20 minutes isn't a lot of time. But lately it's all I've been able to scrape together for any writing projects. My life has been upside-down-crazy-busy lately - nothing bad, just unbelievably busy.
Don't get me wrong - I like to be busy. I don't handle tons of down time really well. I was one of those kids in high school who left for some practice or other at 7:30 in the morning and got home close to 6 after another one. Then went to the part time job. I loved every single minute of it.
But lately life has become a little over the top! I haven't had more than 20 minutes at a time for writing since the first part of November. I had high hopes for the holidays and they were fantastic!! But, still, no more than 10 - 20 minutes of writing time.
So far, it's taken me 3 chunks of time to get this blog post written! :)
I've learned to be able to submerse myself quickly into my story - survival technique! - but it's not the most productive system. I'd really like to count on an hour or more at a time. I've read on other blogs and Twitter about people having several hours at a time. Wow. Just wow. My characters might faint from shock if I were to hang out with them for that long!
Maybe one of these would make time behave more nicely :)
How do you handle those days and weeks where time is at an absolute premium? Are you able to write in small chunks of time or do you need to have longer stretches? Any helpful hints??? :)
137 comments:
I hope you get some time to write! It can be frustrating, not being able to sit down and get the words out.
I usually have to have longer stretches of time for writing; if I have something under half an hour, I often skip and put it off 'till later.
I am all behind with my comments, I am taking part in a music fest by Alex on the 24th . out of all the hundreds of songs and tunes I know I have to pick 10. I have been doing that most of the day.Now to get on with the comments.
Thanks for your visit it was spookey about Bette Midler. Your visits are very appreciated.
Yvonne.
Golden Eagle - Thanks - I hope I do too! I don't mind the 20 minute stretches - just not all the time! :)
Yvonne - Thanks!! It was so bizarre to hear the same song playing at 2 different parts!! Very spooky! :)
I have to somehow narrow down the songs for Alex's blogfest too. There are SO many!! :)
I don’t have any advice. When things get crazy and time is limited I just squeeze in a few words when I can and try not to worry about it.
Holly - That's pretty much the way I'm doing it. I just hope it lightens up a bit soon! :)
Totally understand. I don't know what it is about December and January but it seems like they're just nonstop. Good luck!
Mary - exactly! It's chaos. I'm really hoping things settle down in February! :)
I think you should book yourself an hour long massage.
What great questions. I'm at a point where I have more time to write, and I really appreciate it--and take advantage of it. Still, I think time is always an issue. When I started out writing seriously, actively pursuing the dream rather than planning to do it "someday," I did it when my kids napped. It was like, "Do I clean or write?"
I hope you find more time in your schedule soon! :) In the meantime, you're doing great, just taking what time you can get.
Terry - Oooooo! I've never had a massage. I wonder if I'd fall asleep! That might be a very good thing!! :)
Dawn - Thanks!! I didn't write when my kids were younger - at least not seriously. It was mostly stuff I created in my head and developped. Then I dropped that story line and moved on. Should have written them down!! :)
My only helpful hint for myself is to turn off the internet connection to my pc and just have the word document up! Better still to have a typewriter and disconnect all things networked! :-)
Good luck with finding precious time to write!! Take care
x
I think I work better with less time too, but 20 min a day? That's barely enough time to check email, read the paper, pour a cup of tea and remember where I was up to last time! Good luck though, 20 min is better than 0 min.
Old Kitty - I'm actually pretty good about ignoring the internet when I've got a block of time. It's usually open when I'm multi-tasking anyway - like now when I'm prepping supper for the masses! :)
SF - exactly! That's the problem. It's a very busy household over here - and my job takes up a LOT of my 'free' time too! :)
I agree though - 20 minutes is MUCH better than zip!
When I don't have real sit down time I have other stuff that keeps me engaged with the plot. In 20 minutes you can write a letter from your protagonist letting you, the writer, know what is needed to unsnarl a plot problem or telling you why she is being a bit shy or sullen. In twenty minutes I can take one chapter and do a language edit - look for where I repeat words like 'always' 'moment' and 'actually' for instance or 'for instance'. Arggh. In twenty minutes I can decide to write a complete description of my protagonist when she was eleven and she had a fight with her friend. I won't use it but I'll know it. I may use it - come to think of it I did use it in True. I think you just need to keep showing up to see how everyone is doing - daily - and if twenty minutes is what you've got - use it deary and don't worry about who's got loads of time.
