Finding the Time

[EL_Scorcho]

I'm wondering how you guy and gals handle finding time to write when it seems like the hours won't allow it. I hate to take days (or weeks!) because I can't find the time to write, but the hours just don't appear to be there. I refuse to believe there simply is no time, so I'm looking for strategies.

Eighteen credit hours, a job, and upper level homework loads are tedious for finding the necessary hour or four to sit down and let the words fly.

[sthrnwriter]

Well I have quite a bit of free time and I certainly don't have your work load. I guess its all about having a schedule and prioritizing (sp?) your time. I'm sure you will be able to find the time you need doing that. Good luck.

[Inspired]

I'm having a hard time find the time (and being able to focus my thoughts.) I have decided to quit one of my jobs. That will give me much more time after April. Sorry if this isn't an option for you. Is there any activity you can let go?

[Jamesaritchie]

As the saying goes, you don't find time, you make it. Whether it means getting up an hour or two earlier, or writing through your lunch hour, or cutting something else out of your schedule, you just have to do it.

[Sassenach]

1. You don't need hours. Take advantage of lunch breaks and other short amounts of time. Learn to focus and write in short spurts. Five minutes here, 10 there...add up.


2. Limit your participation on bulletin boards, etc. Yes they're fun and frequently valuable, but your writing is more important.

[stormie]

Limit your participation on bulletin boards, etc. Yes they're fun and frequently valuable, but your writing is more important.

Hmmmm...I think I should post those words on my computer monitor.

[Fresie]

It's 6 am here as I'm writing this, but I've been up since 4.30 and in a few minutes I shut down the comp and my day will begin...

Talking about busy, you made me think about my mother: at the age of 13 she quit school and worked shifts at the local slaughter house to help her parents support her 4 younger sisters, but her ambition was to finish school and become a professional theatre actress. So her day was like this:

3 am -- quietly crawl out of bed (they all slept in one room) and do her evening school homework in the toilet -- actually, sitting on the toilet.

5 am - walk 7 miles across the town to the slaughter house because it's too early for buses and she's too young to drive

7 am - spend endless hours stuffing sausages (even now after 60 years she still can show how she did it)

2 pm - same walk back home and do all the house work Cinderella-style while the parents are at work

6 pm - evening school

9 pm - acting classes

12 pm - bedtime

3 am - up without an alarm clock and back to the toilet to do more homework...

By the age of 20, she was a professional actress wanted by 5 big theatres at once.

PS But honestly, you should be happy beyond belief you have this job and you're so busy. Writing is not everything in life, but having a stable job - IS! And I'm talking from experience. Just pray things stay this way -- you surely can find an extra half-hour to write when you're busy, but if you don't earn any money, all the thoughts about writing will quickly go down the drain.

[jwschnarr]

I can't help you there...fulltime freelancing makes me one of those people who are always looking for time not to write.

At least, according to my sister, who thinks I need to find a girlfriend or get a hobby and cut back on the workload...or my daughter, who thinks I need to spend more time playing video games and less time sorting through emails.

It's really like a crack addiction though, you don't even notice that you're living to work until you come up for air and realize you havent had a shower in three days...and you need a shave because some small bird has made a nest in the growth on your face.

I've found this to be the reality of the writer's life much more so than those guys in heavy sweaters I see on television who drink wine out of slender glasses and are at every social occasion and benefit gig under the sun.

I honestly can't think of anything better.

B.

[black winged fighter]

My schedule is also pretty full - not as full as some, but still enough to be a barrier to my writing.
For me, I fit writing in on the weekends. I'm a student, so I can't do much weekdays, because I have a hellish work load. And I already get in bed late most nights, so I can't do the early morning thing.
But, like Sassenach said:
' You don't need hours. Take advantage of lunch breaks and other short amounts of time. Learn to focus and write in short spurts. Five minutes here, 10 there...add up. '
This helps me, and then most weekends I go crazy typing. Oh, how I long for summer...

[EL_Scorcho]

It's really like a crack addiction though, you don't even notice that you're living to work until you come up for air and realize you havent had a shower in three days...and you need a shave because some small bird has made a nest in the growth on your face.

I've found this to be the reality of the writer's life much more so than those guys in heavy sweaters I see on television who drink wine out of slender glasses and are at every social occasion and benefit gig under the sun.

