Writing
takes time. If you haven’t figured this out, that’s okay, you will soon enough.
How to make the most of your time depends on your experiences in writing. For
me, I have learned to balance my personal life with my desire to write, and
although writing is extremely personal for me it’s important I learned not to
become so absorbed in my desire to write that I forget about the important
things which matter, like family, friends, and work.
I usually make time for writing on my days off from work. I’m an early riser (6:00 AM) and enjoy the quiet in our office or dining room to whip out three to five pages. This takes anywhere from two to three hours (Yes, that long for so little), but that’s how it works when you write a book. Doesn’t happen overnight, but I do this consistently I can have anywhere from 260 to 300 pages in a year (a book!). This time-frame is practical when you consider the amount of research required for your book subject.
My
latest work was completed on Thanksgiving morning (before the family arrived) and
I shelved it for three months before returning to it for a first-time edit.
This helped me look at my book with a fresh set of eyes. I also allowed someone
to read my book and review it for feedback, a helpful thing. I knew I had hit home
when the reader told me he found himself searching google.com to look up some
of the things I wrote about for more information. This means he paid attention
and was intrigued.
I’ve
been asked time and again how I find time to write. Well, like anything in life
one must make the time. It’s no different than making time to go to the grocery
store, exercising, going out on a date-night, and doing what needs to be done
around the house. Pick a day where you can realistically spend two to three
hours writing and in no time you’ll have yourself a book.
So
to my fellow writers I say, I look forward to hearing about and reading your
next book!
David Lucero, author
