You work full time but have a raging desire to write that book buried deep inside you.
If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.’ ~ Toni Morrison
How can I make it happen?
Time and space are necessary, negotiation with your after work, home tribe is mandatory — your loved ones under the same roof need to know the rules of the ring-fence around your creative time. Tell them, the adults and children alike, that this is your scared time after dinner, and family time. It will be a stretch on your energy levels, it will erode your sleep time… but if you seriously want to, not hope to achieve your hidden dream, then lost sleep is a small sacrifice.
The space is as sacred as the time and needs a physical barrier around it to avoid little ones from tottering in to play.
Say you choose nine-thirty to eleven thirty each night, stick to it unless there is something serious that requires your attention. A no-phones-space or noise cancelling headset is all the additional equipment you need to lock in the time and space for your burst of creativity each day.
Let me live, love, and say it well in good sentences ~ Sylvia Plath
Quality, rather than quantity, counts during this spiritual time to achieve what you have set out to do. Adherence to this time space includes weekends. Be prepared for a dent in your social life. Exceptions are granted for extra special occasions—birthdays, wedding anniversaries, graduation night, etc. These are outside the prohibited norm, and you might have a special occasion not included here. Limit these to those dearest to you. Dwindling social circles are inevitable if your social tribe doesn’t appreciate what you’re doing.
That’s all it takes, but regularity, commitment and determination are the way forward to having your book in hand. And what an exhilarating moment that is!
A word after a word after a word is power ~ Margaret Atwood
As progress happens, negotiate a reduced day job working hours with your manager as you create more time and space for your creativity to flourish.
The writer also needs time and space to read, read, read, all the poetry, craft books, and novels one can fit into a busy day to enhance the craft of writing. Shorten an office lunch break, stroll outdoors and add to the daily scribblings.
And there’s connecting with creative peers for inspiration. It could be a master class or a writer’s association. This tribe is essential to avoid total isolation and to validate your passion.
Soon you will spend more time in your creative space and limited time on your day job.
Go tell that story you have harboured for so long. The world is waiting!
You never have to change anything you got up in the middle of the night to write! ~ Saul Bellow
Happy writing as you create the time and space for holy writing hours!
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