How to cram writing in: And excess advice

Squeezing Writing Time Into a Busy Life (And Avoiding Scams!)

Let's face it, life is hectic. Between school, work, and everything else, finding time to write can feel impossible. But if you're passionate about storytelling, you'll find a way! Here's how I cram writing into my crazy schedule, along with some hard-earned wisdom:

Maximize Your Time:

• School/Work Smart: Finish all your tasks at school or work. No leftovers! This frees up your precious evenings.
• Punctuality is Key: Complete chores and errands on time, or even ahead of schedule. Every minute counts.
• Cram in the Moments: Write whenever you can. A few paragraphs during a lunch break, a scene on the bus, a quick note before bed – it all adds up.
• Listen to Music: Seriously, music is my muse. It sparks story ideas, helps me visualize scenes, and calms my nerves during intense writing sessions.
• Daydream and Jot: Let your mind wander. Daydream about your characters, plot twists, and settings. Always carry a notebook or use a note-taking app to capture those fleeting ideas.

Staying Motivated and Inspired:

• Write When You're Happy: Don't treat writing as a chore. If you're not feeling it, take a break. Writing should be a joy, not an obligation.
• Pinterest Power: Pinterest is a goldmine for inspiration. Mood boards, character aesthetics, writing prompts – explore it!
• Quote Fuel: Read quotes from your favorite authors. They can provide that extra push when you're feeling unmotivated.
• Author Memes: Give yourself permission to laugh! Author memes are a great way to de-stress and connect with the writing community.
• Read and Watch: Consume stories! Books, movies, TV shows – they all offer valuable insights and spark new ideas.
• Patience is a Virtue: Writing is a craft that takes time to master. Don't pressure yourself to be a young, published author. There's no rush. It's better to regret releasing your book later than earlier.

Protecting Yourself:

• Alpha Reader Trust: Find one trustworthy friend who can provide honest feedback on your writing.
• Scam Alert!: This is crucial. I almost fell victim to a vanity press posing as a legitimate publisher. If you're considering a publishing deal, hiring a freelancer, or using a writing website, thoroughly research them. Don't be fooled by flashy offers. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• Don't make your passion a job: if you can help it. If your passion becomes a job, it can become a source of stress.

Remember:

• Not everyone will love your work, and that's okay. Write for yourself and your devoted fans.
• Your book is like a movie, some people will love it, some people won't.

Writing is a journey, not a race. Be patient, stay inspired, and protect yourself from scams. Happy writing!