Last Updated on September 27, 2022 by Kate Darktea

Little man watching as I write blog post

It is easy to say you want to write, but it is much harder to find the time; or find the time when you feel inspired or motivated. Frequently when I feel inspired to write (like now) I feel guilty that I should be doing something else like tidying, cleaning or looking after baby!

Recently I’ve been reviewing one of my old journals and notice this is not a new challenge. And that was before I had children…

Thursday

11th March 2004

22:45

Possible solutions:

Write at fixed time each day
Sneak writing time whenever possible
Write one evening a week
Go on a writing holiday
Join a writing group
Do writing exercises
Collect story ideas and gradually build them up

I think the first three are the most suitable, I don’t know which is best. I think I need to try them all out and see which works best. However, I expect once I start writing I will probably find myself doing all three.

Monday

14th June 2004

22:45

I want to write, but I can’t seem to actually do it anymore. I’m even finding it difficult to write my diary regularly and that used to be my contact with writing. I write a diary entry most days so I am a writer. I’ve tried to do exercises, write a paragraph every day, write down all my ideas, write a book, but it doesn’t matter. I don’t think it is because I kept excited by something else or I particularly lose interest I just stop. It just hasn’t become part of my being yet. I haven’t got the habit. That’s it habit. It takes 6 weeks of doing something every day to become a habit, that’s 42 times. Why don’t I do what I do best and keep a writing chart I get to colour in once I’ve done some writing. Lets see if I can get up to 42 times.

This year, I’ve set myself some writing resolutions to act as a reminder and provide focus; two months in my progress is mainly good (although I’m missing some of the bigger goals). I’ve written my positive journal every day and my main journal at least once a week except one, I’ve completed two out of 31 days for both my blogs, however I’m pushing it to get this blog post out in February and I haven’t even picked up the Weekend Novelist again.

Unfortunately I tend to do my writing once I’m in bed so it cuts into my sleep time and means I generally limit myself to journal writing.

Possible improvements?

I believe the best thing I can do is to complete as many of my other tasks as possible, because this will reduce the guilt and hopefully enable me to write at more times.

I also think I could be more effective at using my time. I have developed processes to help me with other areas of my life, so if I think about I’m sure I could write smarter. Therefore, I’m excited by Darren Rowse’s new book Blogwise how to do more with less because it provides productivity tips from successful bloggers. I will be buying this book while it has 25% off and hoping it provides advice to help me write my blog posts and that I can also apply to my other writing.

How do you find the time for writing? Have you established a routine or processes to help?