Making The Time To Write That Novel
Finding the time to write a novel is one of the major issues confronting writers, particularly those who haven't been published yet. How does one justify to themselves, or to their loved ones, that they need time to write if they have demands on their time, like a job, or a house to be cleaned, a family to be fed, or shopping to do? They make the time.
To make time, one would have to sit down and plan it. If this is not done, then writing will become a haphazard event, dictated by a whim, or a passing urge, rather than a scheduled time. This often results in the book never really being finished. You do want to finish that book, don't you? Below, I have my own suggestions as to how to make time.
Once you make that appointment with yourself, that's the easy part. Next, you have to keep that appointment. There are so many instances when something else interferes with your designated time. I know, I've been there. Therefore, you need to have some flexibility. Always have a reserve time slot handy in case you don't make your date. Although I was pretty regular and rarely strayed from my afternoon schedule, there were times that I just couldn't stay on track. I learned to be flexible and wrote in the evenings. The important thing to remember is to not stray too far from your schedule, because it defeats the purpose.
Once you've scheduled your writing dates, then prepare your work area. Try and have it ready before your designated time. If you have a computer, make sure the printer has enough paper, and there's a floppy disk available to save your Word files in. If you use a pen and paper instead, make sure you have them handy. Also, make sure you have enough lighting in the room. You wouldn't want to strain your eyes. Make your writing area as comfortable as you can.
Now try writing for a week. How did it feel? If you're like me, it felt great. Not only did it feel great writing, but I quickly found out it wasn't enough time! One does need time to get into the story, to think about the dialogue, to write that chapter. Sometimes you'll be so absorbed in your writing, that you may surpass the hour you designated, and that's fine if you go beyond your scheduled time (unless it affects your other activities). There will be other times when you'll sit there doodling, trying to write something, and it won't be easy, so you'll probably finish quicker than the allotted time.
The important thing is to write on a consistent basis. It's similar to exercise. In order to see results, you have to do it persistently and over a long period of time. A novel can never be written in one sitting! Over the course of your writing, you'll be learning valuable skills that can only come from experience. Also, you'll notice that the more you write, the easier it'll become.
As you follow your daily writing schedule, you will show your loved ones that you are serious about your work, and more importantly, prove to yourself that you can write that novel!
I wrote my first novel in 1-½ years. Being a stay-at-home mother gave me the opportunity to write during my baby's naps, which averaged about 2-3 hours each afternoon. It is very rewarding to see your novel taking shape. If I could do it, then so can you!
About The Author
Patty Apostolides is author of Lipsi's Daughter. She has published several articles and poems. Her website showcases her works: http://www.geocities.com/10500bc/index.html
Need a Fresh Look At the Market?
Wizetrade is America's most popular investment training and software.
Related Articles:
Secrets Of Longevity Revealed In New Audio Book
Waldo McBurney is about to turn 105-years old. He has lived his entire life in northwestern Kansas, and works everyday tending his bee colonies and processing honey. He and his wife, Vernice, live in their own home. He still drives, but he prefers walking from his home to the post office, and to his business office beside the town's library.
MacDermid Autotype Offers Free Industrial Film Sample Book
MacDermid Autotype, Inc., announces the availability of its Industrial Films Sample Book, which can be obtained at no cost by visiting the MacDermid Autotype web site. The Sample Book contains sheets of the company's most popular hard-coated polyester films, including Autotex, Autoflex, Fototex, and Autostat, which are used in a wide range of applications in automotive, electronics, appliance, and membrane switch manufacturing.
iPod Audio Book Downloads A Modern Alternative To Reading
iPod audio book downloads are on the rise nowadays. This is completely understandable: having little or no time to read, people now use an opportunity to listen to their favorite books while being busy with their routine activities.
The Storyteller - Fiction Books!
