Finding Time to Write: My Journey as an Aspiring Author
As an independent author of thriller novels, I’ve often been asked, “How do you find the time to write?” The truth is, finding time isn’t about discovering some hidden hour in the day that only authors know about. It’s about making time, prioritizing your passion, and sometimes, making sacrifices.
Trading Screen Time for Writing Time: In the digital age, it’s easy to get lost in the world of endless entertainment. Binge-watching television shows and playing video games can consume hours of your day before you even realize it. As an aspiring author, I had to make a conscious decision to trade my screen time for writing time.
I remember the day I decided to stop watching the latest season of my favorite show and instead, sat down to write. It was challenging at first, but as I delved deeper into the world I was creating, I realized that the thrill of writing my own story far outweighed the temporary pleasure of consuming someone else’s.
Setting Daily Writing Goals: Setting a daily writing goal was another crucial step in my journey. I committed to writing at least 2000 words a day, no matter what. Some days, the words flowed easily, and I surpassed my goal. Other days, it was a struggle to reach the halfway mark. But the consistency of sitting down to write every day, regardless of the outcome, helped me develop discipline and resilience as a writer.
The Power of a Quote: One day, I stumbled upon a quote that resonated deeply with me. It said, “Stop wasting time on other people’s success.” This quote was a game-changer for me. I realized that I had been spending so much time admiring the success of other authors that I was neglecting my own journey.
Instead of scrolling through social media, comparing my progress to others, I began to invest that time in my own success. I focused on improving my craft, developing my characters, and refining my plot. This shift in perspective not only boosted my productivity but also my confidence as an author.
Finding time to write as an aspiring author isn’t about having extra hours in the day. It’s about making conscious decisions to prioritize your passion, setting achievable goals, and focusing on your own journey rather than comparing it to others.
So, to all the aspiring authors out there, I say this: Make the time, write the words, and embrace your journey. Your story is worth telling.