The Purpose of IWSG is to share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
To join IWSG visit Ninja Captain Alex J. Cavanaugh here.
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QUESTION FOR SEPTEMBER:
How do you find the time to write in your busy day?
At the moment, I write full-time, so it’s more difficult for me to find the time to do things other than write than it is to find the time to write. Writing requires nothing more than a shower, brushed teeth, and sweat pants. Outside activities require make-up, real clothes, and usually a hairbrush. And while writing doesn’t come with a schedule, activities such as appointments, meetings, and events are inevitably weighted with time constraints.
In keeping with the IWSG theme, my insecurity stems not from too little time, but writing and not producing enough output during those hours. I’ve accepted I am a slow writer, even slower when I don’t stick to process.
I could have easily shaved a year off my current WIP if I’d done a hardcopy edit and read the manuscript out loud instead of wasting time on dozens of online revisions. A pen in hand apparently stimulates the creative part of my brain in a way the keyboard does not. With a single hardcopy edit, passages rewritten multiple times online are finally beginning to sing [insert happy dance here].
A large part of finding the time to write is finding the process that works for you.
I will be away from my computer in late September so won’t be back for a regular post until October.
Meet you back here on OCTOBER 5 for IWSG!
VR BARKOWSKI 
Hi,
I wouldn’t worry about the slowness with the online revisions. I do both also. Believe it or not, the online edits help me to identify the holes or loops. My hard copy stimulates word choices.
Your last sentence says it all and I agree with you totally.
‘A large part of finding the time to write is finding the process that works for you’.
This is a beautiful piece of wisdom.
Thank you.
All the best.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat Garcai
Thanks, Pat. I edit as I write, so plenty of online editing gets done before I ever type The End, but reading the work out loud and editing on paper is where the magic happens for me.
There is just something about putting pen and paper together that does open a creative flow. Finding what works best for you is definitely the key.
Thoughts in Progress
and MC Book Tours
Maybe if I’d started out writing on the computer, my process would be different, Mason. When I was in school, I wrote and edited with a pen, then typed the work. In terms of writing, a computer is little more than a glorified typewriter to me. (Not that I’d want to do without it!)
That is true, have to find what works best for you. Nice not to have to get dressed and go anywhere too lol
Which reminds me to my favorite Neil Gaiman quote: “As far as I’m concerned, the entire reason for becoming a writer is not having to get up in the morning.” 😀
I totally identify with this post. It’s currently 9:30 in the morning. I’m at my desk blogging and eating breakfast. In my jammies. I’ve already worked for two hours. The process becomes all-important. And each writer’s is different. Have a fun September!
You too, Carol. Good luck with your editing!
Rare is the writer who can successfully combine quantity and quality. (Um, yeah, I just made that up.) Still, I wouldn’t worry about how many words you crank out per day. The joy of both creating and reading words that know how to sing is well worth the wait.
Excellent advice, Susan. I hope one day I’ll be able to internalize it, so I can quit reminding myself.
How lucky! I’ve been weighed down with other responsibilities since May and haven’t done that much fictional writing, but with the end of the year drawing near I hope that’ll change. 🙂
I hope you’re able to slice out some writing time soon, Chrys! My first book took a year to write. My second also took a year. With the third, I’ve had few other time demands but it’s taken me close to three years to finish. I’ll do better next time. 🙂
Great post. I’m search for a way to make structure within chaos work for me so I keep writing and focus and don’t lose time as I do now. I want to be more productive. I think structure will he the key when I figure out what really works for me.
Juneta @ Writer’s Gambit
That’s exactly what you need to do, Juneta. The hardest part of being a writer may be trying to pin down the right process. Everyone offers advice, but you’re the only one who can determine what works for you.
So true. You’re lucky to find an inspiration–like putting pen to palm. Me, it’s watching videos on my subject matter (which only works because my current WIP is character-driven and setting-driven).
