And it is thus...
You DO NOT find the time to write-you have to MAKE the time to write.
I used to write for my own enjoyment (still do) but I put no effort into finishing anything on schedule for anyone else to read and enjoy. If I happened to show a friend something it was just the luck of the draw-I had something nearby. I also only wrote when I felt like it-it was not a MAKE situation it was a WHATEVER situation.
But a WHATEVER situation will not get you published.
You have to MAKE the time and MAKE it happen. When I decided that I wanted to be published, I made the choice to make the time.
NOW as a published author, I am painfully aware of deadlines I must meet. I can't tell you how many projects I have turned in at minutes to midnight-OR even cut back door deals with editors to give me a couple extra days-my upcoming short "The Dig" in the IN SITU anthology for instance. http://daganbooks.com/2011/01/15/announcement-in-situ-table-of-contents/But my point still stands-the time isn't just going to magically appear-something is always gonna come up-you have to make it happen-even if it is asking an editor to give you a little more time.
And by the by-that doesn't always work either-maybe 50% so far. And I suspect I have been blessed in that department.
How else do you make the time? Everyone is different-but I suggest cutting out whatever is less important to you-crap TV is a good place to star.
So in conclusion-MAKE quality time to write-because that is the only way you are ever gonna get it done.
That is so true! Such great advice. Thanks, David.
ReplyDeleteI always seem to MAKE time to watch TV or another DVD, so why can't I FIND the time to write?
ReplyDeleteThank you Angie.
ReplyDeleteBrent-its that resistance, that terrible little voice that says "Do it later"
You have got to kick that voice to the curb.
I went to an awesome little writers conference in Ephraim this year, where I learned something remarkably valuable to me. It was in an author panel discussion, and the lead paneler said, "By raise of hands, how many of you published authors reached a point in your journey where you realized you were going to have to really, seriously sacrifice something to make writing work?"
ReplyDeleteEvery single person raised their hands. Then they talked about the things they had to give up. For some it was TV time, others it was hobbies, sports, or part-time jobs. But they all had to sacrifice something big.
You're so right.
Don't sacrifice your family, your church callings, or your role as breadwinner (if you're the primary income of your family) - keep first things first, but be willing to give up leisure, hobbies, etc, and make it happen!