Welcome to Tuesday Tips - a weekly blog post for busy writers!
I recently tried something new and it worked for me. I hope it helps you. I call it Tread to Text.
Early in my writing career I had the misconception that there was a perfect schedule or technique for finding time to write. Some #writers arise very early to find time to compose. They do their best thinking in the wee hours of the morning. I am not them. I do not believe that 4:00 am is a time of day!
I do my best thinking when I keep a regular schedule of sleep and physical activity, but I also find that when I get busy implementing all my great ideas, the physical activity gets pushed aside.
Then the downward spiral of counterproductivity begins.
Recently, I decided to see if I could knock off two tasks at once by using a little technology. I hopped on the treadmill, opened a Google Document on my phone, turned on the microphone, and started to move and talk at the same time. (I come from a long line of talkers, so this part was easy for me!)
It worked!
There was no punctuation and my words were a bit garbled, but I was able to save the main ideas and some fluff before they escaped me - all while logging a couple miles.
No treadmill? No problem!
I took the technique on the road today. It’s a little trickier. I had to hold my phone up and it interfered with my arm swinging a bit, but it worked.
I won’t always use the Tread to Text technique, but it will come in handy.
My point is, do what works for you.
If you write early, then write early. If you write late or use sticky notes all over the house to remember your great ideas, do that! Most importantly, write! Don’t get bogged down in the distractions or the parameters that other writers use. Find what works for you and find time to write!
And don’t call me before 6:00 am. I’ll probably be sleeping!