Make Notes:
While I am writing a rough draft, things always seem come up that I never planned on. Usually new ideas, inconsistences, or changes that pop up in the middle of writing. When this happens, I’ve been making a quick note of the change in a notes section that I keep with a copy of my outline. I’ve found that this saves a lot of time. It is much easier for me to go forward with a change than to have to go back to make it retroactive.
Carving Time:
Carving Time:
Another thing which has been a challenge is finding the time to write. There is only so much time in the day so I have had to make some sacrifices. I spend less time checking out other blogs, emailing and internet surfing. Poo! I also spend less time watching shows, and I have been making quick meals at home. Also, my dirty dishes have been pileing up lately…I better get to those soon before my room mates get angry! Hehe.
Using Time Nuggets:
I try to work on the story during my lunch at work, and late at night before bed. I'll think about my story when I first wake up and during my commute, or while waiting in line at the store. I try to plan to write for a half hour before doing something else like watching a show. These smaller chunks of writing time really add up!Using Time Nuggets:
Try To Write Everyday
I have been trying to write at least once every day. By making this a daily goal, I have been writing a lot more. Also, by posting my progress on my blog I feel accountable to write because I don't want to say that I havn't made any progress.
How and when do you find time to write?
Wishing on Daisies Progress
Current Progress: 6393 words
Chapter 1, 2, 3 - Complete.
Chapter 4 - Still in Progress
Wow! Look at your progress. You're doing great! I'm getting better at finding time nuggets. If I manage just a few hundred words a day, I'm trying to get myself to be happy with that.
ReplyDeleteAny progress is good progress!
DeleteAndrea
I love the title of you WIP.
ReplyDeleteI make notes in the margins as well, but usually not until I'm working on the second draft. I write my first drafts on autopilot, so new ideas never even occur to me until I'm already done.
Thanks McKenzie!
DeleteYeah, I am finding that making notes is really helpful. I think writing on autopilot is a good idea so you can just pour it all out so to speak :)
Andrea
I try to write everyday, but most of the time I cram on weekends.
ReplyDeleteYay on your progress. :)
Yeah, I write a whole lot more on the weekends too! It is hard writing on the weekdays, especially when working full time.
DeleteI've been writing everyday, and it feels great. Although, I have to say, most days I feel like my writing is crap, but then I remind myself I can fix it after I'm done with the first draft and and can begin editing.
ReplyDeleteI usually make notes in my notebook, just so I can keep track of where I'm going and where I've been. Kind like a map, only for my novel.
Good luck and happy writing!
That is awesome, Lily! I always feel like my writing is crap. Only after I have edited a million times do I start to feel better about it :)
DeleteThanks for sharing :) I like the idea of having a map for a novel.
Andrea
Little bits at a time, that's all I can do too. About 45 minutes before work and on my lunch break (we're both lunch break writers!), and blogging in the evening. Inspiring progress! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Michael. Sometimes little bits is all we can do. I'm glad to hear there are others out there with a lot of the same struggles. Lunch Break Writers. Love it. We should start a group! :)
DeleteAndrea
I really enjoyed this post; brief but effective. I struggle with finding time to write, and another blogger (can't remember who, it's been an IWSG whirlwind) posted about balancing blog time with real writing time. So your post combined with that and my own issues with time and nostalgia and such inspired me to write my forthcoming blog post. Don't worry, I won't focus too much on finding time to write... and I'll give you credit for the idea :)
ReplyDeleteAwww, thanks! I am so glad this post was helpful and inspired you. I certainly won't complain if you mentioned me in your blog. *happy dance* That is awesome :)
DeleteAndrea
Having a daily writing goal is a super idea, Andrea. If you miss the word count for a day, then you can try to catch up the next day or by the end of the week.
ReplyDeleteThanks! The daily goal has really helped, especially last night when I dreaded the idea of writing. hehe.
DeleteTime is not my friend. I'm a teacher and even when I'm home for the summer, there is ALWAYS something else to prioritize in front of writing. Usually it's my kids. What a bummer they can be, right? (JK) Maybe I should stop reading blogs so late at night and write my fiction, eh?
ReplyDeleteand thanks for coming on by my blog. I'll be by here, as well. Even late at night. (was that creepy?)
Hehehe. Blogs are my addiction and they can certainly take a lot of time. But, it is so much fun!
DeleteI think discipline in writing just takes time and effort. It is a muscle that gets stronger the more you use it. Maybe try writing first, when you get those precious free moments and then blog after?
:)
Andrea