“To write my first book, I stopped watching television. To write my second, I stopped having needless telephone conversations. To write my third, I stopped reading the newspaper.” ~ Louise DeSalvo
Charles Dickens may have written 7 or 8 hours a day, but not all of us have that kind of time. We have families, jobs, ministries, and other obligations that tug at us. What do we do?
Well, to complete a body of work, we need a plan. And time. Excuses will come and go, but to keep writing, we find time wherever we can. A schedule helps, as well as answering this question: What life habits are you willing to alter so you can be more productive?
These are areas I look at personally:
* Curtail online time with social networks.
* Limit television and movies and blogs.
* Limit reading material - not every book needs me to read it:-)
* Utilize one-hour increments. Much can be done in short snatches of time.
* Keep a small notebook in purse at all times for brainstorms.
* Delegate chores when necessary.
* Pray before taking on additional responsibilities outside the home.
* Learn to say no.
Last, and most importantly, a consistent quiet time with the Lord is foundational. Looking to Him daily through His Word allows Him to renew us inwardly. His life flowing in us will equip us for the writing we need to do!
Let me know how you find time to write!
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on June 12, 2009 - 6:39 pm
Oh how this post nailed me right between the eyes.I have oft complained to the Lord in my journal about lack of writing time.So many things that pull me away.Some I can change.Some I cannot.This was excellent Vicki!Oh,I am doing a writers Bible Study right now by Marlene Bagnull and am loving it!Bless you and Love you Vicki~Sharon
on June 12, 2009 - 10:33 pm
Girl you are so full of wisdom….. Thank you for the lessons that you have learned……. I am trying to organize my thoughts and perhaps begin to write my book. The Lord told me to write it in 1983 or so… I guess it is time I get busy…….. I have taken some time off but am back now and I do not feel so pressured to blog every night…. I needed to break away and regroup my priorities…….. BUT I HAVE MISSED BEING HERE….. I will do some reading to see how you have been and how your hubby is!
on June 13, 2009 - 7:48 am
“Not every book needs me to read it.” If only I could convince myself! Thank you for this wise and thought-provoking post.
on June 14, 2009 - 7:13 am
I recently wrote about how I couldn’t get organized. What you’ve written shows me *why*! I especially wish I could delegate chores, but alas–hubby doesn’t like scrubbing toilets any more than I do!
on June 16, 2009 - 9:51 am
Good Good Goood advice. Some I do other area’s have much room for improvement.
I forget to write in the small spaces and seem to look for big windows; as we all well know they are few and far between unless we make it happen so before I know it a day then two pass without nary a line….
Thanks again.
on June 16, 2009 - 9:52 am
Good Good Goood advice. Some I do other area’s have much room for improvement.
I forget to write in the small spaces and seem to look for big windows; as we all well know they are few and far between unless we make it happen so before I know it a day then two pass without nary a line….
Thanks again.
(I do best it seems when I am clearly alone in the house and it can be later than it should be but something is triggered in the dark and quiet of night.
on June 16, 2009 - 9:52 am
Good Good Goood advice. Some I do other area’s have much room for improvement.
I forget to write in the small spaces and seem to look for big windows; as we all well know they are few and far between unless we make it happen so before I know it a day then two pass without nary a line….
Thanks again.
(I do best it seems when I am clearly alone in the house and it can be later than it should be but something is triggered in the dark and quiet of night.)
on July 3, 2009 - 8:20 am
you challenged me here
it’s time to write IF THAT IS WHAT GOD IS CALLING ME TO DO and stop procrastinating