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| Image CC0, Public Doman |
It’s long been a part of my writing excuses to say, “I don’t have time to write.” Even now that I’m not working a full-time job, “life” just gets in the way. (I know you know what I mean.) Last week, my writing mentor and friend, Beth Vogt, challenged me to “write in-between.” By that she meant any in-between part of life that gets in the way of writing.
For example:
If you’re caring for an elderly parent or a young child who's sick, schedule their appointments on a certain day of the week, or if you are a morning writer, schedule them in the afternoon, then write in the waiting room.
If you’re a commuter, write while you’re driving. Use that uninterrupted time to develop your characters and bring along a micro-recorder or use the dictation app on your phone to record your thoughts or dictate scenes.
You can always gather up your interruptions as much as you can so you’ll have bigger chunks of time to write. Don’t think you have any free time? Write instead of:
- Shopping for yet another handbag. (Guilty!)
- Write while the football game is on (or replace the words “football game” with any sport or show that you consider dull-as-dishwater but your significant other can’t live without).
- Write during commercials.
- Watch your favorite show, but write during the next one.
- Write before your family gets up. This has become my favorite time to write. Everything is still and quiet.
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| About the Author |
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| Angela Arndt |