I honestly can't think of anything better.

B.

Being a writer didn't much appeal to me until I realized that the "wine glass elitist" was generally fiction reserved for reruns of "Fraiser". When I realized, however, that there was a career that would require me to capitalize on my neurotic nature instead of hiding it, where I do everything I can to avoid pacing the room with rampant thoughts about God only knows what.. That's when the writer's life seemed perfect.

Plus chicks dig guys who sound smart. Writers sound smart and are good at lying to sound smarter.

[Sassenach]

Being a writer didn't much appeal to me until I realized that the "wine glass elitist" was generally fiction reserved for reruns of "Fraiser". When I realized, however, that there was a career that would require me to capitalize on my neurotic nature instead of hiding it, where I do everything I can to avoid pacing the room with rampant thoughts about God only knows what.. That's when the writer's life seemed perfect.

Plus chicks dig guys who sound smart. Writers sound smart and are good at lying to sound smarter.

They dig guys with money too...so don't give up your day job.

[rich]

Having a neurotic nature has little to do with writing. That label evolved because certain critics who couldn't understand a written work explained it away in the only way they knew how. If you plan to write, El Scorcho--and I'm now under the impression that all you've done so far is plan to write--I would rethink the pros and cons of becoming a scribe.

[TemlynWriting]

Being a writer didn't much appeal to me until I realized that the "wine glass elitist" was generally fiction reserved for reruns of "Fraiser". When I realized, however, that there was a career that would require me to capitalize on my neurotic nature instead of hiding it, where I do everything I can to avoid pacing the room with rampant thoughts about God only knows what.. That's when the writer's life seemed perfect.

Plus chicks dig guys who sound smart. Writers sound smart and are good at lying to sound smarter.

I'm not trying to discourage you, by any means, but I must say that in most instances writers are born to write. We are a peculiar breed, writing is not something we "choose" because it appeals to us. We write because we can't NOT write. It's a passion that drives us moment by moment, and certainly isn't motivated by money, because that can be scarce for starters. Writing is often something that makes you comes out of your comfort zone, not something that makes you comfortable. Writing is a blessing and a curse.

Hang out here and you'll learn much, much more. In time you'll know if you're a born writer, or if this is a passing phase. Either way, write, write, write. You don't have to be a writer by trade or heart to enjoying writing. I know people who are not born writers, but they still love to write. You'll find your niche, I'm sure.

ETA: :) Okay, can I take this statement back now? I certainly didn't mean to offend...I shouldn't have lumped all writers together in a group based upon what I personally feel and how my mind works. Forgive me? *offers up some good coffee and cookies* ;)

You know, I think I feel differently about the "we can't NOT write," because I'm not using it as a statement in the way it's being taken. I mean - I couldn't avoid becoming a writer; it was my destiny, so to speak, because I have been through so many things in my life, and through writing I can share and help others. I certainly can weasle my way out of the writing process at times, but in my heart, I have been called to be a writer, so I became a writer. Does that make more sense? I mean this phrase in a deeper sense than it's usually used. It's kind of like when you find the right guy/gal, and you "just know." Well, I changed my major several times in college, and when I changed to English, ir just was right. When I write, I "just know," because it feels right. It fits. It's what I am meant to do.

Okay, now onto those cookies. :)

[Mike27]

I'm wondering how you guy and gals handle finding time to write when it seems like the hours won't allow it. I hate to take days (or weeks!) because I can't find the time to write, but the hours just don't appear to be there. I refuse to believe there simply is no time, so I'm looking for strategies.

Eighteen credit hours, a job, and upper level homework loads are tedious for finding the necessary hour or four to sit down and let the words fly.

Hi Scorcho
I agree with Sassenach. Just chip away at your writing project, 100 or 200 words at a time, so it doesn't seem so intimidating.

Good luck!

[rich]

Oye vey.

[Jamesaritchie]

I'm not trying to discourage you, by any means, but I must say that in most instances writers are born to write. We are a peculiar breed, writing is not something we "choose" because it appeals to us. We write because we can't NOT write. It's a passion that drives us moment by moment, and certainly isn't motivated by money, because that can be scarce for starters. Writing is often something that makes you comes out of your comfort zone, not something that makes you comfortable. Writing is a blessing and a curse.

