The most common complaint I hear from writers of all types, not just nonfiction writers, is that they don’t have enough time to write. In fact, most of them have more time than they think—or realize.
I’m not saying that you may not have real time constraints, but in most cases you can find the time to write if you try…and if you really want to do so. Often, the lack-of-time complaint serves as a really good excuse to not do what you say you want to do but can’t bring yourself to do.
To find time to write, do two things:
- Stop complaining. This just perpetuates your belief that you actually have no time to write. Plus, you use up your energy complaining instead of finding a solution to the problem.
- Find a solution. Use the time you would normally spend complaining about not having enough time to write to examine your schedule for any small window when you might be able to write for even 10 or 15 minutes.
Nonfiction Writing Prompt #14: Find Writing Time
To complete this prompt, first, take a look at your weekly or monthly schedule. Be very honest. Where in your schedule are there small periods or larger periods when you could spend time writing?
Then, look for ways to create time. Consider if you could:
- write while your children nap or have a play date
- swap out one or two television shows per day or week to open up a half hour or hour per day or week to write
- reduce your reading time by a half hour or hour a day so you can write instead
- get up a half hour or hour earlier or go to bed later by the same amount of time
- block out a weekend for writing, or even a Saturday or Sunday per month (or twice per month)
- skip your ladies’ or mens’ night out
- write while commuting
- dictate your writing while driving or doing housework
- write while you wait to pick up the kids from school
Now, calculate how much time you could gain if you implemented each of the “found writing moments” or writing strategies. Actually add up the time and see how much time per day, week or month you really have to write.
What did you discover by completing this writing prompt? Tell me in a comment below.
For more information on how to create nonfiction book ideas that are marketable and that support your writing goals, join the NFWU. When you do, you’ll receive this month’s Nonfiction Writers’ University (NFWU) homework assignment, which contains more exercises and information on this topic. Plus, you’ll have access to the growing archive of past homework assignments and NFWU teleseminars as well as some introductory gifts worth more than the membership! Join here at the low introductory rate!
Next month NFWU teleseminar takes place on March 18 at 12 p.m. PT and will feature Ultimate Book Coach Kristen Eckstein, who will teach members “How to Write a Non-Fiction Book in 3 1/2 Days.” Learn more about the event here. (Members get recordings of the events, access to the forum, bonus products, and more…) Learn about the benefits of membership when you click here.
Image credit: anyka / 123RF Stock Photo
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