On Writing – Finding Your When

It’s a question I see a lot on writers boards and discussions. Some variation on “How do I find time to write?” For the last two years this question has become an ever greater issue in my life as a writer. So I thought I’d share my thoughts and offer some possible answers.

For the last two plus years, I have been “under-employed”. That means I’m working, but not full time and not at the earnings level someone of my experience would expect. The brutal reality is that I’m working multiple part-time jobs plus as many side gigs as I can. All of which chew up my available time. The time I would use for my writing. Add in to that the physical and mental tiredness that comes with juggling multiple jobs, and the stress of being in constant financial straits. I know I’m not alone in this. In the middle of it all, I want to be writing. I think about my stories all the time.

So where do I find my “when”, the time I can write?

Whenever I can.

There was a time when I had a regular writing schedule. I could arrange my tools the way I like, play the music I enjoy, perhaps with a small glass of an adult beverage at my elbow. Then I could create at my leisure. It’s what most writers dream of doing, I’d guess. Those times are few and far between these days. So I write when I can, for as long as I can. I’m writing this portion of the post during a break at one of my jobs. No, I’m not shirking my duties. This is normal down time I can use for my own purposes. If my supervisor walked in right now, they would be fine with this. I’m blessed to have this time, and it’s a blessing I don’t ignore.

Some days it isn’t available for a variety of reasons. Some days my writing is a quick 15 minutes when I’m writing notes about a story rather than the story itself. Other’s it’s five minutes and the notes are handwritten on a scrap of paper I hope I won’t lose. You make the time and you take the time you can.

Here’s my other thought on the subject. I love storytelling and writing is my primary method these days. But it is NOT the most important thing in my life. Heresy, I know. But if the choice is between writing and taking care of myself, self-care wins. If the choice is between the writing and my marriage, the marriage wins. There are days when the writing stops so I can get out and exercise. If I’m not healthy, I can not write well. If the goal is writing well, then there will be times when the writing needs to take a back seat.

So how do you find your “when”? Stop looking for the “perfect time”, it doesn’t exist. Understand the reality of your life and fit your writing into it. If you love writing, you will find the places you can do it. Combine it with other activities as you can, take the 15 minutes here and there and crush the writing you can achieve there. Make writing a habit and you will find the time. Don’t get hung up on what other people do. I have a friend who gets up every morning at 5 AM to write. She loves it. It would be unimaginable torture for me. I’m happy for her, and I find my writing time elsewhere.

There is no single, perfect answer to the question. But there is a “when” waiting for you. Find it and write!

Peace

JD