I wrote my crime novel during the Tasmanian winter of 2011. I wrote it while working full-time in advertising and running a successful freelance business, and managing a high-energy home life…
I have always gotten more done when I am at my busiest. To write a novel in 3 months, I wrote 1000+ words a day.
What I know now, about writing a novel while working full-time, is that you must let go of two preconceived (and false) writing concepts…
1. There is a perfect place for writing
Nope: there is no such thing.
If you wait for the perfect place to write, it won’t ever happen. I’ve fallen into this trap before. When I was younger and single and uncommitted, I wanted the cliched writer’s desk, study and all the trappings that go with it. Now that my life is – and looks like it will always be – perpetually chaotic and crazy, I know better.
Now, all I absolutely require is an uncluttered work area.
Generally, I work on my laptop in our study – or while sitting on my bed. Or on the couch. Or the kitchen table. For easy transportation, I also pasted my entire novel (in A4 sheets) into a scrapbook, which I’d take out into the park at lunchtime to work on. I’d also work on it while on the bus to and from work.
Occasionally, when I have been granted precious solo time, I have worked at my shack on Bruny Island. I don’t necessarily get lots more done there, but I’m grateful for the inspirational environment and the chance to totally immerse myself in my book.
2. There is a perfect time for writing
Nope: there is no such thing.
Writing is like anything else in life – you either choose to make it a priority, or you don’t. Simple.
When you work full-time and have a family, life is a non-stop juggling act. It’s easy to put yourself and your writing dreams last. I know this only too well.
But, if you passively wait for the perfect time to ‘be a writer’, something else is guaranteed to sabotage your intent.
So, then – and now – I have had to make choices:
Do I relax during my weekday lunch hours… or do I work on my book?
Do I lie in on weekends… or do I work on my book?
Do I watch something on TV… or do I work on my book?
Do I read a magazine on the bus to work… or do I work on my book?
You get the picture.
There is no magic formula
Writing a novel while managing the demands of a career and a family comes down to discipline, drive and lots of little decisions (that really add up).
Even when I didn’t feel like writing, I would still do it.
Even now, I have to work hard to continue to make writing a priority. It is somewhat exhausting. But I have committed to giving my writing the respect it deserves. And I keep my eye on the prize.