Finding Time to Write

I work 37.5 hours in a law office where my brain often spins into the vast outer space of the legal world.  I run and weight train four times a week, spend quality time with those I love, give lots of attention to my cats who think they own me, and just live life in general.  With my love of writing added into my busy schedule, I am a busy girl!

With all that I do, it is often challenging to find time to write.  At the writers’ forums I frequent, I understand many writers who do not write for a living also have to carefully maneuver their time with the pen and paper (or computer).  It is not easy to find the extra time, but it is essential if you want to finish anything.

For awhile, I was working on two novels:  revisions on one, the other a work in progress.  I divided my time equally between the two in hopes of finishing revisions first, and then going full force on novel two.  This did not work well for me. 

Now, I have decided to finish the revisions on novel one so that I can start sending out query letters again.  Once the revised work has been edited and is ready for submission, I will start sending out query letters again.  During the “novel one in drawer process,” which comes before hard editing, as well as during the query process, I will continue writing on my second novel.

Oh yes, I have not told you how I find time to write.  I allot at least an hour during the weekdays and anywhere from one to four hours on weekends.  I try to write something every single day (email, responses at writers forums, and Facebook postings do not count, but my blog does).  I have made creative writing my priority during my off-work hours.

If you want to publish, you must make time to write.  You must stick to a certain schedule, and perhaps even create guidelines and deadlines for yourself.  Finally, pay attention to rules Robert A. Heinlein created : 

1. You must write.
2. You must finish what you write.
3. You must refrain from rewriting, except to editorial order.
4. You must put the work on the market.
5. You must keep the work on the market until it is sold.

Meanwhile, when you have a break in your writing schedule, read what Mark Twain has to say on writing.  

Now, I would love to hear how other busy people make time to write or, if you make a living, what your writing time is like for you. 

Happy writing!