Videos are magic for setting, Jacqui. I’ve used them heavily in the past. At the moment I’m writing a book set in my neighborhood. No videos required. 🙂
I hear you loud and clear about getting other things done. Funny, I thought I was the only one with that problem. hehehe
Anna from elements of emaginette
Not only does writing sometimes interfere with other tasks, it can also be a good excuse to procrastinate. 🙂
I am looking forward to writing full time (soon – very soon) and making your words mine. I have used the “reading out loud” process in my professional life and highly recommend it.
I agree, Lee. Reading out loud is invaluable.
I’ve heard hardcopy editing works wonders. I’ve yet to try it. But it wouldn’t help me at this moment in time.
I think many writers think they’re slow. I bet you’re faster than some. And however fast or slow you are, you work at the right pace for you.
This novel has take me three times longer to write than my other two books. I’m comparing myself to myself, and I’m not faring well, Liz. LOL
We all have to find our own pace and style! I can speed through a draft, but then it takes dozens of revisions – not a great option. 🙂
Considering I edit as a write, Jemi, this book has required far too much post-draft editing. It’s getting there, though. Slowly, very slowly.
Hi VR. I’ve just attended a writing retreat and learned the value of hard-copying editing. It’s just so much easier on the white page. I’ve fiddled with online-only edits for years, but will never go back. Currently, I’m editing 2 chapters at a time, printing them out, making changes that way. Amazing how well it’s working!!!
But I’m a paid-up member of the slow writers group. 🙂
That’s how I’ve edited in the past, Denise, and it’s always worked beautifully for me. This time, I waited until the book was drafted and I’d completed several full online edits before I went to paper. Big mistake, but an important lesson.
I absolutely believe in hard-copy edits. I’m in awe of anyone who gets even a little work done the other way. I print out the whole manuscript, and edit one direction so I can see the progress that I’m making in a physical, finished with this, ever growing pile.
Absolutely, Karen! I couldn’t write anything without a hardcopy edit. I’m always impressed by those who can.
Clothes are probably the most important thing when you venture out of the house. All those other things are icing on the cake! LOL
LOL – That’s the one I try not to forget, Holly.
One’s process constantly evolves. The trick is to not let guilt about not having used the “perfect process” creep in and suck away your energy.
Absolutely, Laurel, and it did bother me for a while. Now I’m just grateful to know what wasn’t working for me and why.
A pen in hand is a great way to change perspective from the computer too. I find that writing by hand during vacation really helps me put my thoughts in a different space:)
True, Mark. I foresee wasting a lot more paper in the future, but it will be worth it. 🙂
Because I’ve always been a pen-and-paper writer, hard copy editing makes perfect sense.
I’ve heard lots about the “reading aloud” technique and will give it a go one fay…when it’s needed. 🙂
I’m definitely a pen and paper editor, Michelle. I’d always intended to do a hardcopy edit. I shouldn’t have waited so long.
Finding a balance seems to be the issue, as it is for me. All or nothing at least gets something on the page, but leaves me frustrated. I’ve also found my editing skills are better with pen and printed copy. I tend to read what I want to see on the screen.
Good luck this month 🙂
I didn’t realize how superficial my online edits were until I took a red pen to the manuscript. I learned something. That’s a positive thing even if it did slow me down.
Have a great September, Donna!
Our next IWSG is on my birthday. I just realized that. Cool. Anyhow, I hear you about the unique processes! Some people really do have to handwrite things. I was drawing the other day, and I was shock by how my creativity sky rocketed. Regardless, the day I transitioned to a keyboard full time is the day I really learned how to write. I could never go back, and editing by hand drives me INSANE.
Exactly, Crystal. We all have different processes that work for us. I will continue do my copyediting online. But addressing creative content, writing style, and language at the sentence/paragraph level? In the future that will be left to my trusty red pen. 🙂
All of my red pens seem to dry up before they get used. 😉