5 Tricks for Finding Time to Write–Ralene Burke on Writing Talk Tuesday

5 Tricks for Finding Time to Write

These days, writers are busy people. Not only are we expected to, you know, brainstorm and write and edit, but we’re also expected to do social media and marketing and networking. To top that off, our families expect that we will participate in daily activities like cleaning, meals, and talking/sharing. Other people expect us to be involved in church and the community. Those of us who tend to run on the edge even throw in crazy stuff like jobs or homeschooling.

Wait—what are we supposed to be doing again?

As one of the crazies involved in all of the above, I can relate to losing myself, my priorities, and my direction. In fact, I’ve been so confused and lost that I freeze and block out the world, veggin’ in front of the TV as I shut it all out.

The good news is this: there is hope.

Here are 5 ways to help us all find more time to do what we were called to do—write.

1. Pray. This is my most important suggestion when trying to figure out ANYTHING in our lives. If anyone knows our path best—and the right path at that—it’s God. Why wouldn’t we seek His leading? Pray, and listen. Listen to what the Holy Spirit lays on your heart. The Holy Spirit will reveal where things are going wrong in your life and what you need to do to fix it.

2. Set priorities. During the time of prayer, ask God to show you what your priorities should be. Sometimes our priorities change based on the season of our lives. Sometimes we put emphasis on the wrong priorities, letting society or well-meaning family and friends influence what we should be doing. Get your priorities straight!

3. Set goals. Now that you have priorities, use those to form goals for yourself. These goals will not just be in writing, but in all areas of your life. Take what is important to you and set goals to make those a reality.

4. Create a unique-to-you schedule! This is key. Take your priorities and goals and evaluate what you’re doing in your life. Do all the activities, all the chores, all the extras line up with your new priorities and goals? If not, get rid of them. Free up your time for what’s really important. Take the time to fill in a schedule with your top priorities first, and then fill in as you are able AROUND those. If you try to fit in your priorities around your schedule, you’ll always be stressed and unsatisfied.

5. The FlyLady says you can do anything for 15 minutes—and I agree. If your writing goals seem to outweigh your available time or the season in your life, find ways to put in a few minutes here and there.

• a. Get up 15 minutes earlier (go to bed 15 minutes later).


• b. Use the 15 minutes while the kids are finishing up breakfast/lunch/dinner.


• c. Use your breaks at work.


• d. Set the kids up with a quick activity.


• e. Take an extra 15 minutes in the car when you get home to jot down ideas/write a scene.

These are just a few ways to find time in our busy schedules for writing. “If it’s important, you’ll find a way. If it’s not, you’ll find an excuse.” (Author Unknown) Take the time for the priorities that are most important—and only God can tell you what those are. Live IN the lift that you’re supposed to be in.

What are ways you work in some extra writing time? Does your family help you find the time?

Don’t forget to join the conversation in the comments section below!

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About the Author:

Whether she's wielding a fantasy writer's pen, a freelance editor's sword, or a social media wand, Ralene Burke always has her head in some dreamer's world. And her goal is to make it SHINE! She spins fantastical tales to encourage people to SHINE BEYOND. She has worked for a variety of groups/companies, including Realm Makers, The Christian PEN, Kentucky Christian Writers Conference, and as an editor for a number of freelance clients.

Her first novel, Bellanok, is being published as a 5-part serial starting in October 2015! Bellanok is a haven for myths and legends . . . until a demon finds a way in.
When her head's not in the publishing world, Ralene is wife to a veteran and homeschooling mama to their three kids. Her Pinterest board would have you believe she is a master chef, excellent seamstress, and all around crafty diva. If she only had the time . . .

You can also find her on her website, Facebook, and Twitter.