by Linda Ann Nickerson

Created on: March 14, 2007   Last Updated: December 01, 2009

5 Ways to Find Time for Writing

Writing is a craft that must be practiced. Of course, writing is also a passion that must be fueled. Still, writing takes time, and writers may find it challenging to find uninterrupted hours to hone their craft and compose their articles, books, journals and poems.

How can a writer carve out quality time for writing? Here are five simple ways to find time to write.

Banish blank-page fear.

Most new writers fear the blank page (or computer screen). Although the prospect of beginning a new document may seem daunting, the first few words can topple the terror.

Many seasoned professional writers do not worry about creating terrific titles and catchy opening lines when they start new works. Most often, these initial wordings emerge almost naturally, as a written work nears completion.

The secret to beginning any writing is simply to put a few words on the page. These initial phrasings may always be edited later, if needed.

Jump in anywhere.

For generations, writers plunked away on typewriters. Before that, wordsmiths plied their craft in longhand. Writers usually went through draft after draft before polishing their finished pieces.

With the advent of personal computers, a writer can begin a work anywhere, even right in the middle of a story. A writer may always go back and compose a brilliant introduction after figuring out what shape the written work has taken.

Jot in journals.

Most devoted writers like to keep spiral notebooks everywhere: in the kitchen, on the nightstand, and even in the car. A wordsmith may be amazed at how unpredictable inspiration can be. Story ideas, dialogue, descriptions and other creative content may appear almost anywhere.

Do it daily.

The rusty old advice for writers is worthwhile: Those who wish to pursue writing simply must write something each day.

One day, a writer may pour out page after page of intriguing content. Another day, he or she may tap out a single blog entry, a poem or just a few sentences in a personal journal.

Virtually every writer has scrawled down seemingly insignificant musings from time to time, Occasionally, the most incisive ideas have arisen from such content, as writers have hacked old copy to shreds and uncovered worthy ideas within them. Sometimes a single detail may emerge in the editing process and take a writer somewhere unexpected and profound and beautiful.

Find places to publish.

Writers often need encouragement and a sense of accomplishment. (Doesn't everyone?)

Even fledgling wordsmiths and prospective authors may find opportunities to publish items they have written. Small journals, school publications, local newspapers and private newsletters may willingly accept stories and articles from previously unpublished writers. The internet offers countless outlets (such as Helium) for writers to practice and publish their work.

Serious writers will retain copies of all of their printed and published work. As the by-lined clips begin to pile up, a writer may surprise himself or herself with an increased sense of motivation to write. Suddenly, writing may become a top schedule priority, and other time-crunching activities may fall aside.

Those who truly wish to write will find time to do so - somewhere and somehow.

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