Finding Time to Write, by Renee-Ann Giggie

Do you ever get in a “I don’t feel like doing anything” mood? A time when even the things you feel most passionate about no longer appeal to you? In the busyness of life, we all need “Me-Time” to rejuvenate our energy and refill our creative well. But will we fit that special time into our routine, enough to see a difference? How?

Being a writer is a demanding job, just getting the material down on paper, and then every writer has various additional responsibilities to factor into his or her daily schedule, as well. You may be juggling motherhood, a full-or part-time job, or caring for elderly parents. You may have church duties or your own health issues. Don't forget, writers also have to market their books, research new material, and support their fellow writers. Is your head spinning yet?

When my boys were growing up, writing wasn’t a priority for me. I made the decision not to write, whether it was conscious or unconscious, because I didn't have the Me-Time needed to make it happen. My creative well was full for my boys, but my fiction writing came from a different well inside of me, and that one needed to be replenished.

Do you ever take time for YOU?

Do you take time away from your family? Away from priorities and responsibilities, to pen those ideas that have been dancing in your head all day but you were too busy to write them down? Or just to nap. The ideas will develop while you sleep. At some point the three large mounds of laundry will have to wait another day. Don't let them stare you down. If you're serious about writing, you'll find that half-hour to rejuvenate your creative self, your soul, and keep writing.

Is there anyone who can help you find an hour a day to yourself?

Having two grown-up/out-of-the-nest kids doesn't mean I’m less busy. I may be done with the task of raising two very active little boys, but I still have meals to prepare, laundry to do, a house to clean, a vegetable garden to maintain, as well as a rotation-shift/full-time job that takes me out of the house five days a week. I thank God daily, though. He’d blessed me with a wonderful husband who not only helps with the chores, but supports my writing, 200%.

Daily Me-Time is a vital part of every writer’s life. Whether you steal 15 minutes, half an hour, or an hour to take a walk, catnap, brainstorm, put fingers to the keyboard--it will make you the writer you want to be. Go ahead and try fitting yourself into your day!

A young mother shared how she wrote during her two 15-minute work breaks, half hour commute on the bus (each way), and one hour after the kids went to bed to pen more words to her manuscript, keeping her entire weekends for responsibilities and family time. Do the math. Two-and-a-half hours a day, five days a week. It adds up, and with this kind of dedication, she’s set to complete her manuscript.

Do you fit Me-Time into your schedule? How? When?

Renee-Ann’s desire to write began very early but remained a hobby until just a few years ago when she wrote her first novel, Stella’s Plea, (Nov. 2012). She’s a member of several writing groups and is no stranger to Christian writers’ conferences, where she thrives on learning, and then looks forward to the next conference. She and her husband live in New Brunswick, Canada. Her latest release is titled Emma's Prayer.

Blurb from Emma's Prayer:

A teen pregnancy. A couple desperate for a family. A baby awaiting adoption.

When the opportunity presents itself, will Emma Leigh Roberts take back what’s rightfully hers, or will she come to terms with the consequences of her decision?

When Cynthia Manning, a small town speech therapist, suffers another miscarriage, she and her husband Logan turn to adoption. They’re delighted when a baby boy is placed in their home. Is heartbreak inevitable?