I often get questioned how I get any writing done at all,
never mind meeting deadlines left and right. For example, in March I had galleys
from my publisher for the second book in my Hearts at War series, then edits
back from the editor for book 3…all while trying to finish the last half of book
4’s rough draft…writing a little over 35,000 words in the month. All while
making sure my kids were fed and happy. We had books to read and a couple trips
to the zoo. Cuddles, crafts… and so forth.
So how did I find the time?
In the moments.
Don’t underestimate the power of ten minutes spent writing.
Or that two hundred words you pounded out in a hurry. They are small by themselves,
but put many of those together and you will be amazed what you can accomplish!
Is it easy?
Not in the beginning.
I stopped writing for four years when I started my family.
Honestly, I was too busy living. When
I felt the need to pick up my pen again, I was intimidated by the prospects. Before
getting married, I was used to having full days to sit by myself in the room I rented,
with nothing to do but write. Usually it takes a good twenty minutes just to
get to the flow of the words again. Now, I didn’t have time for that. I had to
train myself not to need it.
Here are some tips that I have found helpful:
- Listen to music that fits the mood of your book. While doing dishes, playing with kids, or whatever else needs to be done, stay in the mood of your story.
- Daydream. First, you have to give yourself permission. Put aside the cares and worries of the day for a little while so you can picture the next scene you want to write. Spend time with your characters - chatting with them, putting them in different situations - so that when you have a couple of minutes to sit down at the keyboard, you already have the words.
- Collect appropriate visuals. I find this a good way to jolt myself back into the story. I have a Pinterest board and glance at it when I first sit down to write…while listening to one of my mood songs for the story. Remember, just a glance to ground yourself. Don’t get caught in the Pinterest trap. ;)
- Don’t waste your “moments” on social media. Make note that I didn’t say “don’t go there,” but only go there when you have a real reason. Do you have a promotion to run? A post to get up? Something useful? Or do you just feel like “checking it quickly” to see what everyone else is doing? I fall into that trap too often and then wonder where all my time went!
- Don’t forget your priorities. God, family…and
then whatever comes next. When everything is in its order, life falls into
place.
Lydia Reynolds has learned that love comes at a price, and
she refuses to pay. Better to close her heart to everything and everyone. When
her brother-in-law won't grant her passage to England, where she hopes to hide
from her pain, New Englander, Daniel Reid, becomes her only hope—if she can
induce him to give her information about the notorious Swamp Fox and his
troops. When the British grow impatient and Daniel evades her questions, Lydia
must decide how far to take her charade. The poor man, already gutted by love,
hasn’t grown as wise as she. Or so she supposes…
Until the truth is known, the muskets are loaded…and it is time to decide where true loyalties lie.
Buy links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Patriot-Loyalist-Hearts-at-War-ebook/dp/B01J4KUKVK/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/patriot-and-the-loyalist-angela-couch/1124227571?ean=9781611168877
Bio: To keep from freezing in the Great White North, Angela K
Couch cuddles under quilts with her laptop. Winning short story contests, being
a semi-finalist in ACFW’s Genesis Contest, and a finalist in the International
Digital Awards also helped warm her up. As a passionate believer in Christ, her
faith permeates the stories she tells. Her martial arts training, experience
with horses, and appreciation for good romance sneak in there, as well. When
not writing, she stays fit (and warm) by chasing after three munchkins.
