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    How to make the most of your time to write


Notebook -Photo by pigpogm


We all complain about lack of time. Every day we embark on a race against the clock, trying to do a million different things: work, shopping, children, housework… the list may be infinite.

The question is simple: how can a writer find the time to collect and organize their ideas, and then put them black on white?

The answer may not be so simple, but let’s try to make it so.

We all agree that a writer needs time, and that unfortunately time is never enough. So my first tip is to always bring with you a notebook and a pen. Wherever you go, having a notebook in your bag can be very useful to write down any ideas you may have – and ideas can spring regardlessly of whatever you might be doing. You can note anything that strikes your attention, some passing thoughts, some keywords that will help you remember your intuitions, but also entire paragraphs you will later revise.

Now that you have a notebook, where and when could you use it and make the most of your time? Here are some suggestions:

  • In train/bus/underground. Many of you take public transports to go to work, and they may be either very short trips or even quite long ones (and sometimes even boring). If you don’t mind people talking (they might also be a source of inspiration) or other noises, you could use this time of your day to write.
  • While waiting in a queue at the post office/bank. Have you ever wondered how much time do we spend in queues, waiting for our turn to come? If you have nowhere to sit down, using your notebook in this kind of situation may result a little uncomfortable, but you can always note something down so that you won’t forget later.
  • When stuck in a traffic jam. People do anything in their cars: they talk, read, make phone calls, listen to music, women put on their make up… so keep your notebook at hand, it will be more useful than yelling at the car in front of you. ;)
  • During your lunch break. Try to dedicate just 10 minutes of your lunch break to write something, not only it can be a good exercise but also a way to really disconnect from work.

Do you usually have a notebook with you? Can you think of other places or situations when you can use it?

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INFO ARTICLE & PHOTO

Written by Marta F., June 2008.

Credits: Photo by pigpogm

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