3 Tips from a Busy Debut Author for Finding Time to Write
If you struggle to find time to write, you’re not alone! Check out how successful debut author, Allie Reynolds, got it done.
You’re busy. And finding time to write is sometimes the hardest part of writing.
There’s nothing worse than having a story you want to tell but being unable to do it because life gets in the way. If you have a passion for storytelling, then finding time to explore that passion and share that story is a vital part of your identity. But how can you do it?
In this interview, Allie Reynolds shares how she managed to find time to write. She had two young kids when she wrote her breakout debut novel, Shiver. Now she’s at it again with another novel out this summer: The Swell.
So what happens if you can implement the suggestions she makes about finding time? Well, here’s one thing to think about:
“…I’m very fortunate to say it paid off, because I landed a book deal that allows me to write full time.” — Allie Reynolds
There’s no guarantee of success. But remember that success always leaves clues. Something Reynolds shares might click for you and help you achieve your writing dreams!
Personally, I’m a parent of two children who are both still in diapers. I also have a full time teaching job. Because of this, I’ve often wondered how writers are able to find the time to write when they have busy schedules.
So whether you’re a parent or you just have a busy professional life, these tips Allie Reynolds shared can help you!
One of the worst things I hear is from writers who waited or who missed out on the opportunity to write because they dared to have a career or children. So when I saw what Allie Reynolds said, I knew I wanted to share.
In this interview, Grady Hendrix said, basically, that he wanted to live in New York City, wanted to be a writer, and wanted kids. But he and his wife knew that they had to choose between the city where they found inspiration, children, and their careers. I can’t help wondering if there’s a way to get all three!
So what were Allie Reynolds keys for writing success?
- Finding time naturally, where it already exists
- Making the right sacrifices
- Changing your writing process
Finding time
Sometimes it’s hard to imagine that you have any time at all for your writing. But I’d urge you to take a few moments and look at your weekly schedule. Where can you steal, even fifteen minutes, to work on your story?
For me, naps and mornings are ideal. I wake up two hours before having to work in order to have quiet (sometimes not so quiet) time to get writing in.
“I used to try to write when my kids had naps, but sadly they gave up naps at an early age, so I tried to squeeze writing in after they’d gone to bed and around my part-time teaching job.” — Allie Reynolds
So search your calendar. Make note of the time that might already exist. Remember, even ten minutes can be useful if you’re efficient with your time. More on efficiency in tip #3!
The right sacrifices
When you look at your week, think about what happens throughout your daily routine that you can substitute for time to write. Can you give up an hour of television per night or per week? Can you scale back on your social life? Even giving up on 15 minutes of social media can make a huge difference!
“I basically gave up everything else in my life in order to write Shiver — my social life, exercise, TV, and to a certain extent even sleep!” — Allie Reynolds
Reynolds did go on to say she doesn’t recommend giving up on everything (especially much needed sleep). Instead, it’s clear that she’s suggesting making strategic choices about how she uses her time.
If your goal is to be a writer with a book on a bookstore shelf some day, then look at your weekly schedule. Think about things that you can cut out or cut back on to give you time to achieve your literary goals!
Change how you write
Is it worth reconsidering how you write?
“Prior to Shiver, I spent twenty years trying and failing to complete various novels. My storylines always got in a tangled mess. I finally figured it was because I never planned my novels, so I…spent a whole month planning Shiver…I couldn’t have written Shiver without planning it — the storyline was too complicated for me to hold in my head.” — Allie Reynolds
For writers who are “pantsers” this suggestion might feel like blasphemy. But consider this: think about when you were a single writer or college student. Before kids if you have them. Prior to your career. Or you were a young kid with little else on your mind except your literary aspirations.
It was easy to keep a story fully organized in your head. There wasn’t much else in there! But as we get older, there’s more and more that takes up valuable real estate in our heads.
It’s important to recognize this shift. It might feel like a waste, but taking the time to plot and organize your story might give you the kind of jump start you need.
Then, if you only have fifteen minutes to write, you’ll already have a plan for what to do!
Conclusion
If you struggle to find the time to write. And it seems like your time belongs to everyone else except you, then you’re not alone! Writers of all kinds, even well-loved ones like Allie Reynolds, struggle with finding time to write.
These 3 tips can hopefully help you refocus your energy, find time, and scale back, so you can turn your writing aspirations into the kind of book you always dreamed it could be.
Remember, you’re not alone! You can do this!
If you’re serious about finding time to write, Here are 30 Tips for Busy Writers to Find Time to Write!