When I was in college I contemplated majoring in English. After all, I had two A+ creative writing papers to my credit from my school years. All of those papers and all of those years of school – just two total. So why shouldn’t I think about majoring in English?
But I didn’t.
I didn’t think I could find a job in that field. (Much respect for those that do).
I ended up in the business field and buried in numbers and Excel spreadsheets which suits me except for the numbers part. Kidding! It’s not necessary for me to write extensive dissertations on a daily basis. My writing is mostly limited to daily emails, which in the business world, you learn how to keep as brief as possible.
Add to the day job an hour commute each way, my family (two young boys and a husband), and well, life.
How is it possible to find the time to write?
My simple tip:
My phone!
I tap open the Notes section on my Iphone and when a scene comes to life in my mind I quickly type it out. That may take only 5 or 10 minutes but it’s enough to have captured the heart of the scene.
It could even be a line from a song that I listen to that triggers something in my mind to write down – all in my Notes section.
Then when I have time in front of the computer I’m able to retype/edit what I wrote earlier and keep moving along in my manuscript.
Sometimes I write out of order but that’s a whole different story.
When do I write?
Personally, for me, I will write after dinner at the kitchen table where I can see my kids and/or sometimes after they go to bed. Also, my kids are great sleepers so Saturday mornings are always super quiet so I try to get in a few hours then.
It really just depends on what works for you but I can’t emphasize enough capturing scenes and notes on your phone whenever they strike.
Happy writing!
