Allowing Yourself Time to Write Creatively

“I don’t have time to write!”

It’s the lament of many creative authors. Though their muses may be singing sweet lullabies they never seem to have an opportunity to capture those beautiful melodies before they float out the window.

That’s why it’s critical to begin systematically setting aside a time to create literary magic. Even if you only write a sentence or two during each scheduled writing session or appointment, you will start to become a more prolific, efficient, and competent writer.

Below are a few methods to find those precious minutes you need to capture your imaginative thoughts or turn out an inspired poem or story.

Idea No. 1: Make It Routine

Even if you can only write on Saturday mornings from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 a.m., do it! Many creative writers worry that an hour a week is too little… but it’s far better than not writing at all.

The point isn’t to commit great chunks of your day to writing; it’s to find a time that realistically works for you based on your lifestyle and obligations. Start small, and after a few weeks, add more time if you’re able.

Idea No. 2: Ask for Help

Many creative writers who are parents forget that it’s okay to ask for help from their spouse, family, or friends if they need time to put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard.

If writing energizes and refreshes you, there is absolutely nothing wrong with enlisting the support of your loved ones to watch your little ones once or twice a week so you have the time to write. After all, you’ll come away from your “word time” recharged and ready to tackle parenthood, spills and all.

Idea No. 3: Embrace Tiny Moments

“But I can’t carve out any time!”

Okay, so your life is truly busy and anything but consistent. Therefore, setting aside a scheduled time to write is an exercise in futility. But don’t give up!

For you and other creative authors in this (usually temporary) stage of life, you may have to make the most of rare “down” moments throughout your day. For instance, when you’re heating some food in the kitchen, could you use those two minutes to jot down some concepts for a children’s book? Before retiring at night, might it be possible to spend five minutes composing a silly rhyme? Struck by inspiration while folding the laundry? Then ditch the sweaters and socks for three minutes to write.

If creative writing is something you truly need to do to feel whole, you’ll be amazed at how you can “find” time here and there.

Idea No. 4: Take a Writing Holiday

Finally, for writers who are absolutely overwhelmed in other arenas of life, it may behoove you to deliberately take a “writing holiday” once or twice a year.

This doesn’t have to be a formal getaway, but a sequestering of oneself in an area where the act of writing won’t feel like a burden and won’t get in the way of daily activities.

Not only will such a trip (whether physical or merely psychological) leave you feeling more fulfilled; it could also result in some incredible epiphanies which may become the seedlings for your future works.

Is setting time aside to write easy? Probably not. But it’s doable. And if you desire to become a better creative writer or to finally scribble the novel that’s inside you, it’s absolutely essential.