Writing around the day job

I'm once again juggling full time employment with my writing so, following on from my Useful Hours post, here are three ways to maximise the small windows of opportunity that appear every day - those little moments we probably don't think to make use of.

Firstly, you have to make writing a priority during that small space of time. If, like me, you're constantly thinking about creative things, hopefully you've identified when you can slot in some writing into a hectic day and you're already thinking about what you're going to do during that time. Note: this thinking can be done whilst brushing your teeth!

Secondly, put your writer's hat on straight away and don't waste the time. If it helps to focus you, set a timer. I believe everything we write finds a value and purpose at some point. It might seem worthless when you come back to review it the next day and you might be tempted to discard it, but three weeks from now it could be really really useful.

The last point I want to make today is use the goings on in every day life to help you develop your writing through that beautiful thing observation. It's too easy to bundle and bash through the days, weeks, months, years and never take the time to just sit, listen and watch. You'll never be able to create believable characters and worlds if you don't take note of the one you live in. Is that why people choose to write Fantasy?

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