Jan - love it! I often do my editing/revising chunks when I've got the 20. I do love to slash and tighten so it's good for that! I love the other suggestions! They're fabulous - thank you!!!! :)
I do write in small chunks and I usually find lots of things I need to fix when I finish that first draft. I think it's because it takes so long to finish a project I end up with lots of repetitive stuff because I forgot I already said it.
Susan - exactly!! I think that's part of my chunking problem too. When I'm editing I have to keep track on an outline or I'd be saying the same thing five times! :)
Twenty minutes is better than 10! Do what you can & I hope that soon you'll have more time to write.
Notes - so true!! I feel like I'm going backwards some days, but I know that's not true! One step at a time... :)
I think any snippet of time to write you can catch is a good thing. Just don't give up. Keep writing.
I have NO ADVICE for you. You're ahead of me if you can get into your WiP and write in 20 minute snippets. I can do a lot of other things/chores in 20 minutes, but I need time to write. Lots of it. This, I haven't done anything writing-wise since Nano. *sigh*
BUT, that changes THIS WEEK. I've set aside time for writing this week.
I hope things slow down for you soon.
Have a terrific week. :)
Well, I'm afraid my advice is dishonest: you have to STEAL time. ;)
Seriously, though, grab it whenever you can. The only way I can do it is by starting the morning, very early, with writing. Then it's easier to submerge myself in it later.
Best of luck!
I've been on a writing break for the past month. December is always so hectic around my house and I haven't even tried writing. I can get a few stretches of kid-free time during December, but it's usually late and I've been so tired from all having the kids home full-time and such, so I've been catching up on my reading. Now that I'm trying to get back to writing, it's hard finding the time! I'm going to have to start stealing time, like Faith mentioned:)
Ah, I can relate all too well to this. First of all, we bloggers appreciate you writing a post with your crazy schedule! I try to squeeze in chunks whenever I can. Right now, it's during my lunch hour or I go to bed just a little late. I also cut out a television show and Facebooking.
I prefer longer chunks because I can get more writing down, but most of the time I'm content with whatever whenever.
Lynda - definitely good advice! I've always liked writing - always enjoyed creating characters and stories. I can't even imagine giving it up.
Thanks Lola! I've managed to put a few more k into my nano - and I've gone through the first part of it. I'm hoping to go through it once, and then if I can find some decent chunks of time I really want to work on my rewrite!
Faith - that's a good idea. Although I'm already completely sleep deprived according to the doctors - which isn't a good thing!
Melissa - it really is tough trying to pick up speed again after the holidays, isn't it? There's just so much to catch up on!! :)
Saumya - Thank you - you're so sweet!! This is one of the main reasons I've never joined Facebook! We can't use our work computers for any personal activities - even during the lunch hours. I usually have coaching or prepping or planning during those breaks anyway! :)
Erinn - exactly! I'm usually pretty content with my 'catch as catch can' system. It's just been really long since I feel like I've any serious writing time!
I prefer long stretches although chunks work in a pinch. Lately I've had distractions, which have pulled me from my editing.
Alex - I know the feeling! I can do a lot of editing/tightening in small chunks, but I hate getting pulled out of the flow of the story when I'm drafting! :)
Jemi,
Wow, girl. I applaud your survival and grit!
My blog responses have been blown to smithereens by deadlines.
I pray 2011 will bring you bigger chunks of time.
Thanks Patti. I can't even imagine adding in additional deadlines at this point! Although life has to smooth out a bit at some point... right??? :)
It seems to take me awhile to get into the writing, so I need atleast an hour to get anything done.
Love that watch in the picture.
If I have busy weekdays, I won't write the entire week and then do several hours straight on the weekend to catch up with my goals. If life is more leisurely then I can do a half hour or hour a day.
Helen - I'm glad I've been able to train myself out of that!
