Think you are too busy to write? Here are a few strategies I’ve found helpful to keep me writing regularly. What tips would you add to the list? Happy Writing!
TIP #1: Stay up an extra hour a couple of nights a week to snag some nice chunks of writing time.
TIP #2: Wake up 30 minutes earlier than you usually do every day, or even just a few days a week, so you can grab those precious start of the day writing moments when, for me at least, that inner editor is still asleep. (This is my favorite.)
TIP #3: Be intentional so you can make the most of unexpected snippets of time (and have a notebook handy!)
TIP #4: Write for five minutes on the top of the hour – all day long. (For those other 55 minutes, your mind will be whirring with ideas, as you go about your day, then you can let them pour out in hourly spurts. Set the timer and don’t hesitate – write!
TIP #5: This next suggestion works especially well if you have kids at home. Designate 30 minutes (more or less depending on the ages of your kids) as “Creativity Time”. Offer options: drawing, painting, writing songs, choreographing dances, etc.! Then, set aside the chores of the day and celebrate 30 minutes of creativity. Let them embark on their creativity, while you embark on yours – writing!
TIP #6: Recognize that the writing process is multi-faceted and that just thinking about what you want to write is actually part of the process. I would just add that, for me, it’s good to jot down what I’ve been thinking about at some point during the day, so that I don’t forget any important breakthroughs or thoughts I might have regarding a story or story idea.
TIP #7: Shorten your lunch break by 15 minutes to grab a little extra writing time.
TIP #8: Write while you are walking the dog by using “dictation mode” feature on your cell phone. Then email yourself your “walking text in progress”.
TIP #9: Make a to-do list for the day, then incorporate writing time as your reward at various stages of the day for every few tasks that you successfully check off.
TIP #10: Commit to a once-a-month writing retreat – where you head to the library (or special spot of your choice) for a full morning or -even better – day of writing.
Laura Sassi Tales 
Reblogged this on Tiffany Dickinson and commented:
I especially like Tips #4 and 8.
Thank you for this, Laura. I especially appreciate Tips #4 and 8. I have found that setting aside just 15 minutes often leads to 30 minutes or longer! Also, emailing your voice texts is a great time-saving idea.
I especially like #6. Amen to that!
Sadly, #1 is useless for me. Writing late at night would yield a very sad almost ureadable output. But #2 would make up for it. Morning person here 😉
Occasionally I can’t sleep at night, so I stay up and let my husband sleep. Those hours when the house is quiet I get more done than any other time. The only downer is that the next day I’m a zombie stumbling around all day and falling asleep whenever I sit down. So, I can do this only once and a while, but it’s so productive.
I can relate. I’ve done this a time or two as well, but the zombie factor kicks in for me too. It’s nice as a once-in-a-while option. Thanks for sharing!