proud and so glad you did.