Hang out here and you'll learn much, much more. In time you'll know if you're a born writer, or if this is a passing phase. Either way, write, write, write. You don't have to be a writer by trade or heart to enjoying writing. I know people who are not born writers, but they still love to write. You'll find your niche, I'm sure.

I've never really bought into the "can't NOT write" scenario. I became a writer because it appealed to me, and I found it was something I enjoyed doing, and something I do well enough to earn a living at. But believe me, I can NOT write.

I hear the "can't NOT write" often, but most of the writers I know, including the pros, spend an awful lot of time proving they can, indeed, NOT write.

[NicoleJLeBoeuf]

I hear the "can't NOT write" often, but most of the writers I know, including the pros, spend an awful lot of time proving they can, indeed, NOT write.*Raises hand* Guilty!

The "can't not write" belief has a bastard son called "If you're having such a hard time keeping your butt in your chair, maybe you're not really a writer." I dislike that kid immensely. The boy has no concept of the writer who doesn't do sitting still well, or who is blocked on a particular project, or is, I dunno, human.

In my experience it's not so much an inability not to write as it is that when I start my day with writing, I'm happy; and when I don't get in any writing over the course of the day, I'm grumpy.

The "just write for 15 minutes when you can" idea is a good one. It is also hard to learn. My procrastinatin' brain loves the excuse of "now I have less than an hour until I have to leave. Might as well not bother." I think it's easier to learn the knack of writing in those spare 15 minutes by picking a day when you actually have a whole hour, setting a 15-minute timer, and then writing until the buzzer. That way you get used to writing in 15-minute chunks without encountering the "might as well not bother" monster. After awhile you're used to it enough that 15 minutes seems sufficient, and the monster stops showing up.

Theoretically.

[TemlynWriting]

I've never really bought into the "can't NOT write" scenario. I became a writer because it appealed to me, and I found it was something I enjoyed doing, and something I do well enough to earn a living at. But believe me, I can NOT write.

I hear the "can't NOT write" often, but most of the writers I know, including the pros, spend an awful lot of time proving they can, indeed, NOT write.

Touche - you're absolutely right. Perhaps I would have been better off saying that we can't NOT *dream,* because those who are dreamers are often writers. I didn't mean to sound cliche at all - I'v always been a writer at heart, but didn't actually consider doing it for a living until a few years ago. I always dreamed of being a Broadway performer, worked and trained for it, but that was not to be, though I had good & proper training. It just didn't work out that way, and here I am, a writer. :) (Still, for me, I find that I can't NOT write, but that's just me. I'm always writing something or another; I have ever since I could hold a pencil.)

[TemlynWriting]

*Raises hand* Guilty!

The "can't not write" belief has a bastard son called "If you're having such a hard time keeping your butt in your chair, maybe you're not really a writer." I dislike that kid immensely. The boy has no concept of the writer who doesn't do sitting still well, or who is blocked on a particular project, or is, I dunno, human.


Exactly!

[TemlynWriting]

Sorry everyone...didn't mean to cause a ruckus.

[Jamesaritchie]

*Raises hand* Guilty!

The "can't not write" belief has a bastard son called "If you're having such a hard time keeping your butt in your chair, maybe you're not really a writer." I dislike that kid immensely. The boy has no concept of the writer who doesn't do sitting still well, or who is blocked on a particular project, or is, I dunno, human.

In my experience it's not so much an inability not to write as it is that when I start my day with writing, I'm happy; and when I don't get in any writing over the course of the day, I'm grumpy.

The "just write for 15 minutes when you can" idea is a good one. It is also hard to learn. My procrastinatin' brain loves the excuse of "now I have less than an hour until I have to leave. Might as well not bother." I think it's easier to learn the knack of writing in those spare 15 minutes by picking a day when you actually have a whole hour, setting a 15-minute timer, and then writing until the buzzer. That way you get used to writing in 15-minute chunks without encountering the "might as well not bother" monster. After awhile you're used to it enough that 15 minutes seems sufficient, and the monster stops showing up.

Theoretically.

I think the timer is a great idea, probably because I've used one for several years. I sometimes use it to make myself write during a given period, and I sometimes use it to make myself stop writing when something else needs done. I find it works well for both.

[Jamesaritchie]

Sorry everyone...didn't mean to cause a ruckus.

You didn't cause a ruckus. I think it's a great topic of discussion.

