Finding Time to Write
When I first began writing, I would get up early before the kids were awake and write my heart out. Every spare moment I had, I would write, write, and write some more.
I found little pockets of time throughout the day to put my words on the page. There’s really no magic solution or specific routine to churning out word after word. Eventually after lots of writing the words began to add up.
When an idea came to mind, I would try to record it right then. If I didn’t, I would quickly forget the idea and it would be lost in the land of forgotten thoughts and might never return. Rather than having a rigorous writing schedule, I had to act fast when the words came.
Sometimes that meant after I had rested my head on my pillow, I was back up and writing within seconds. Other times it meant stopping a chore or an errand to put words into an app on my phone that I could come back to later.
As my life and seasons have changed over the past two years and I have completed my first book, my writing routines have changed too. More recently, I am doing less writing and more face to face ministry, which I do enjoy.
I do love writing, but you could say it’s a newer love that is still growing. In this season, especially during summer, I would much rather be with people than behind a computer screen.
In a few months when the cold weather creeps in, I’ll cuddle up on the couch and hunker down behind the computer again for a new project.
Your life will include seasons too! Whether you are a writer or have another gift that you use for the kingdom of God, there will be times that your seasons change.
Embrace the change.
For me, change brings challenge. And I’m learning more and more that challenges keep me close to Jesus.
When change brings challenges that take me to my knees, I gain new understanding and love for my Savior. I don’t mean to sound super-spiritual, but I do want to share the truth. And the truth is that God is consistent to bring things into my life that make me seek Him more.
When I seek Him more, I know Him more. And it’s beautiful.
I’ve had so much change in the past few years. And for me, so much change means so much more of Jesus.
How do I find time to write? It’s different in every season, but in my book writing season, I simply wrote when God gave me words.
If you have ever thought about writing a book or have sensed God’s prompting to write a book or start a blog, consider putting your thoughts down on paper when the idea comes. Right away. Don’t wait.
Sometimes words are practice, sometimes they are published, and other times they are simply preparation for the next season of life.
I’ve written thousands of words over the last two years and only some of them will be read by others. All the rest aren’t wasted; they are words that God gave me to learn, to grow, to change.
Those challenging times that cause you to churn inside, might be God directing your heart to write.
Writing is an exercise that helps you process your innermost thoughts. When you put your thoughts to the page, you soon see things in a new light.
You’ll see the pain, the power of God, His presence, and often the result is that you’ll discover the purpose of all that you are going through.
And now one of my favorite Psalms to encourage your heart as you seek God in whatever season you are in:
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.Psalm 23
That’s all for this week, but I hope you’ll join me next week as I share a little insight into my journey of becoming a published author.
If you are planning to write a book or have wondered about how I did it, I would love to hear from you! Send me a message, leave a comment, or give me a shout out on Facebook.
Be encouraged! God has a purpose for your story!
Love & Blessings,
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This is so great! I really need the encouragement to jot down my thoughts right away…I feel like I’ll have inspiration or an interesting idea, but I let it slip away when other things come up (and as a SAHM of two little ones, lots of other things come up). Thanks for sharing! Glad I found your blog today through the Modest Monday linkup. ❤
Someone gave me that tip and it has changed my writing. I’m rarely at a loss for something to write about. I’m also a stay at home mom and it’s so easy to let life keep me from putting my words down on paper. I never regret writing though. I wish you the best in your writing endeavors and many blessings as you write one idea at time.
There are seasons in our lives… in many ways. Sometimes I write and produce lots of material… other times it is lesser because of whatever reason… but it seems I cannot… stop writing… it is a part of me and something I HAVE to do. :)
I get this completely! Keep writing!
So encouraging! Thanks for sharing a little bit of the story behind your words! Blessings on your new book!
Thanks so much, Liz! Hugs!
This certainly stuck out to me —> “Sometimes words are practice, sometimes they are published, and other times they are simply preparation for the next season of life.” I know writing is big in helping me process and sometimes I can share what I’ve written to help others but sometimes it’s just for working through something. Here’s to embracing the seasons and the words when they come. Thanks for sharing MIcah! Hope you are well!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Heather. I’m doing great! It’s a crazy season with the book about to come out, but it’s a good season! Have a great week!
