Last week I went to Idaho for four days to plot novels with some dear author friends. My trip included almost a full day of travel on both ends. Yet in the time I was gone I:
–wrote a column for an online magazine, Hope for Women
–wrote a blog post for MomLife Today
–worked on edits for my Amish novel
–worked on final edits for my WWII novel
–wrote a reader letter
–and read through galleys for a devotional book
It wasn’t a working trip, but I got a lot of work done. How?
I wrote on the flights.
I wrote at the airports.
I wrote while my friends napped.
I wrote during free afternoons.
It’s amazing how little snatches of time add up.
During my time away I still had tons of time for plotting, prayer and playing with my friends. Sometimes we think we need long stretches of time to get things done, but that’s not true. Every little bit counts and when you start using your “snatches” you’ll be amazed by what you can get done.
ah, your secrets revealed! I always wonder how you do it. I write a Mcdonald’s playland (coffee, play, and wifi), karate rehearsal, street stop lights, school parking lot, golf camp for son, variety show rehearsals, doctors offices, etc. Course, I need a good proofreader, especially for those 12 AM – 4 AM shifts. insomnia can have it’s benefits, but I wouldn’t recommend it.
I agree. It’s vital to be able to compartmentalize like that and select the project or task that fits the open segment of time. It might not be “word count” but every box I can check is a step in the right direction.
Great post!
Just curious. Do you use a laptop, write in a journal, on the back of envelopes, sticky notes? I am just getting started and am trying to figure out what my system will look like.
Great post and excellent reminders!
To answer the question about what I use to write. I do have a laptop that I take everywhere. Of course, there are times when it’s not easy to pull out so … I keep a notebook and pen in my purse. I fill that notebook with ideas, thoughts, blogs–you name it.
I also keep a hand-held recorder in my purse. When I’m driving and have an idea I talk into it!
You’re amazing. I think it helps that you are so good at first drafts. That takes practice and experience, which you have in abundance! This concept applies to lots of areas of life, too. I try to get a little cleaning done in between things. If I wait for a block of time, that laundry will never get folded!