How to Find Time to Write & Not Feel Guilty
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Have you ever really wanted to sit down to write because an idea popped into your head or you FINALLY know how to fix a scene, but you feel really guilty about doing it? You get that sick feeling in your stomach like you just lied to your pastor on whether you should find time to write.
It’s embedded in your soul and what you crave most. So how do you do that without neglecting everything else around you or putting too much of a burden on your spouse?
I have been feeling this more and more lately. My fiance comes home and wants to know what the plans are. He wants to catch up on a Netflix show or take our dog to the park and really wants me to come. Or we have plans with friends for the weekend and all I can think about is fleeing back to my computer.
It’s bad. I know. But I reeeeeeeaaaaaaaally need to write.
How to Find Time to Write & Not Feel Guilty:
You know the saying “The first step is admitting you have a problem”? This is like that situation, except we’re not confessing our sins to someone else. Instead, we’re coming to terms with the fact there’s something we need to do and are not sure how to do that.
Yes, the word is need. When you have a story inside, you need to get it out. Otherwise, it will only keep nagging at you, or worse yet, you’ll lose that spark forever.
Let’s admit we have a problem and find time to write, so we can fix it.
1. Recognize WHY it’s important for you to write.
This is a vital question you need to ask yourself on your writing journey. And not everyone’s answer will be the same.
Some may want to be published. Some may want to make a career out of this and quit their current jobs. While others may only want to have this story to read to their kids or say they finished it.
Your reason (Whatever that may be) is important to know so you understand why you’re getting into this industry. Because writing is hard and if you don’t have a reason to stick with it, you may never finish.
2. Believe that you deserve this time.
Before you can ask or tell people that you need time to write, you have to FIRST give yourself permission. I don’t know why this can be so hard, but it really is. Especially, when I’m taking time away from practical things around the house.
Remember your
3. Communicate to your partner your needs.
Once you’ve given yourself permission to write, it’s time to communicate that to others around you–those that will also need your time. Like your spouse and kids.
I do this with my fiance by committing to two nights of writing time and mornings on the weekend. The rest of the time is spent together or doing practical things around the house, like laundry and grocery shopping.
Start by saying, “I would like to start taking time to write, because…” Insert your why here. Then agree to a time that will work for your household.
4. Schedule your time to write.
Now that you know you have time to write, it’s time to schedule it down. Like with any appointment we have, if we don’t write it down, it’s not real. And we’ll be more likely to skip it.
So get out your planner and block out specific times on set days that you are going to write. This way you don’t actually schedule something else there.
5. Commit to that schedule.
Then you have to commit. You can’t let other things take up that time or decide that maybe you’re not in the mood. Once you’ve settled on your time to write, you have to do just that: WRITE!
Remember to be a writer, you have to be WRITING. Follow the steps of recognizing your why, giving yourself permission, communicating your needs, scheduling time, and committing to your writing.
And to help you on your writing journey, visit these other articles:
- 7 Morning Routine Hacks to be a Successful Writer
- 7 Steps to Effective Writing Goals
- 100 Things to Remember if You Need to Write
- Easy Ways to Motivate Yourself to Write
- Write the Book You Want, Not What’s Trending
- Tips to Find New Ideas to Write About
- Make the Most of Your Writing Week
Make Time to Write Today!
