Take Time for Writing with These Top 3 Tips

1.       Start using the Pomodoro Technique.

It’s pretty simple, write for 25 minutes and get a short 5 minute break. Every 4^th pomodoro, you get a longer break. While there is no app for android users, I totally recommend http://tomato-timer.com. In fact, I’m using the pomodoro technique to write this blog post and many others today.  Here’s what it looks like in action:

25 minute writing session
5 minutes to wipe down and freshen up bathroom 1
25 minute writing session
5 minutes to strip the bed, start a load of laundry, dust of surfaces, and sweep master bedroom
25 minute writing session
5 minutes to sweep hallway and gather all dirty laundry from around the house
25 minute writing session
5 minutes to change out laundry, wipe down and freshen up bathroom 2
25 minute writing session
5 minutes to load the dishwasher and wipe counters in kitchen
25 minute writing session
5 minutes to sweep kitchen and dining room floors and straighten up
25 minute writing session
5 minutes to change out laundry and fold and organize

I could keep going, but you get the idea. You could substitute house cleaning for any activities: social media, exercise, cooking, research, or reading. For me, I need the motivation to clean house.

2.      Create a schedule and stick to it

You know all those things that keep you from writing? Schedule them, too. You wouldn’t believe how much time is wasted just by not having a plan in place. It’s helpful to lay out all your obligations in a visual manner. Work, friends, family, school, sports, training, meetings – you gotta do it! I understand. Put it on the calendar in blocks of time, not just days. Then you can see what hours you have free each day. Schedule writing in those slots. Combine those time slots with the Pomodoro technique, and you will be able to accomplish a lot.

3.      Become a master of multitasking

Technology or no technology, start looking at each of your obligations as a two-sided coin. While you may not be able to write while you work or in meetings, there are most likely plenty of activities where you could be multitasking. I recently presented at the annual NETWO (Northeast Texas Writers Organization) conference and talked with another presenter on blogging and social media – Renee Groeskreutz. She gave me a pep talk on multitasking. While I’m at sporting events, I could be sending out tweets every 15 minutes. Driving to work, I could brainstorm and jot down notes each time I stop. During lunch, I could Pomodoro a blog post or outline a chapter in fiction WIP. While watching tv at night, I could be researching blog posts or promoting a book or product. Sitting in doctor’s offices, waiting in line at the grocery store, a few minutes here and there can make a huge difference. The trick is having a plan in place. In the time it takes you to think of something you could be doing, your time may be up. Go ahead right now and examine all your obligations. Make notes of possible writing tasks you could be doing and keep that list handy until it becomes second nature.