The steampunky photos always make me smile! :)
Medeia - that's exactly it. I can usually get in an hour at least a few nights a week. But lately it's been impossible and I'm feeling it :)
Hi Jemi - If I had one tip (if you can get away with it): Spend a little bit of time in bed, before you get out and start your day, to ponder the particular section you're working on. For me, at least, I've solved more than one problem that way. Then when you take your 20 minutes, you have a precise path you're heading on.
Good luck. =D
RaShelle - that's a good idea! I'll have to see if the earlier alarm will drive my hubby nuts though! Great tip - thanks! :)
My problem becomes one of keeping focus, and that is hard. I find it's just too hard to keep thoughts intact. I'm hoping that the days will settle down a little and I can get better concentration. Hoping for less running around for both of us.
Buttercup - Agreed! Maybe we can find a little magic stone or something to help us stay in one place for more than 20 minutes at a time :)
Totally understand. Teaching full time with an elementary age kid (who is in afterschool/weekend activities) and a preschooler (who is a Mommy koala) - I have next to zero writing time. I am trying currently for 100 words a day which is probably similar to your 20 minutes since it always includes a little rereading and lately some research. I have no answers but - uh oh - it doesn't get easier when your kids get big? :/
Lindsay - I remember the Mommy koala days!!! Sadly no - it doesn't get much easier - although some of that's my fault as I tend to have a hard time saying no when people ask me to do things for them! :)
Oh my goodness... I'm so sorry... I know how those days are :( It's been like that for a little while for me too. Just squeeze it in when you can, and don't beat yourself up when you can't. Good luck with everything!
WN - thanks! It's hard, isn't it? I'm getting tired of not having time! I can usually get by on a few longer stretches here and there, but even those pieces are missing! Hopefully it'll get better soon :)
I understand about things being so busy you don't have time to write. For me, I can't seem to find time to visit all the blogs I want to. I hope you find a solution and good luck with any writing time you have.
Mason
Thoughts in Progress
I love that clock photo!
I know what you mean- I think busy comes with teacher territory. I steal snatches of writing time at night and in the morning, or maybe even at lunch.
I hope things slow down long enough for you to catch your breath!
I'm like you, I never have the time to spend several hours at once writing, but I do like to have at least an hour. Many times, though, I only find 20-30 minutes to work at a time. I find it works okay for me, as long as I'm working on a draft (I refuse to edit it tiny chunks like that).
I really just dive right, and a lot of times I'll write a scene in my small chunk of time and then the next time I find a few minutes, I'll write another scene. It seems to be working out so far.
I hope you find some extra time for your writing soon!
When life gets like that, it's just a matter of doing what you cane do, when you can do it. Eke out what writing time you can until things slow down again. Love the photo!! :-)
Hey, Jemi!
I believe that you should make some time out of the day for more than twenty minutes of your writing, if you can. Try for at least an hour.
If I don't have time to write my story down, I try to think and rethink about how I'm going to write it. I always have important sayings that I repeat to myself in my head that I somehow manage to scribble down on a piece of paper. I try to imagine the scene that I'm about to write and when I find the time, I just start writing using my scribbles as a sort of outline. At least, that's my way of doing it.
I wish you the best of luck and hope you find the time for everything you need to do. Write on!
I write in both short bursts and long stretches -- when I only have the former available, it's Write Or Die for me. That website was made for moments like that.
Mason - thankfully I can usually visit at least a few blogs - I can do that when I'm multi-tasking :) I never get to anywhere near all of them though!
Stephanie - that would be wonderful! You're right - busy is part of the job and I like it that way... but it's a little much right now :)
Jessica - that's funny - I prefer to do some editing when I've got small chunks. I can't do big revisions, but I can tighten and rearrange and polish. Those hour long blocks are the best! :)
Shannon - I love the steampunk photos too! :) Eking is definitely what I'm doing these days!! Hopefully more in the weeks to come!
I usually write in 15-20 minute increments and have developed the ability to pick up my story at a moment's notice and start writing (I'll take it with me and write in dead time.)
I think that, to do that effectively, you need to know exactly what you're planning on writing that day. So take the last 5 minutes of that 20 minute time and write a couple of sentences to say where you left the story off, and a couple of sentences to say where you plan on picking up and what the scene is.
