Most people I know tell me, “I could never write a book. I could never find the time.” It bums me out when people say that because people should have time for things that make them happy. I realize that with full-time jobs, kids, chores, kid’s activities, it gets tough.

This post is going to be short and sweet. I just want to give a few ideas of what I do every day, so hopefully it could help you.

If you have a jammed schedule every day and think you want to write but can’t seem to carve out any time, consider these ideas:

• Carry a notebook and pen… everywhere!
• Get a pack of index cards. Pull out a few and paper clip them to the inside cover of your notebook.

I’ve seen so many articles on this subject. The advice I read, while good, just doesn’t always work for people. Things like: get up earlier, stay up an hour later, add an hour into your daily schedule just for writing. These suggestions, to me, are impractical.

This is what I do….hope it works for you.

How to Carve Out Time:

• Get a basic idea of the next few things you’re going to write (chapter ideas, maybe). Write them in order on the index cards, that way you’re never just sitting there not knowing what to write. You can refer to the cards and write away.
• Pull out your notebook whenever you get a few minutes, such as: Waiting for an appointment, waiting for your family to get ready to go out, waiting at the school bus, while dinner is cooking, on your lunch break.

Finding a few minutes here and there can be much easier than finding a larger chunk of time. If you always have your notebook with you, you never miss an opportunity to get a few thoughts down on paper.

And, when inspiration hits, you can write it down before you forget it.

I hope this small suggestion helps you in a big way.

Happy writing!