Make The Most Of Your Writing Time

Wife, Mom, Business Owner, Chef, Taxi Driver…SO MANY HATS! Does this sound familiar? Some days it feels like there aren’t enough hours in the day…or there isn’t enough you to go around.

As a work-at-home-mom, maximizing your time, energy, and effort isn’t an option—it’s essential. So how can you incorporate writing into your already busy schedule? The best (and only) way is to make sure you’re making the most of your writing time.

Plan Ahead

If you presently aren’t writing much, the first thing you’ll need to do is plan ahead. When would be a reasonable time for you to write? How many minutes can you devote to writing for the first few weeks? It is important to build your momentum so you won’t quickly become burned out or frustrated.

Use your planning time wisely to:

• write a list of topics.
• brainstorm an idea you’d like to write an article about.
• create an article idea bank.

 

Draw From Experience

You know more about your business than anyone else. Use this to your advantage. How you can pull from personal experience, to write articles that relate to your business? People are typically drawn to others who are personable and share personal stories. Pulling from your own experiences helps to simplify the writing process.

Use your experience to:

• share your own mistake with your readers, to help them not to make the same.
• offer helpful tips.
• warn of potential pitfalls to avoid.

 

Write First, Edit Later

One thing that sidetracks lots of writers is attempting to edit while writing the first draft. If you have less writing experience, avoid this at all costs. Get your rough drafts out and let them rest. Go back later with fresh eyes.

Use your rough drafts to:

• quickly put your idea on paper.
• collect information or resources to follow-up on.
• batch-write articles (more to come on this topic).

 

Write In Bursts

If all else fails, turn to quick-writing with Writing Bursts. Set your timer for 10-15 minutes (pick a short time limit that doesn’t scare you), then write. Don’t stop writing until your time is up.

Use your Writing Bursts to:

• write fast first drafts.
• brainstorm article ideas.
• create article outlines.