How to Make Space For Your Writing Life
Many of us dream about becoming a writer, but somehow weeks, months or even years pass and we never seem to find the time to start. Taking time out of your busy day can feel like an unrealistic indulgence, competing against all the other demands and responsibilities you have to deal with.
In our hyper-connected world, we are constantly consuming content – Netflix, Instagram and TikTok all thrive on our attention, and ironically we find plenty to write about when it comes to comments and messages. Yet we often struggle to give our long-term goals the same kind of commitment.
Maybe it’s not lack of time that’s the problem, it’s a lack of habit. Our dreams of writing a memoir, starting a best selling novel or launching a blog often exist somewhere in the hazy future, beyond the current reality of our over-committed schedules with the endless life admin and work or family demands.
If you're struggling to find the time to write, start by creating some space in your life. Not just a slot in your schedule, but a physical space or container where your writing can 'happen' and that acts as an anchor for this new habit.
It might seem that the most obvious place for your container might be your laptop – but that’s generally a place where your busy life lives, with all the overwhelm, schedules and admin that get in the way of writing, as well as the tempting distractions of news updates and social media.
A writing container is something physical, a place that can ‘hold’ your writing habit while you develop it – it’s a bit like stabilisers on a bike, to help keep you balanced and secure while you get the hang of a new skill.
Something as simple as an A4 box file is a good place to start. It’s a standard size that’s easy to store on a shelf or in a drawer, and sturdy enough to stand up to the job.
This could be a simple budget option, or something fancy to suit your style and personality. This is going to become your writing container, so look out for one that makes you feel special.
Things to keep in your writing container
A notebook or journal to capture your ideas
An assortment of pens and pencils – different colours can be useful for doodling or underlining important ideas
Stickers or page labels – something visual that helps you label notes you’ll want to come back to
Some incense sticks or a small scented candle and lighter if you like to use scent to start your writing session
A source file for storing magazine clippings, postcards and inspiring images
Post it notes for ideas and planning sessions
A deck of index cards (spiral bound are good) for character notes or chapter outlines
A mini vision board for your writing goals – this could be A4 laminated, or A3 folded
Small objects, trinkets or crystals to trigger your imagination
The purpose of your container is to create something small, portable and easily stored, that ‘contains’ your writing. It’s a place to go where you can start to carve out time for your new habit. Aim to make it a very personal, tactile and creative space that energises you and inspires your imagination.
Even if all you can do to start with is open the lid and look at the contents, it makes your dream exist in the physical world. It’s a statement of intent for the thing you want to find time for in your busy life.
Don’t let your dreams slip away for want of a place to put them. Sometimes we fail to act on our intentions and achieve our bigger goals simply because we haven’t created a physical space for them to exist in our lives.
So start with the smallest thing – even buying a new notebook and pen will give you a place to start writing down ideas, recording snippets of overheard conversation or drafting quick character traits that might one day find their way into your novel.
Small steps build big dreams
Commit to doing something today to get started, and aim to spend ten or fifteen minutes every day journaling or drafting ideas in your notebook. I recently did a writing workshop with Robbie Swale, author of a series of writing advice books based on his 12-minute writing method that he developed during a short daily commute.
Writing a book is a big project but it can be broken down into small manageable chunks that can quickly grow into something substantial. Robbie is proof that you can squeeze your writing into short slots during the day and still be successful!
