by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig
A few weeks ago I’d read an interesting post from Cathy C. Hall about the danger of waiting for ‘the perfect time to write.’ She gives examples of likely ‘perfect time’ scenarios, which are basically anytime but now. Waiting until life is less-challenging.
As Cathy puts it:
There is no such thing as the perfect time for writing. There will always be something or someone coming along to give us a perfectly good reason not to write. And before you know it, it’s been weeks, months, years, since you’ve written much at all.
Waiting for the perfect time (or, at least, a better time) to write may seem to have an easy solution: prioritize your writing. But that’s only part of it.
I think that this is another area where writerly perfectionism can rear its ugly head. We think if we’re squeezing in five minutes here or there or if we’re in a rush that we’re not creating perfect work.
As the old saying goes, you can’t fix an empty page. Maybe you’re not creating perfect work, but you’re creating. And days when I’ve been creative are my best days.
How do you fit writing into your schedule instead of waiting for the perfect time? I have a few ideas, having done it for so many years (as I’m on the brink now of an empty nest, I have to do this less-frequently, but I still prepare for it).
Fitting in Writing During Tough Days:
Carry a small notebook and pen or pencil with you.
Alternatively, use an app on your phone to write in small pockets of available time.
Backup your manuscript to an app like Google Drive so that you can remember where you left off with your story and seamlessly continue it on the go.
Be mentally prepared to jump into your story in those small dead moments of the day instead of checking social media or emails. I wrote daily while sitting in the carpool line outside my kids’ schools.
Train yourself to write in a variety of different places (this really helps to combat ‘perfect time’ syndrome). Try libraries, parks, and coffeehouses.
Try writing at different times of the day. It helps when you can write when no one else is up…this could be either at the beginning or the end of the day.
On those really crazy days when you can’t get your head into your story, try making lists of things that can further your book in an easy way.
See just how flexible you can possibly be with your writing. That’s one way to get more done in short spurts in 2019. A nice side effect is that you’ll build confidence in your ability to get your writing done even on the toughest days.
Do you ever fall into the ‘perfect time’ trap? Any tips that I’ve left out?
Tips for Writing on the Tough Days: Share on XPhoto on VisualHunt
Yes, that’s one of the reasons I’ve been working on the same story forever.
You’ll get there! You always do. :)
I really like your ideas, Elizabeth. They’re all great ways to write in small bits, which is important. I think a big part of it, too, is one’s mindset. Instead of thinking, ‘Do I have time to writer today?’ it might be more productive to say, ‘OK, from 6-7, I’m going to write. That’s my writing time today.’ Then you’re making that time as much a priority as, say, a work meeting, if that makes sense.
That’s a great way to show up for writing, Margot! Making an appointment for it. Hope you have a good weekend!
That’s the problem – my own writing gets shoved to the end of the list, and since I never reach the end of my daily list, I never write.
You’re in a tough spot as a publisher! I hope you’re able to claim some of your time back.
Hi Elizabeth – I certainly need to get more structured … and will do once I’ve fully settled back. But it’s always interesting how others work and we can definitely pick up tips, as well as tapping into their way of doing things – it is inspirational … cheers Hilary
You’ve had quite a last year! I’d be patient with the settling-back-in process. The writing will be there when you’re ready. :)
Sometimes I have 15 minutes to spare before I have to go to work and I think ‘I can’t do much with that time’ yet I give it a go and it regularly yields a surprising move forward. Other times I’ve had four days in our holiday house completely to myself and worked and worked and felt far less progression. It never ceases to amaze me and yet I still regularly put it off until the perfect time…sigh…
I almost want to say I do *better* when my time is more constricted. Now I have to work harder to find that constriction since there aren’t as many demands on my time! (Empty nest approaching.)