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,