Welcome back to the blog! Today I’ve got Andrea Cooper talking about time. Writing time. Something writers say they never have enough of.

Here’s Andrea.

One thing I’ve heard many writers complain about (including me) is not having time to write. Between family, work, and other obligations chipping away at the day, little is left over for writing.

Here are some ideas that have helped me find more writing time:

• TV/Movies – I record my favorite shows and watch them later while folding laundry. I’m multi-tasking and can skip the commercials or put the clothes away during them. And some shows that I used to watch, just to see the results and new products, like SharkTank, I just look online for the summary. As far as movies, I am picky about what I will watch in the theatres – usually go the DVD route so I can skip previews.
  • Potential time saved: 15 mins – 40 mins
• Cooking – I make at least one crockpot recipe instead of cooking and every other week, we have frozen pizza. Kids and/or hubby can help too.
  • Potential time saved: 30 – 50 mins
• Kid’s Bath time – If possible, my husband and I trade off bathing the kids, helping them brush their teeth, and putting PJ’s on. While my husband baths the kids, I write.
  • Potential time saved: 15 – 30 mins
• Lunch – a few times a week, lunch can be eaten at your desk (or with a laptop at a park, coffee shop, or restaurant) and type during your lunchtime.
  • Potential time saved: 30 mins to 1 hour
    • If you get ‘smoke’ breaks, use the 5-15mins (however much time your company/boss allows) and write – even if it’s just 5 mins twice a week, it will add up.
  • Miscellaneous tips:
    • Take a shower instead of a bath
    • Instead of hopping on Facebook or Twitter, use that time to write. (time for these and marketing can be done at other points in the day, like when waiting in line, on the phone while on hold, in the doctor/dentist office, etc.)
    • Set a timer for 15-20 mins and write as fast as you can without stopping or thinking.
    • Have kids/hubby help with cleaning: putting away dishes, taking out trash, vacuuming, sweeping/moping, putting their clothes away, etc. My kids like to help with chores, because I don’t make it a chore or burden. It’s okay that they can’t/don’t clean as well as an adult. Being excited about helping mom and giving them praise is a great way to bond.
    • Take the bus to/from work – use the time to brainstorm, write if you can (depends on if you write long-hand or have a small enough laptop that won’t crowd the person you sit next to. Leave for work 20-30 mins early and miss traffic and use that saved time to write.
    • Try a speech-to-text software program (warning – this costs money!) and ‘talk’ your story while you cook, clean, etc.

Not all of these need to be used at the same time. They can be combined, alternated throughout the week, etc. Experiment.

Do you have any tips on saving/making time for writing?

Andrea’s Bio: Andrea has always created characters and stories. But it wasn’t until she was in her late twenties that she started writing novels.

What happened that ignited the writing flame in her fingers? Divorced, and disillusioned by love songs and stories. They exaggerate. She thought. Love and Romance are not like that in the real world. Then she met her husband and realized, yes love and romance are exactly like the songs and stories say. She is now a happy wife, and a mom to three kids (two boys and a girl).

Andrea writes fantasy, paranormal, historical, and contemporary romance suspense. When not writing or reading, one may find Andrea dancing in Zumba or chasing her two youngest through the park.

She believes in the power of change and counting each moment as a blessing. But most importantly, she believes in love.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndreaRCooper.author

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AndreaRCooper

Author Website: www.AndreaRCooper.com

Cindy here again.

Great tips. We record our shows and I use a timer!

Keep writing.