Review by Jessica Dearborn
Tolucan Times / Canyon Crier - California"The Storyteller, Volume I" by Martha Whittington
AuthorHouse, Paperback, 514 Pages, $24When inspiration hits, it is usually followed closely by desire. A willingness to do
whatever it takes to explain your inspiration, to create a picture.
Anticipated Book Release: The Odyssey of a Loving Parent
Biblical inspiration is key to inducing the feeling of parental passion in Ms. Kaiser's The Odyssey of a Loving Parent: A Journey through Art and Scripture of Jesus' Expectations for Parents. Refreshingly unique, the author/illustrator artfully explores insights of motherhood, Christianity and human behavior.
EE Publishing Launches New Book & New Website - May 23, 2008
The "laugh-friendly company", EE Publishing & Productions LLC, has launched their new company website to coincide with the recent release of their latest Nana Star book. The new website brings a fresh face to the EE Publishing company's home on the web. EE Publishing partnered with Blue Water Media to design and build the new website.
Call Center Leadership Book Offers Strategies for Transforming Call Centers
Call Center Leaders struggling with high employee attrition, low morale, low customer satisfaction and low profits can revitalize their centers by employing the five principles outlined in the new book, Call Center Leadership: mastering the big 5, written by call center veterans Tom Calvert and Dawn Willging.
Black Author Brings New Voice to Science Fiction and Fantasy
African American sci-fi/fantasy author R. A. Baker shares his views on the genre, and the future of black speculative fiction
Financial Advisors Can Reach Media with New Book
Joseph Finora, a Wall St. communications professional, has released Media Relations and Creative Marketing Tips for Financial Professionals (ISBN: 978-1-4196-6610-0). The book provides a concise overview of how financial professionals can work with the media to grow their businesses. It is available on Amazon.com and Alibris.com.
Female Serial Killers: New Book Explains How and Why Women Become Monsters
Female Serial Killers: How and Why Women Become Monsters is a new book looking at the history and psychology of female serial killers. Criminal justice historian Peter Vronsky demolishes some common myths about female-perpetrated serial murder from ancient times to the present.
Professional Outdoor Photographer Photo Book Reseller Program Announced by Embassy Pro Books
Embassy Pro Books, North America?s photo book manufacturer for professional photographers and graphic designers, is very pleased to announce the launch of a reseller program for professional outdoor photographers.
Outskirts Press Announces Sandlot Summit, the Latest Highly-Anticipated Baseball - General Book from Beachwood, OH Author Rick Fishman
Outskirts Press, Inc. has published Sandlot Summit: Two superpowers on the brink of World War Three, The loser faces possible nuclear annihilation, The winner gets to go to Dairy Queen by Rick Fishman, which is the author's most recent book to date. The 6.14 x 9.21 paperback in the Baseball - General category is available worldwide on book retailer websites such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble for a suggested retail price of $13.95. The webpage at www.outskirtspress.com/sandlotsummit was launched simultaneously with the book's publication.
Outskirts Press Announces THE SUCCESS OF A STYLIST, the Latest Highly-Anticipated Art - Fashion Book from Corato (Bari) Author Francesco Mazzilli
Outskirts Press, Inc. has published THE SUCCESS OF A STYLIST: The struggle for existence in the South of Italy by Francesco Mazzilli, which is the author's most recent book to date. The 5.5 x 8.5 Paperback in the Art - Fashion category is available worldwide on book retailer websites such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble for a suggested retail price of $7.95. The webpage at www.outskirtspress.com/thesuccessofastylist was launched simultaneously with the book's publication.
Top Six Lies About Book Marketing: (And the Truths to Set Your Book Free!)
If you're like me, you have a book and the passion to spend the rest of your life making it a success. But, with all the ways to market your book, the costs and the inevitable sinking feeling of utter helplessness, what can you do?You COULD run around in circles trying to get your book in every bookstore in town.
How to Self Publish a Book and Stamp Pro On It
How to Self Publish a Book and Stamp Pro On It