Making time

 When writers get together there is frequently talk about making time to write. Life happens, work happens -  often there are only snatched moments - the journey to work, time before the family wakes up, or after they are in bed - a short spell in a cafe. Carving these out takes effort - but they are not actually any good without thinking time to go with them. The brain needs time to process. If you don't get space to 'plan' - even if you are at heart a pantser, sitting down with an empty sheet of paper/computer screen probably will be difficult. It's not actually waiting for inspiration - writing is a job as well as a pleasure. And if it is not mostly a pleasure, then IMHO you are not doing it right. Okay - there are days when the words flow like treacle running up hill, but you do have to want to do it, deep in your bones. Wanting still requires application - you need to be professional, even if not yet published. You are expecting that someone will be paying you to read this - or you hope they will. It deserves your best shot. And if you enjoy it, the reader probably will too. Love shows. 

So - what do you do to get that thinking time? These are a few ideas I have heard.

Morning pages - writing a sort of stream of consciousness journal first thing when you wake up. to get the mind in the mood. Doesn't appeal at all to me, but others swear by it.

Music - this one I do use when stuck. For me it works at home and in concerts. Concerts tend to be new ideas. Need to make notes quickly though.

Walking. You will have seen social media posts from authors about 'plot walks.' Time out to get thoughts in order and fresh air and exercise too - something a writer needs! Very much my thing in the past, although health problems have curtailed my walks recently. I live in hope of resuming them. 

Simply staring into space /out of the window. A kind of guided meditation? Best done when alone or on public transport? You need to be relaxed enough for the mind to wander so I find looking out of train windows can be useful

Those are ideas. If you are stuck, I hope one of them works.