What I can't not do is read. I would go crazy without something to read at all times. Even when I'm not reading a book, I tend to be holding one, or have a paperback stuck in a pocket. It's a great way to pass teh time when standing in a line or sitiing in waiting rooms.

[NicoleJLeBoeuf]

You didn't cause a ruckus. I think it's a great topic of discussion.Seconded!

What I can't not do is read.Gods yes. I can't go to sleep without a little reading. Well, I can, I mean I don't stay up tossing and turning if I skip my bedtime read, but it feels like something's missing.

I have tried, from time to time, to replace bedtime reading with bedtime writing. I haven't had much success with that. I'm pretty much resigned to being a first-thing-in-the-morning writer.

[NicoleJLeBoeuf]

Okay, can I take this statement back now? I certainly didn't mean to offend...I shouldn't have lumped all writers together in a group based upon what I personally feel and how my mind works. Forgive me? *offers up some good coffee and cookies* ;)I wouldn't turn down the cookies, but you don't need to apologize! I think what you said just hit on a sore spot for a lot of folks, no fault of yours that.

I do know what you mean about feeling "called" to be a writer. I may have mentioned this before--all these BBSs sort of blend into one big online experience, maybe I said it elsewhere--but I have this quasi-religious belief that my desire to be a writer is a symptom of the Universe's need for me to be a writer. Writing is the creative act that makes me happiest, so I guess it's what I'm meant to do.

I envy those who feel that they can't not write, because maybe they don't have the procrastinatory problems that I have. But then maybe they have other problems that they wish they didn't.

[Chacounne]

My parents nourished my love of reading by telling me that if I was reading I could stay up half an hour later than what was supposed to be my bedtime. Of course thirty odd years later I can't sleep without reading first, even when I'm camping, and my house is crammed with bookcases :)

So many books, so little time.
Chacounne

[Fresie]

You didn't cause a ruckus. I think it's a great topic of discussion.

What I can't not do is read. I would go crazy without something to read at all times. Even when I'm not reading a book, I tend to be holding one, or have a paperback stuck in a pocket. It's a great way to pass teh time when standing in a line or sitiing in waiting rooms.

You know, James, I sometimes can't help thinking when reading your posts that you probably don't even realise how lucky you are, being a, hm, male. :D Every time my husband sees me with a book -- and he's a highly intelligent, awfully educated and extremely supportive person -- he gets really unhappy, and I mean really. Once he even said to me, "Every time somebody gives you a book, I brace myself."

It's not that I want to restart the supportive-family thread, but just take it from me that being a male (or a selfish, self-centered ***** of a gal :D) already makes one's writing life 10 times easier.

[jwschnarr]

I'd sign in on the not writing thing myself. When I'm stuck on an idea, EVERY LITTLE THING turns into an excuse not to turn on the ol' laptop.

Also, I've noticed that at social gatherings, I try to avoid those "So what do you do for a living?" type conversations (My crowd is particularly blue-collar, which could have something to do with it)

I don't know if this is something the rest of you have experienced, but I usually try to be as vague as possible about the subject...yes I write for a living, no, probably nothing you have read, and yes, I enjoy it, but yes, it is lonely at times. Oh, and I'm not rich, but I make enough to live off of.

I can't tell you how many times Ive had that conversation, It's like a routine now. It's like I'm saying please dont take an interest in my work because A) I don't really want to take the time to explain how it all works, and B) it really isn't as interesting as you think it is.

Anyone else had a similar situation, or am I being some kind of reverse-elitist here? :Guitar:

B.

[Sassenach]

You know, James, I sometimes can't help thinking when reading your posts that you probably don't even realise how lucky you are, being a, hm, male. :D Every time my husband sees me with a book -- and he's a highly intelligent, awfully educated and extremely supportive person -- he gets really unhappy, and I mean really. Once he even said to me, "Every time somebody gives you a book, I brace myself."

It's not that I want to restart the supportive-family thread, but just take it from me that being a male (or a selfish, self-centered ***** of a gal :D) already makes one's writing life 10 times easier.

highly intelligent, awfully educated and extremely supportive person: JMHO, but I'd say that only 2 of the 3 are correct. Or perhaps I've not understanding your post.