It's a frustrating way to write, but it's become a way of life for me! The fragmented part seems to get easier as you get used to it. If nothing else, if you have just 5 minutes, you can make a list: a list of as many ways to describe the main character as you can think of in 5 minutes, a list of ways to approach the next scene in your story, a list of possible conflicts to toss in your protagonist's way, a list of ways to describe your setting, etc. Quick way to make some planning or descriptive inroads when you really have no time at all. :)
Thanks Vatche! I do a lot of thinking about my stories when I'm walking home or driving. Getting an hour at a time is my aim and I can normally get that a few times a week. Life has taken a few interesting twists and turns lately and that hour is hard to come by!
Amie - I've seen that website mentioned a few times, but I've never visited. Sounds like something I should check out - thanks!! :)
Elizabeth - it's so nice to hear a successful author who writes in snatches like that!! I like the idea of the few sentences to set the scene - I'm definitely going to try that out!!
Thanks for your help! :)
I do what you do ... write a blog in chunks and pieces. I do the best I can do because that's all I can do. I've become quite adept at writing in chucks and can easily pick up where left off.
Jemi, I came over after reading your comment on Helen Ginger's blog. Really enjoyed your blog piece and your frustration with not having time to write really resonated with me. I do have a bit more time than you, but still not the kind of time I would like.
I use Elizabeth's method of leaving notes to myself about what I would like to do next in a scene. That really helps jump-start the next writing session.
I read a letter in a writing magazine that quoted research that has found all the social networking we are doing is re-wiring our brains. Instead of being able to concentrate on something for long bursts of time, we prefer to spend 15-20 minutes on something and then move on. The writer of the letter saw this as a bad thing. I disagree and here is why:
Most of the time 15-20 minutes is all the time I get, so if I can pick up my WIP and work on it during that short amount of time without feeling I've wasted my time, great. I think of it like power-naps, instead I'm power-writing.
Jemi - I'd say take what you can! Although I have to say, once I get going I kind of end up ignoring all those other pesky but important things that require my attention. Much like I'm doing right now... Oops
I've just retired. I'm supposed to have all the time in the world. So far, I can't find it anywhere. I think it's some sort of a time warp thing.
Good luck finding yours.
I usually try to focus and work on everything, but sometimes it just doesn't happen. 2010 was prime example of that. 2011 though is going much better. :)
I pretty much need more time. Unless I am fully immersed before time gets short. Otherwise it feels like I just get back in the flow, etc, and bam. I have to stop. And that makes me cranky and no fun. ;P
Stephen - exactly! Small chunks of time are far better than no chunks of time. I'll take what I can get :)
Hi Maryann! Nice to meet you! :)
I like that idea - I think I'm going to have to start carrying a notebook around with me!
Karen - I tend to wrap up a scene rather than stopping in the middle, but I think you're right. I should either stop in the middle or at least leave myself a note about where to head next!
Ellie - power writing!! That's brilliant!! I'm definitely going to think of it that way from now on! :) That'll bring on a whole attitude switch :)
Lisa - oops indeed! I sometimes do the same things - but real life has a way of hollering really loudly!! :)
Linda - that's so funny! Although it's an excellent thing that you can't find any time. That means you've got the right idea about retirement! It's not for stagnating - it's for moving on to the next level! :)
Kimberly - I like that! Let's just wrestle 2011 under control and make it give us appropriate amounts of time! :)
Jean - yup cranky and no fun can be good descriptors of me when this kind of thing goes along too long! :) I really like to have an hour - that would be perfect!!!
I prefer longer stretches of time for writing, and afternoons work best for me. Have I been doing any, though? Well...not much.
Patricia - one of these days I'd like to have that on a regular basis. It's hard to commit that time consistently though, isn't it?
Hi. Just found your blog today and wanted to pop in and say hello. Nice to meet you.
Hi! So nice to meet you as well! :) Love your avatar!!
I've started going upstairs to my "other" computer (that's not hooked up to the Internet!) in the mornings when the aide is with my daughter. This is the only way I can get any reading and writing done. I'm trying to limit the time now that I spend blogging; to be more organized with it, that is, to blog during certain times and then do other important things.
But thanks for taking a few minutes to comment about my new template. Your blog is streamlined; professional looking.
I hope you can carve out more time for yourself in this coming year to write!!
