Writing is one of those activities that can consume a lot of our time, especially for those who are procrastinators. Many people assume that they need large chunks of time to write, this is not entirely true. In fact, you can get lots of writing done is short fifteen minute stints. Writing isn't just about putting words on paper, first you can put them together in your mind, and when you have a short amount of time on your hands, you can quickly jot them down.

With work, children and other commitments, finding the time to write may seem like an impossible feat, but it doesn't have to be. Take a few minutes at the beginning of the week to organise yourself and you'll be writing more then you thought possible.

MAKE WRITING A PRIORITY

Without planning it's difficult to achieve anything. Something always gets in the way and forces us to neglect our writing. Writing time needs to be treated just like any other important arrangement. Make an appointment with yourself and note it down in your diary at a time that you have nothing else planned, and stick to it. This might be fifteen minutes on your lunch break, or 30 minutes in the evening when you have a little extra time.

PLAN

Just because you're not writing doesn't mean you can't be planning your story or article. Those mundane tasks like washing, driving, cleaning and standing at the check out line, are fantastic moments to think up new article or story ideas, character profiles and setting descriptions. If you think out the story in your mind, when you actually sit down to write, you'll be able to get much more done in a short amount of time.

DON'T BE A PERFECTIONIST

Your first draft should be as rough as possible. Aim to get all your thoughts and ideas on paper because it's much easier to work with dribble then nothing at all. Once you stop worrying about your writing being perfect from the first sentence you will have much better output. Editing can be left till the end.

SET GOALS

Goals are fantastic tools to keep us motivated. The best bit is crossing them once they are achieved. Having a list of goals to look over each day will remind you why you are writing and help you stick to your writing appointments. Try to set mini goals for the week, like finishing a short story or writing one article query.

STOP PROCRASTINATING

Putting off writing because of a sink filled with dishes or an interesting television program is not the best idea. Procrastinating will get you no where, and the best way to beat it is to write through it. Your writing might not be Hemingway but at least you've written something down. If you know you should be writing but your thinking of other activities that need to be done, STOP, and remind yourself of your goals and why writing is important to you.

Organising time to write is not difficult, the most important thing is to set your priorities straight and align your writing time to meet your lifestyle needs and writing goals.

Learn more about this author, Katarzyna Radzka.
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