Finding time to write implies that you’ve lost it in the first place. I’ve never HAD time to write, I always had to MAKE time.
In my 30 years as a published author, I’ve viewed writing as my career, my business. I’ve also worked at day jobs. Those day jobs required I be there for the hours I agreed upon to get my work done. I look at my writing profession no differently. The work doesn’t get done if I’m not at my desk, hands on keys. So I’m there, every morning at 4:30 a.m. (6:00 a.m. on weekends!) and I write until I have to get ready for work. Would I rather sleep in? Heck yeah, but I’m an unforgiving boss.
I got published when my older son was two-years old, which was already a full time job. I made my writing time around his schedule because, Hey, he didn’t care if Chapter 16 wouldn’t write itself. I got up before he did. I wrote while he napped and after he went to bed. Every day. Son number two’s due date was the same day my re-writes for Book 3 were due – both came early. I spent those years with young children carving out the path of least resistance, blocking off the time I needed around the time they didn’t need me. Once they were in high school, I needed a steady paycheck and went back into the fulltime work force and I made my writing time fit that new schedule. And still do. I’m more than halfway through Book 61. It’s not writing itself, either. I have to be there. Every day.
“Finding” writing time is an extra. Woo Hoo! Lunch hour to finish that scene I came up with on the drive to work. Jotting down notes or a quick piece of dialog while waiting for an oil change. My purse is full of Post-It Notes from those precious “found” moments. I’ve got another “found” moment at the end of the month for a weekend Write-In with other MMRWA chapter members and plan to make the very most of it.
If you’re serious about what you do, you make the time. Trying to “find” it leaves an opening for not being able to. So here I am at 5:09 a.m. writing this post so I can get back to Book 61 as soon as I get my second cup of coffee . . .
How about you?
Here’s one of those books that I made the time to write with kids in underfoot, a 9-to-5, and a household to run. MIDNIGHT REDEEMER, part of my Touched by Midnight series is on SALE for only $0.99 until 9/15, a perfect time to take a bite if you haven’t already sunk your teeth into these darkly suspenseful paranormals.
Hunt or be hunted . . . A centuries-old obsession stalks a noble family fighting to hide their dark secret from an ever-changing world. Sink your teeth into Nancy Gideon's Touched by Midnight series.
Will his dream . . .
Centuries-old vampire Louis Redman is desperate to believe an inquisitive researcher's claim that she's close to finding a cure for his age-old curse. Determined to become human again, he must trust the lovely geneticist who has pushed her way into his guarded life . . . and heart . . . not to betray him to the government agency that wants to uncover his secrets for their own purposes.
. . . be the death of her?
Scientist Stacy Kimball discovers potential fame and the answer to immortality in a murder victim's blood sample. But as she gets closer to the truth, danger stalks her from the shadows. Who wants to silence her from making the breakthrough of a lifetime? Is it the agency that funds her work? The killer who’s terrorizing Seattle's night scene?
Or the mysterious Louis Redman, whose kisses seduce her beyond caring . . . ?
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"A rare treat . . . this exciting thriller will keep you up all night as Ms. Gideon weaves her spell." — Romantic Times"Nancy Gideon is one of the best supernatural writers on the market today!"— Midwest Book Review/BookWire
"Gideon's stories transcend the genre with action, adventure, mystery, horror, AND romance. Comparable in style to Dean Koontz."— Midnight Scribe Reviews
Happy reading! Happy writing!
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time.
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
Twitter hashtag is #IWSG
Great post, Nancy! You're always an inspiration to writers like me still trying to figure it all out. A shining example that not only can it be done, it can be done in style! I have finally learned it's all about priorities - Do I sleep or write? Do I go out or write? Choices - we all have choices. :)
ReplyDeleteChoose . . . wisely! I think you've come a long way, Sandra!
DeleteI could have written your 1st 3 sentences (except change 30 to 23). I've always admired your determination to write no matter what. You are an inspiration. I wanna be you when I grow up. ;)
ReplyDeleteGrow up but never grow old, Di!
DeleteI love Waldo! You're such a no-nonsense business-savy get-it-down-on-paper kinda gal! Wonderful work elthic! Ever had a boss who didn't just adore you? I think NOT! LOL! You make me want to give you a month off work every time I read a post about your writing schedule, because you SOOOO deserve it! Wine and fun time, girlfriend! NO ONE deserves it like you do! You always could guilt me into crazy-schedule writing mode...LOL!
ReplyDelete