[Jamesaritchie]

You know, James, I sometimes can't help thinking when reading your posts that you probably don't even realise how lucky you are, being a, hm, male. :D Every time my husband sees me with a book -- and he's a highly intelligent, awfully educated and extremely supportive person -- he gets really unhappy, and I mean really. Once he even said to me, "Every time somebody gives you a book, I brace myself."

It's not that I want to restart the supportive-family thread, but just take it from me that being a male (or a selfish, self-centered ***** of a gal :D) already makes one's writing life 10 times easier.

I am very lucky, and a big part of that luck came from marrying an amazing woman who has an amazing family. My wife is a reader, she has three sisters who are readers, and so many nieces who are big readers that I've lost count.

If I hadn't met my wife, I'm pretty sure I would have gone looking for a librarian. I don't think there's anything sexier than a woman who loves books.

[rich]

Good point, Sassy. That bounced on my scale too.

[reph]

I can't tell you how many times Ive had that conversation, It's like a routine now. It's like I'm saying please dont take an interest in my work because A) I don't really want to take the time to explain how it all works, and B) it really isn't as interesting as you think it is.

Anyone else had a similar situation, or am I being some kind of reverse-elitist here?
I have a similar situation with my unusual first name. On meeting me, some people say "That's unusual." (Yes, I know.) Since age six, I've had to tell people how it's spelled. If they see it before they hear it, I have to tell them how it's pronounced. They ask where it came from. I was named after a relative, and she got the name because – but please, people, don't make me tell the story again. I don't see any reverse elitism there, jwschnarr. Maybe you're just bored by repetition.

[Anatole Ghio]

I don't think there's anything sexier than a woman who loves books.

I do... a woman who loves men who write books! ;)

As far as finding time to write, I like to have a good solid chink to write in as I find it takes me some time to let go of all the logical thoughts in my head and just begin to be in the moment. I usually have to do some free writing in order to be able to begin to do work on whatever project in am currently working on.

Having said that, I have taken a cue from Nabokov and begun carrying note cards around with me and whenever I have a free moment, I try to fill a notecard with material for whatever story I'm working on. If I only have the idea of a brief moment, I fill in the two sentences that make up that moment and then file it in the appropriate place in the story. I'll skip to wherever I feel inspired to write on in the story, and then file the notecard in the correct place. Since I have just begun to do this, I cannot authoritatively say how effective it is, but it is the method Nabokov used to write any number of books and I do enjoy being able to work on a story wherever I am, whatever I am doing.

- Anatole

[Fresie]

James, I agree you're very lucky to have such an amazing family. I'm very happy for you all!

Being married to a librarian... jeez, it's a bit like living at a chocolate factory!

Honestly, I think supportive isn't everything. We too need to make plenty of time for our loved ones. Talking about teenagers... I know a very unhappy 17 year-old boy. His father is a well-known writer, journalist and editor. His mother is a chief of an elite dog breeders' association, passionate about her puppies much more than about her son. The boy is absolutely lonely, they simply don't have time for him. As a result, the local police inspectors know him much better now than his own parents.

Looking at this family, I realise we absolutely need to make some space for our loved ones, otherwise what's the point of having them at all?

[Jamesaritchie]

James, I agree you're very lucky to have such an amazing family. I'm very happy for you all!

Being married to a librarian... jeez, it's a bit like living at a chocolate factory!

Honestly, I think supportive isn't everything. We too need to make plenty of time for our loved ones. Talking about teenagers... I know a very unhappy 17 year-old boy. His father is a well-known writer, journalist and editor. His mother is a chief of an elite dog breeders' association, passionate about her puppies much more than about her son. The boy is absolutely lonely, they simply don't have time for him. As a result, the local police inspectors know him much better now than his own parents.

Looking at this family, I realise we absolutely need to make some space for our loved ones, otherwise what's the point of having them at all?

I agree about family. For me, one of the biggest benefits of being a writer is that of being home. Even back when I was in great health, and could have happily spent all day, every day at the computer, I limited myself to five hours per day, five days per week, barring any rush deadline. My goal was always to be able to cut the five down to four.

To be honest, I've never given a thought to receiving support. I've never needed support, largely because I never went through the struggling writer stage. (Until recently, and that's because of my health. I'd be having an equally difficult struggle, no matter my lime of work.)

I love my kids beyond measure, and spending time with them is one of the few things I find far more enjoyable than writing. I have three boys, one married now, and living in Michinga, and the second just moved out on his own last week. The last is thriteen and doing very well, except for missing his older brothers.

