Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Tuesday Tip: Guilt-free writing

Sometimes I feel a little guilty when I lock myself away to work on a manuscript. But that same guilt keeps me away from my manuscript(s) for days at a time. I may steal 30 minutes here, an hour there. But it is hard to write a novel in stolen moments! And even harder (yes, even harder) to write a picture book that way.

So I say, no more guilt. And the same should go for you. Take the time you need to be with your family, but let them know that you also need to take time for your writing. One good way to do this is to create a schedule for your writing time.

My family can count on me spending a couple of hours writing on Saturday morning while the kids watch cartoons. And of course, there are my Wednesdays, which I have all to myself. If you don't have that luxury, try writing one or two evenings each week while hubby (or wife) plays with the kids. Or write once they're in bed or early in the morning.

Whatever your preference, let your family in on the process, and once your schedule is set, be firm! There should always be room for flexibility, but you'll get so much more done if they know you're serious. And best of all, no guilt!


3 comments:

  1. A schedule is a nice idea. Even with my kids in school it's hard to carve out the time. Too many distractions in this house. I actually write the best at about 4 or 5 in the morning or 11 or 12 at night when everyone's asleep and the phone isn't ringing!

    ReplyDelete
  2. My thirteen year old is my first critiquer. She is also writing a novel. She's at 18,000 words.

    I love your photo and your drawing from #1 daughter. :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. I cut out sleep... and food... and that doesn't really work as well as one might hope. :) Seriously, though, schedules are good.

    ReplyDelete

I would love to hear from you!