As someone who published a book a few months ago, this is sage advice Micah. I can so relate. In fact,I still keep a notebook nearby to write down any inspiration for either a future post or my next book. It has been difficult adjusting to the season of change now that the book has published. however, god continues to reveal to me so many things that I cannot wait to share. I have always had a desire to write since my first year of high school. I am humbled that God has given me this avenue to share what He continues to put on my heart. Congrats on publishing your book. Have a wonderful week and may God continue to bless you and yours in all your endeavors.
I’ve wondered what it might be like after the book is complete. Perhaps God has another project for you to work on. People keep asking what my next book is, but I don’t know yet if there will be another one or not. It’s hard to imagine that this is the only one, but then it’s hard to imagine writing an entire other book too. We’ll see what God has in store! Congratulations on your accomplishment! And may God bless you as you continue to follow His leading!
I struggle, too, with the struggle to “find time” and “make time” for writing. I laugh sometimes at all the little raggy pieces of paper in my planner — a phrase or a thought that I want to remember for some future post. I love the richness and the undercurrent of meaning that writing has brought to my days.
Writing has become such a wonderful way to process things for me. It gives me clarity when life gets crowded. Richness is a great word for what writing brings to life. Hugs, Michele! Have a great week!
Thank you for writing this! I struggle with getting my thoughts onto paper in the way that I think them a lot lately. There are so many words but when I start writing, they don’t come out the way I’d like. I homeschool my kids, which means that if I don’t get up early and stay up after they go to bed, I get very little time for writing. However, I love what you said about all the words we write being useful. I’ve never thought about it that way. I have many journals full of words that no one will ever read but those are the words that have helped me to grow and they’ve shaped me into who I am.
I understand the homeschool gig. Been there for three years. Early mornings and late nights are my go to. Keep writing. Your words have a purpose. Hugs!
This encourages me as I’m writing my book too! I’m having trouble finding time to do extra (blog/article) writing, but your thought of finding spare pockets of time encourages me!
I had a season towards the finish line of my book deadline that I set blogging aside. It was a good break from blogging and a needed concentration on the book. I can’t wait to see how God uses your book to encourage others! I love your writing, Betsy. Keep me posted on your progress!
Dear Micah, thanks for sharing some insights into the journey of writing. Like you, sometimes those blogging inspirations have to be captured immediately or be lost. I’m a chronic list-maker, digital and paper. After 3 years of blogging, I’very figured out that I do better with short series, and if I don’t write all the posts in quick sucession, I may lose the thread and motivation. As for writing for publication, as crazy as it may sound, God gives me the stories and when I sit down to write, they usually just flow. That doesn’t mean they don’t need tweaking, but the gist is there. The downside is that the stories can’t be forced. What a wonderful time we live in that women are considered to be as gifted as men, and that “writing” can wear so many faces. Prayers for time and inspiration.
What a gift to have the words when you need them. That is priceless. Keep writing sister!
Thank you for sharing. I too will have some great thoughts or encouragement from God and with all good intentions, I’ll tell myself that I’ll make a note of my thoughts later in the day or when I’ve completed the task at hand. However, the moment never comes and I’ve neglected to write down my thoughts. Thank you for sharing your tips on taking time to write them down. And, I look forward to reading about your journey to published author!
Thank you so much! I hope you find the time you need and make the notes to get some of your thoughts down on paper. Blessings on your writing journey!
Micah- thank you for the transparency here! With 5 kids, I write in pockets too. Many times when the thoughts come I do use my phone, but I yearn to be able to sit down right then and there and let them flow.
I’m interested in hearing how you went from writing and blogging to publishing a book!
Seems so unattainable to me in this season:)
Visiting from #CoffeeforYourHeart
There is no magic plan. It was just one tiny step at a time. I’m posting the publishing post tomorrow! I would love to hear your thoughts on it.
Micah, this was so encouraging to read! Thank you for sharing at Mommy Moments last week, it was the top viewed link and will be featured at Mommy Moments tomorrow! Congratulations :)
Thanks Faith!
Thank you for sharing about your writing seasons. I am currently blogging on my blog, Susan’s Thoughts and Musings.com, and writing a memoir of my childhood abuse. I pray that it will be finished by the end of the year. Some of the book is difficult to write, but I feel God’s leading to share it with others that have been abused. You have encouraged me to continue my writing even through the difficult times
God Bless, Susan…
I’m so thankful this was an encouragement to you. Keep seeking God and following His leading. You never know how God will use your story to help someone else.
Thank you, Micah. Have a blessed day.