Writing and families can go extremely well together, or can be a travesty. It's all up to the parents.

[AncientEagle]

I share the time problem that has been expressed. A family situation requires hours of work, not only throughout the day but well into the night, seven days a week. I usually manage to get at least a little writing done, but often not near the amount I have planned to do. Working on a non-fiction book and a novel, as well as writing frequent newspaper columns, sometimes seems overwhelming on those days when I get so little done on any of it.

Funny thing, though. No matter how tight my schedule, I always find time to do the fundamental things: Eat and read.

[writersliving]

Hi I can write moslty anytime I want. because thats my love. plus I don't have any body take care of but myself. I'm not working so when ever I'm ready is good. writing is not just the job I want. but I love doing it as a hoby also. that is what I spend my time doing.

[Julian Black]

I've done the full-time job and 18 upper-division credits bit. Right now, I'm in graduate school and I'm self-employed, and it's no better.

I've always carried notebooks so I can scribble down little bits here and there. Sometimes I have a brief bit of dialogue I need to get out of my head, or a plot twist, or something I want to think about, so I write it in my notebook. If I'm stuck waiting somewhere, I have my notebook and I can use the time to write. Even five minutes is enough to write down the important stuff.

There have been times when sitting down and writing for even an hour straight has been all but impossible. There are only so many hours in a day, and not only did work and school demand a lot, but I also needed to maintain relationships with friends and family, keep the house and myself reasonably tidy, run errands and do shopping, commute, eat, sleep, breathe--you know what I'm saying. So I just kept collecting little bits and pieces in a series of notebooks. On days when I could find time to write, I locked the door, turned off the phone, and got as much done as I could.

I've decided to quit grad school so I can write. I've been carrying an idea for a novel around for two years now, and if it's going to be that persistent I might as well write it. I've decided that I don't want to be an academic, I want to be a writer, so that's what I'm going to do.

I'm not giving up my job, though...

[Joni Holderman]

I'm wondering how you guy and gals handle finding time to write when it seems like the hours won't allow it. I hate to take days (or weeks!) because I can't find the time to write, but the hours just don't appear to be there. I refuse to believe there simply is no time, so I'm looking for strategies.

Eighteen credit hours, a job, and upper level homework loads are tedious for finding the necessary hour or four to sit down and let the words fly.

Hi Scorcho! Sorry about the late reply, I'm a newbie. I do have a few strategies that have worked for others.


Give away your TV. If you have more than one, give them all away. I promise you will not miss American Idol that much. By doing this, you reclaim the 6 pm to 11 pm time slot. When I did this five years ago, I found time to write, got to school and still work 50+ hour weeks.
Take writing classes for credit. This way you can multitask homework/writing. Even if the classes are not in your genre, you're writing every week, you're getting feedback, you have a deadline. . . what's not to like?
Get yourself a deadline. Whether it's a contest you want to enter, a class, or a writer's group that meets regularly to discuss output, many writers 'work well to deadline' (meaning we procrastinate like crazy without one). A deadline makes writing the priority and everything else the distraction.
Consider a job that includes some writing. This may mean changing jobs, or volunteering for additional projects. I know one writer who volunteered to produce the newsletter for her non-profit professional association, because she knew she would have to write at least half of it!
I agree that you don't need four hours at one time to write. I think you'll find once you start, you won't want to quit writing after a few minutes. . . the trick is starting as often as possible! Hope one of these is helpful to you. Let us know how it goes!
Joni

[nycgq79]

well it sounds like your in school. In that situation I feel it is just good to write when you'er inspired, and go back to it when have the time. Depending on what you are writing I feel it is great to write with a buddie. With someone there, you have a person to bounce ideas off of and motivate you. Also I live under the rule better late than never. If you have story the world should hear take your time with it, your audience will still be there.

[luke_e_richards]

Wow, this thread has more tangents than a Picasso. That is to say, you all seem like very clever people, so your tangents are no doubt clever as well. Still, I think I'll refuse to comment on the idea that men have an easier time in this industry, since I'd only get angry.

