Dearest Gentle Writer,
I wish there were endless hours to spend writing and illustrating books. The truth is, most of us are not full-time writers. We have day jobs, families, and daily tasks that demand our time and energy. And let’s be honest… when we do have free time, do we always feel like writing? Definitely not!
Some days I’d rather deep-clean the grout on my kitchen floor than try to be creative. And hey, that’s okay. We can’t be productive creatures all the time. However, if we don’t make time to write, it’s probably not going to happen. We need not only time, but discipline. Just like any other pursuit, consistency is key.
Here are my best tips for finding time to write (and making it a habit):
Spend 15 minutes.
Yup, that’s it. If you don’t have much time or you're just burned out at the end of a busy day, allocate just 15 minutes. You’ll be surprised at how much you can accomplish in a short span. You might even get carried away and write for longer. Working in bite-sized chunks is easier to accomplish.
Yup, that’s it. If you don’t have much time or you're just burned out at the end of a busy day, allocate just 15 minutes. You’ll be surprised at how much you can accomplish in a short span. You might even get carried away and write for longer. Working in bite-sized chunks is easier to accomplish.
Find a consistent time to write.
For me, it’s while my kids are at preschool or having quiet time. I try not to get distracted with other things during this window. Allotting time that is fully dedicated to writing helps my productivity.
For me, it’s while my kids are at preschool or having quiet time. I try not to get distracted with other things during this window. Allotting time that is fully dedicated to writing helps my productivity.
Treat writing like it’s your job.
Being a children’s book author means you don’t get paid until after you’ve done the work. Even then, you might not sell your manuscript. Sometimes pursuing writing can seem like a pointless pursuit. But being an author is an entrepreneurial pursuit—treat it with the same seriousness as a paid job. Your work has value. With any luck, your motivation will lead to a publishing deal.
Being a children’s book author means you don’t get paid until after you’ve done the work. Even then, you might not sell your manuscript. Sometimes pursuing writing can seem like a pointless pursuit. But being an author is an entrepreneurial pursuit—treat it with the same seriousness as a paid job. Your work has value. With any luck, your motivation will lead to a publishing deal.
Get inspired.
Let your mind wander during downtimes—like in the shower or while waiting for an appointment. If you come up with an idea, jot it down. I keep a running list in my iPhone notes. Having a stash of ideas that excite you is a time-saver when you sit down to write something new.
Let your mind wander during downtimes—like in the shower or while waiting for an appointment. If you come up with an idea, jot it down. I keep a running list in my iPhone notes. Having a stash of ideas that excite you is a time-saver when you sit down to write something new.
Set deadlines.
One strategy that keeps me accountable is being part of a critique group. We submit and review stories once a month, so there's always a bit of pressure to finish or revise something. Even if you don’t have a group to rely on, create your own deadlines. I’ll tell myself I can’t get sidetracked with projects—like cleaning the grout—until I’ve finished a writing task. I always like to have something motivating to reward myself with after I've completed a manuscript or illustration dummy. As Tom Haverford from "Parks and Recreation" would say, "Treat yo self."
One strategy that keeps me accountable is being part of a critique group. We submit and review stories once a month, so there's always a bit of pressure to finish or revise something. Even if you don’t have a group to rely on, create your own deadlines. I’ll tell myself I can’t get sidetracked with projects—like cleaning the grout—until I’ve finished a writing task. I always like to have something motivating to reward myself with after I've completed a manuscript or illustration dummy. As Tom Haverford from "Parks and Recreation" would say, "Treat yo self."
You don’t need a lot of time to write, but you do need to form a habit. You can work within the margins of your life. All you need is passion and a bit of persistence.
Happy writing!
-Maddie