Use your time
A couple of days ago an author friend emailed to ask how I make time to write. This was my reply:
I write a fair bit after I’ve gone to bed (11-12:15).
Then I read this interesting blog post on the subject.
To be a little more complete than the above I’d add that I don’t watch a great deal of TV (I think Fashion Police is literally the only programme I refuse to miss, and I do a box set every month or two, but that’s it). Yes, my job is demanding, particularly at the end of the day, but there’s always a bit of time between when I get home (and hopefully put the kids to bed) and when I go to sleep. I try to use it to write because the bottom line is this:
There is no other way to create a novel (or short film, or Lego representation of Yoda).
You have to find the time, and it’s right there, waiting for you to use it.
Of course, the majority of people don’t use their spare time for that purpose, or for anything ‘constructive’, and there’s nothing wrong with that. The point I’m making is to promote one thing only: workability. If you want to do x, be that writing a book, playing with your kids or making dinner, you have to make the time to do it, otherwise it won’t happen.
And that might be stating the obvious, but unfortunately obviousness doesn’t correlate with likelihood.
have you always used your time “constructively”, Ben, or did you have to learn the habit?
I didn’t deliberately set out to do it, it just happened.
I think the main thing is that it’s how I really want to spend my time. When I have a spare hour or two all I want to do is write, so that helps.
Ben – are you self taught as a writer, or have you ever had any formal training in writing fiction/creative writing – courses etc? If so, can you recommend any, or any books, that could be helpful to a writer starting out.
That’s odd.
I never get asked that question but you’re the second one to pose it today.
I haven’t done any classes but I found ‘Story’ by Robert McKee to be immensely helpful for things like structure and working out what needs to happen to make a story work. I’ve read a few books on how to write a book (try Stephen King’s ‘On Writing’. Everyone recommends it. I’ve read it a few times) but the real advice is the read lots of good stuff along the lines of what you want to write then just do it.
You’ll get it wrong, then you’ll get it right.
Thanks ben – i’ll give them a look