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Most of the time when people find out I’m a writer, they say, “I’ve always wanted to write a book” or “I bet I could write a book” or something like that.

Next they say, “when the kids are all in school” or “when the kids start college” or “when I retire”. They all mean, “when I find time to write”.

85% of the population wants to write a book. But only 5% ever started a book.

Why?

Most people try to find time to write in their busy lives. That won’t happen. Writing demands that you MAKE the time to write.

Your muse requires attention or she’ll go work with someone else.

There are some tricks and techniques you can use to make time in your busy life to make writing a priority.

• Always be ready to record ideas
  • Carry a pad and pen with you always
  • Use a digital voice recorder
  • Use Jott to record from your cell phone
  • Use Copytalk to record from your cell phone
• Chunk your time
  • Know your available time segments
  • Use a timer
  • Use 10 minute segments Get That Novel Started! (And Keep It Going ’til You Finish)
  • Use 15 minute segments (Flylady)
  • Use 30 minute segments (various productivity experts)
• Get up 30 minutes earlier
• Go to bed 30 minutes later
• Schedule an appointment with your muse.
  • Write it in your calendar
  • Tell your friends and family you have an important appointment
• Turn off Instant Messaging
• Turn off email notification
• Turn off your cell phone
• Turn off your land line’s ringer

You are the one who knows your schedule and responsibilities best. Pick a time when you are the most productive. Experiment if you need to.

Train your family to leave you alone for your set period of time.

Don’t wait until your schedule has HUGE blocks of free time. Don’t wait until your kids are grown. Don’t wait until the stars are perfectly aligned.

WRITE NOW!

You won’t find time to write. You must make time to write.

How do you find time to write?

Write on,

Lynn Jordan