Anyway, this whole thread reminds me of a conversation in Aldous Huxley's first novel, Crome Yellow. The main character (clearly Huxley himself, though I can't remember the name and I'm too lazy to reach for my shelf, which is roughly three feet behind me) meets a popular American fiction writer, who we'll pretend was called Sam. Originally complaining about the fact that he will soon have less time to write, Huxley is telling "Sam" that in a good day, sitting at his type writer for hours on end, he will write between 300 and 400 words. "Sam" is shocked, and decides to tell Huxley all about the secret of "inspiration". "Sam" only writes when he feels the urge, and he'll bang out thousands of words in a day, and then loaf for the rest of the week. Huxley, being an elitist for all his brilliancy, leaves the conversation convinced that "Sam" has never written anything meaningful. The moral of the story is, there are different kinds of writers. However, one thing I've learned is that the best kind of writer is the one who just sits his/her arse down in front of the computer/typewriter/pencil-and-paper/pen-and-paper/lump-of-stone-hammer-and-chisel, depending on what era we're talking here, and gets on with it any time he/she finds the opportunity.

No one can honestly say they don't have any time to write. How many hours per week do you work? There are 168 hours in a week. Do the math. I'm not trying to sound cruel. It's a problem I've faced myself. My only advice would be: sit down for those ten minutes during the day. You might amaze yourself. I've sometimes sat at my computer when I have half an hour to spare and banged out 2000 words which hardly need correcting. Other times, like now, I'll sit at my laptop for hours and not write a thing, eventually getting so fed up with myself that I log on to the internet and, well, basically do this.

As a university student, I would have 10 hours of lectures per week, roughly 40 hours of reading academic material per week, and roughly 20 hours of writing academic material per week. I also had a part time job which took up another ten hours per week. I cook and clean for myself. I've been living on a different continent than my family for six years. I'm looking forward to pulling a 9 to 5 so that I CAN write more often.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to get back to depressing myself and wishing I had a bit more "inspiration" today.

[Jamesaritchie]

well it sounds like your in school. In that situation I feel it is just good to write when you'er inspired, and go back to it when have the time. Depending on what you are writing I feel it is great to write with a buddie. With someone there, you have a person to bounce ideas off of and motivate you. Also I live under the rule better late than never. If you have story the world should hear take your time with it, your audience will still be there.

No, they probably won't be there. Perhaps teh biggest difference between a successful writer and an unsuccessful writer is inspiration. Successful writers know that writig only when you're inspired almost guarantees failure.

Better late than never may be a good rule, but never is what inspiration based writing accomplishes.

[ZaZ]

...and I'm jello, baby.

[JayEss]

So her day was like this:

3 am -- quietly crawl out of bed (they all slept in one room) and do her evening school homework in the toilet -- actually, sitting on the toilet.

5 am - walk 7 miles across the town to the slaughter house because it's too early for buses and she's too young to drive

7 am - spend endless hours stuffing sausages (even now after 60 years she still can show how she did it)

2 pm - same walk back home and do all the house work Cinderella-style while the parents are at work

6 pm - evening school

9 pm - acting classes

12 pm - bedtime

3 am - up without an alarm clock and back to the toilet to do more homework...

By the age of 20, she was a professional actress wanted by 5 big theatres at once.



Good heavens, talk about being BIONIC. I might have gotten a headache reading that. Thank god she succeeded in the end.

Well, with me: by the time I go to work, come home to make dinner, do the general tidying up and then sit down to do some writing -- there is almost no energy within.

Maybe I need to eat more red meat or something. Heh.

I suppose I rely on my days off (I am no stranger to taking "sickies"), weekends, quieter periods at work (and lunchbreaks) and the evenings where there is something in the air that gives me the much-needed energy to write.

[WriteRead]

I remember that when I was a kid, I was told a very intriguing maxim, by no less than another kid, a friend of mine: "Busy people always have time", and I found that this is so very true.

Idle ones just have time spilling thru their fingers, you know, exactly b/c they're not busy.

Ask moms and you'll be amazed of how much they amass in how little time.

Luckily, the business of writing is made of many aspects beside the writing itself, like research, communication, reading, much reading and the business of it itself, like receipts and taxes fopr the published ones, keeping records of whatever, submissions, contacts, you name it, so you can get busy by just sticking to the business of writing itself. Then, you'll find the time, I'm sure.

And, let's not beat around the bush, discipline, discipline and discipline. I know, easy to say, harder to do, but this is the only real medicine here.

Dan