4 reasons to carve out designated writing time

Writing required commitment, but it’s not always easy to find time in ourbusy lives. Yet, if it’s something we want to pursue, it’s something we have to do. Recently, alongside fitting writing in whenever I can, I’ve set aside designated writing time. Two hours on a Sunday, when I shut off from the world and focus entirely on my novel. Your time can be as short or as long as you like, based on the time you’re able to give. Here’s the reasons why this works so well…

Guilt free writing time
It can be a vicious circle, being a writer. We feel guilty when we’re not writing, and we feel guilty when we are writing, but there are other things that need to be done. Setting aside an ‘official’ writing time enables you to write guilt free. Designated writing time forces your brain to recognise that’s what you should be doing, so the housework or food shopping or visiting family can wait until after.

“You have to protect your writing time. You have to protect it to the death.” – William Goldman

Forming a habit
You’ll often find habit is the key to success. It creates a routine, and is good practice to carving out time for your craft. You’ll find that in making this habit, it’s hard to quit. You’ll become dedicated to that writing time and before you know it, it’ll just be a part of life.

Making progress
As with the above, habit means regular progress. If you set aside a designated writing time, then whatever else happens in your week, you still have time to get words down. Some days, you simply can’t write, but with knowing you have a dedicated time upcoming can help keep you motivated.

Enjoying yourself
This is the most important reason. Why ever it is that you write, it’s probably something you enjoy doing. Be it a hobby, a career prospect, an outlet for negative emotions, or a way to relax, you deserve this time. Whatever else you have in your life, you deserve to spend time on something you love. So grab your favourite snacks, get a comfy chair and dive on in.

“Writing is the only thing that, when I do it, I don’t feel I should be doing something else.” – Gloria Steinem

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Do you set aside designated writing time? Share your thoughts and experiences below.

Until then,
Keep writing,
M
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