Squeeze in Your Writing Time

This is a post I needed this week so, once again, I'm writing as much for my benefit as others.

With NanoWrimo quickly approaching I've been considering my time and trying to figure out where I'm going to squeeze in time to write. Here are some things to think about when considering your time and setting some aside for writing.

Get organized so you know exactly what you need to do. If you have a list of tasks you can select one from the list according to how much time you have. And then you can feel so satisfied when you get to cross a task off the list!

You may not be able to set any aside so take it where you can get it. Take your writing with you, whether on a flash drive or your notebook, and work on it whenever you can. Even just a couple of minutes here or there can add a sentence or two. Use your lunch break, use any time that you're just waiting.

If you really want time to write you're going to have to give up some other activities. Do you really need to spend that time watching TV? Think about what you watch - isn't your writing more important to you than that? If not, then try giving up something else. Other entertainment, social time, sleep (this one is particularly difficult for me), or how about some of the time you spend reading?

If, however, after examining your life and finding that you have nothing you can give up there are still some things you can do to squeeze writing into the cracks. Talk to yourself out loud and record it if possible. Talk about your ideas, characters, or problems you've hit in your plot. Even in a five minute drive you might make some progress. Even if you don't talk out loud to yourself (I understand, my husband would tease me no end) you can keep your story in the back of your mind and let it simmer. Then when your mind wanders and discovers something interesting you can connect it to your work in progress for later consideration. But you'll have to remember to be observant of things and people around you. I've been amazed at the things that happen when you're just paying attention.

How do you find time to do the things you want to during your busy day? Are there things you've had to give up? Do you have other sneaky tricks to finding time and energy to be creative?

More great ideas and thoughts on making time to write:
5 Ways to be a Writer When You're Not Writing from Head Above Water
Making Time to Write by Andy Shack
Use Your Time Wisely by Angel Booth
What Will You Give Up to Write Your Book from The Creative Penn