Home » Writing & Publishing » Writing for Children » Finding Time to Write

Finding Time to Write

© Sue Reichard

One of the most difficult problems of a beginning writer or any writer is finding time to write. If you wait until you "find time" you may never write!

It is important to make writing a priority in your life. I realize this is very difficult sometimes, especially if you have small children at home. It is equally difficult if you have a full-time job outside of the home. Time is also consumed by daily family responsibilities, car pooling, dentist appointments and soccer practice.

Finding time to write will most often mean letting go of something else. How badly do you want to write? "I'm too busy" or "my family is too demanding" often become excuses to avoid the blank page or computer screen. You may have to delegate chores or other responsibilities to other family members. Of course, it is to a writer's advantage to have a supportive family. In the end, if you really want to write you will make time to write.

Examine what currently takes most of your time. Try to eliminate what you can. Cut back on tasks that are not that important. Watch less television, resign from that committee, do not take that unimportant phone call. Make some sacrifices, simplify your life!

If you are more productive in the morning, you can get up earlier to write. If your productive time is in the evening, staying up later may solve your time problem.

You say you've tried all of the above and you still have no time to write. Consider then, a different type of writing. Instead of a children's novel, write a short story, poetry or a filler for a children's magazine.

It is imperative to establish a routine. Set aside some part of your day to write. Set daily and weekly writing goals for yourself and stick to them. Minimize distraction by having a place to write. Remember, even if you only write one hundred words a day, by the end of the week you can have a short story of seven hundred words written!

Some writers find it helpful to keep a daily log or journal of their progress. If this is the only writing you do, you will find a sense of accomplishment.

Use "waiting time" to jot down ideas or work on a story. Whether you are waiting in line at the grocery story, waiting at the doctor's office or waiting to pick up children from school, use this time to your advantage.