Finding the time to write.
When did you find time to write a book? That is one of the top questions I get asked by friends and family.
Like most people, a lack of time seems like a good excuse to justify not doing something. However, like most excuses, it falls flat in the face of reality. I had thought about writing a book for years and routinely told myself that I would have time “one day”. The reality is that people either make time for the things they want to do, or they keep pushing it down the road for another day.
Most of my writing occurs either late at night or early in the morning – time periods when the world is quiet. Emails, cell phones, texts, and people all get in the way of concentrating so I prefer to stake out a time where I hope not to be interrupted.
One of my favorite times and places to write is outside at night. (Which, incidentally, is what I am doing right now!) Normally, I light a fire in a little outdoor fireplace I have, light up a cigar, and pour a small glass of bourbon, port, or some other adult beverage. Being outside, in the night air, is invigorating and helps me to concentrate.
In the winter, when it gets dark early and it is too cold to be outside, I normally write in bed before going to sleep. My laptop has a lighted keyboard, so I turn the screen brightness down really low, and get to typing. Since I find it impossible to fall asleep without reading for a little bit I normally write for about an hour before doing a little light reading.
In the warmer months I like to wake up early in the morning, especially on weekends when people get up later, and sit outside to write. I either sit at the edge of my lawn bordering the woods, or at a table on my back patio. This is some of my most productive writing time as I can usually keep going until the world wakes up and starts to demand my attention.
I also try to cram in some writing while traveling on trains, plains and ferries. I regularly commute regionally in the Northeast, so I always seem to be on a train or some other mode of public transportation. Since trains can be noisy distracting places I tend to wear headphones and play classical music just loud enough to drown out the noise. I prefer silence when writing so playing music is something limited to when I write in public places.
The bottom line is that I have found the time to write my book by making the time. Looking back, I would say the vast majority of my writing took place late at night or early in the morning. Time periods which most people have free if they choose to utilize it. It’s always a struggle, but by keeping at it, eventually progress is made!
