Time is a double edged sword to a writer. It can be a tool of creativity or weapon of mass destruction. Just as I mentioned earlier this month, writing is a discipline! It will always be art, but it will definitely remain a discipline. Let know one fool you, dearest one.

But with all things, you must make time for it, place an intention towards what you desire to do in that slotted time, as well. This may sound like an scary thought, but it isn’t I promise.

Every writer is different. Every process to write and create is different. But one thing is certain. A writer is a writer because they write. There is no shortcut to the words or their mastery. In order to be a writer, you must write.

Shonda Rimes says that if you can make time to write something ten minutes a day, that is magnificent. Jay-Z wrote rhymes on paper bags and shoved them in his pockets while he was trappin. Stephen King, while working as an English teacher before Carrie was published, came home from work and wrote for two hours every night. Anne Rice has a calendar in her writing room and she puts he number of pages she does every day she writes on that calendar.

The goal is, if it’s possible, write something everyday. Do something that relates to writing, your writing, Whether that be freewrite, write, or research.

As you grow in your talent and desire to write, you will develop your own schedule. For me, I try and write a little everyday. I have a set day during the week where if I’m working on a story where I write for at least two hours. But–that’s my schedule. If I don’t make that time to write, I don’t beat myself up about it.

Writing schedules encourage writing to take place. They encourage creativity and continued flow ideas. Here are some helpful hints to make this process better:

• Construction of your writing schedule must be determined by your own individual standard.
• Make your schedule such that you can revise it or make it as flexible as you need it to be.
• Try your best to adhere to the schedule you make.

Your writing schedule is your map. It allows you to uncover the work you are doing, and be faithful to its completion. Don’t fear the process. It’s the process that strengthens your voice, your confidence and your need to continue writing.

Just like your vocabulary, your pen and paper, the cloud to save documents, your writing schedule is a tool. Don’t shun its power, it’s need and your desire to write. It helps when you have a rough week to know you have something to look forward to, a day to create a better world, even if it’s inside your head.

 

Jennifer P. Harris

Editor/Founder-Shekinah Glory Writing Services