Ann - that's a good idea! Being in a separate space really does help. Sometimes people might forget I'm even there and I'll get some actual time in!!! :)
Balance is so important! I'll keep working at it :)
Hope you find the time to write that you need. It's good to recognize distractions that can be avoided, find the time of day that you're most creative and try to work around that. Sometimes you do just have to grab a few minutes when you get a chance and at least jot down thoughts and ideas.
I'm in awe! I couldn't get anything done in 20 minutes a day. I usually write after everyone goes to bed, usually between 10 and 3 am, and then I catch a few zzzs and I'm up at 6:30. I do this for a week or two, until I'm so tired I can't think or see straight, then I catch up on my sleep and start the 10-3 ritual again.
On the crazy days I take on the approach a friend told me about - 10 minutes on your project then 10minutes off, then 10 back on. I find it helps because it's just 10mins at a time, so I don't feel like I'm ignoring my other tasks.
Connie - most of my distractions come from my job! Wish I could avoid a few of those :) I was happy to get 30 minutes last night - it felt great!
VR - Wow! I'm so impressed! I couldn't function any on that amount of sleep - maybe when I was younger :) I do tend to try to write after everyone is sleeping too - but I can't stay up that late!
Charmaine - I like that! And it feels like I can find 10 minutes at least a couple of times an evening! :)
I have to have time to warm up and to emerse myself into the other side of my brain. I wonder if that's because I'm so type A???? HMMM...
hi miss jemi! i mostly just write when i got time and dont never look at how much time im doing it. if i got a neat idea i just write it down in my notebook. even if you do just only 10 minutes it more better than no minutes. sometime i plan out a time for writing cause of having to share out the comuputer with my 4 brothers and 1 sister but mostly i just write when i could feel like it even if its just only a few minutes.
...hugs from lenny
Man, I love that clock!! Right now, I'm home with a sick kid, and I'm not even trying to write, because it's just impossible. Some times are like that.
p.s. I answered your question today. :) Thanks!
I like to be busy too, but I must admit I'm not good at writing when life gets super busy. I admire your 20-minute sessions!
I don't know how you do it. I'm still working on writing when I have 20 minutes. Most of the time, I'm like, "I only have 20 minutes, so I'm going to tweet or facebook or whatever."
Kudos to you for doing it!
Sharon - I'm always thankful I can jump right in without much effort - otherwise I'd be toast :)
Lenny - wow - you have a big family!!! I don't even have to share my laptop with anyone - I'm very lucky that way :) I like your attitude - just write when I can and be happy with it! That works :)
Susan - awesome! I'll have to pop on over - I'm curious :)
Having a sick kiddo around is exhausting enough - totally understand. I wouldn't be writing at all in that case either :)
Thanks Talli - I think working with kids for so long has made me pretty good at sneaking in time when I can! Definitely one advantage of being a teacher :)
Elana - thanks! It's not easy but it's better than not writing at all! :) I do prefer a little longer time, but it doesn't always happen.
Jemi, you're amazing. You're like Wonder Woman!
On days with very little time, I still manage to scratch stuff down. Even if it's an idea for new work, or something to enrich plot. I keep paper all over my house and in my car for just this reason.
Julie - lol! You made me snort out my tea!!! :)
I lose paper ... ALL paper. I have started taking a notebook around with me based on the advice from all you wonderful folks. We'll see how long it takes me to lose that... :)
I'm of no help. It seems like I should have a lot of time on my hands these days, but it seems like I'm always trying to get caught up. Do what you can.
Lee
Tossing It Out
OMG, I LOVE that timepiece!!!! Thanks for sharing, I clicked over and saved the website. I could see owning that and looking at it every day!
I have lots of time lately and am writing more, but still not as much as I want.
Glad your life is full, that rebel, Olivia
With all your comments here, I'd say you handle your time nicely! I have a hard time keeping up with my life, work, current projects. Large chunks of time work better for me. I plan a Saturday, for example, to only write. Tricky sometimes to say NO to any other events that pop up for that day!
Lee - I think that works. I'm trying not to get stressed about it because that only makes it work. Writing is fun - I want it to stay that way!
Olivia - maybe that's the problem - no matter how much we have, it's just not enough!
I agree - the steampunk stuff is gorgeous!
