Note 100 – Finding the time and space to write

Being note 100 of my writing challenge, I thought I’d make this one a bit different – it’s about how I find the time to write and where I feel comfortable writing.  I also want to share a link with you from ‘the writer today’ where Ana blogs about ‘five ways to put more hours in your writing day’.  Her blog will give you more tips on how to find the time to write as well as suggesting that you make writing a priority, which is exactly what I have been doing over the last few months!

So, when and where do I write…

On the train

One of my favourite times to write is on the train to and from work.  It’s the bridge between home and work life and I call it my ‘me-time’.  Writing also helps me switch off between the two fast pace areas of my life.  The thirty minute journey each way whizzes past as quick as the Kent countryside and my typing keeps up at full speed.  With laptop perched on my lap, I write articles, letters, blogs, notes and update my book.  I can write thousands of words a week this way.  Sometimes music helps whilst I am writing; mainly ballads, but never when I am editing.  For this I am happy with the faint humming of the train or audio CDs that I have purchased specifically for concentrating.

Even with commuters all around me, I can maintain focus.  If it gets a bit noisy, I use it to my advantage – I once typed a dialogue between two very interesting people (although I didn’t do anything with it, it’s all good writing practice).

At lunchtime

Even though I am on the computer all day at work, I sometimes go to the park at lunchtime to write in my notebook (I love sitting on a bench in the quiet park) or go to the library with my laptop.  Ocassionally, I log onto one of the library computers which gives me free access to the internet for thirty minutes.  I go back to work in the afternoon in a different frame of mind.

In the evening

After I’ve had some family time and the children are in bed, I log on for my evening writing session for one to two hours – sometimes in front of the television but mostly in my little corner of the spare room.  Although the desk is tiny, I have all my books to hand so that I don’t have to do more than reach my arm out to look something up.  This is usually when I update my daily blog (if I haven’t already completed it on the train or at lunchtime). 

Another blogger’s suggestions (thewritertoday.com)

In an attempt to see what others do, I have found a really good blog by Ana called ‘Five ways to put more hours in your writing day’ – here’s the link: http://www.thewritertoday.com/2009/12/five-ways-to-put-more-hours-in-your.html. In her blog, Ana mentions the phrase ‘practice makes perfect’, but reveals that the real truth is that ‘practice makes possible’.  It’s a great read.

Hope you have enjoyed reading today’s blog.  Don’t forget that you can subscribe to receive them daily by email so that you don’t miss any. Just click ‘sign me up’ on the home page

Just want to end with a big THANK YOU to my readers and subscribers for your continued support – 266 days of my challenge to go.

Until tomorrow…

Sandra

This blog: https://mywritingnotebook.wordpress.com

My other blog: http://sandramadeira.wordpress.com

My website: www.tipsandluxuries.com (includes the introduction to my book ‘A Gift for Stressed and Busy Parents’)

Twitter: @madeirasandra and @tipsandluxuries

Reference list:

Link to blog on ‘the writer today’: http://www.thewritertoday.com/2009/12/five-ways-to-put-more-hours-in-your.html