Lynn - I find I can do blogging while I'm multi-tasking with other stuff - but depending on the stage of writing I'm at, I need quiet time!
many a best seller was apparently written tween one kid napping and starting lunch for another... i could never do that... i need a good 1-2 hours at a stretch... longer, preferably
i wrote nothing when my three were young, cuz mostly i worked construction out of province....
I am guilty of wasting time just lately. I have all day to myself but am fiddling. My edits are screaming out to be nurtured through the next stage.
You have made me feel guilty, so will knuckle down and work harder. :)
I think you deserve a gold medal, Jemi!
20 minutes? Not a lot of time to do anything much I wouldn't have thought.
But, like the comments above, it's better than nothing :)
Laughing wolf - working construction is exhausting - no wonder you weren't writing at the time! I prefer an hour as well - hope life is slowing down soon :)
Glynis - sorry! :) Didn't intend to make anyone feel guilty! Hopefully we can both get some writing time in soon!
Wendy - exactly! At times 20 minutes feels like a blessing - at other times... not so much :)
Sorry, I've never been organized enough to budget time well. I'm always a step behind. But I do like that watch, Jemi!
Roxy - I love the watch as well - it's just gorgeous!! :)
A step behind is pretty much the norm around here :)
i read another blog where the writer used 10-15 minute chunks of time, it may not be ideal, but time writing is good time.
That has to be the coolest clock I have ever seen! It can be tough to find time sometimes. But hey, 20 minutes is better than 0 minutes. :)
Lisa ~ YA Literature Lover
That's a gorgeous clock!
I find I write best when I'm busy and don't have a lot of time to write. It forces my muse to work rather than be lazy. But it's definitely difficult to get into the mindset for writing when you're exhausted.
Good luck. I hope you'll have more time to write soon.
Chris - It sometimes seems impossible - but even with the 20 minute chunks I'm making some progress. It's slow but at least it's progress :)
Lisa - I love the clock too! And you're right - at least I'm getting some time in! :)
Emy - exhaustion is definitely the problem - much more so than the time frame. I've got to get some more sleep in somehow!
Jemi, you've really hit a chord with this post. I'm very lucky. It's school hols, I don't start work again for another week, I'm flooded in, so I have hours to write at the mo', lucky me! It gets harder when I go to work of course, but then I still have mornings. I can't imagine 20 minute chunks being productive and I take my hat off to you!
BTW the Publication Party has kicked off on my blog. I'd love it if you could come by and read what authors have to say about getting published. Perhaps you could leave a comment about your aspirations. There are prizes each week. Please come by. The champagne's free!
Denise :)
You poor thing! I can relate. It's hard to do it all, and lead a real life in the process. I hope you find some time to get some writing in soon!
Denise - thanks! I'll definitely check out the Pub Party tonight or on the weekend (I'm heading to school in 5 minutes now).
I'm so glad you're safe. That flooding is terrifying. The videos we've seen are horrific. Stay safe and write lots!!
Carol - thanks - me too :) Life always has those crazy months... or 2. I'm hoping February is a lot slower :)
I wish I could help you.
Good luck finding more time. Maybe things will settle dwon now, for a while anyway:)
Aw, I'm sorry. I've had days, weeks, months like that.
Honestly, sleep gets sacrificed sometimes. (And I really like my sleep)
I have to prioritize or nothing gets done because I'm just too overwhelmed! But some times my priority list isn't what it ought to be! :)
Thanks Terry! I hope things settle down soon too - thanks for the thoughts :)
Jennifer - yeah - sleeping is definitely on the low priority list lately! :)
Beth - so true! My family is my #1 priority and everything else comes WAY behind :)
Hi, I hope your husband feels better soon, I had my lower disc removed back in 1989, and knew the next one up was weak but all has been well til now.
Take care.
Yvonne.
Yvonne - he's slowly getting better - thank goodness for chiropractors who know what they're doing!!! I hope yours starts improving too - hopefully it's just a temporary thing!
I hear you, Jemi. How I hear you. The last weeks have been really bad for me too, and time refuses to behave himself- he is a really disobedient kid, isn't he?
Rayna - exactly!!! My kids were SO much better behaved than time! I wish it would shape up and help us out here!
Post a Comment