Note from the Editor: The following post is taken from Writer’s Time: Management That Works. This program functions with an open enrollment. The first step to maximize your writing time is to commit to writing your memoir—really commit. More than other choice, committing to write will focus you and make every other decision easier—and even sometimes […]

Note from the Editor: The following post is taken from Writer’s Time: Management That Works. This program functions with an open enrollment.

The first step to maximize your writing time is to commit to writing your memoir—really commit. More than other choice, committing to write will focus you and make every other decision easier—and even sometimes unnecessary.

“But I already want to write my memoir!” I can hear some hypothetical writer protesting. “I am very interested.”

How “committed” manages time and how “interested in” does not

No, commitment is not about wanting to write a memoir, not about trying to write one, and not about being interested in writing one…

Writing a memoir requires a significant investment of time. Successful writers find the time to write while unsuccessful ones do not and that is why they are unsuccessful.

We all find the time to do those things we are committed to doing—and don’t find the time for those things we don’t particularly want to do. We just mask not caring enough about something as not having the time or “having to do.”

We say “I want to write, but I have to…” The activity following “I have to…” is probably something we care more to do more than writing—or at least we find it less difficult. Rather than say “I don’t want to write,” we say “…but I have to…”

When you are committed to writing your memoir:

• You find a way, in spite of your feelings or what is going on in the moment, of showing up for your memoir
• You might say “I’m too tired to write now because I did not sleep well last night, but perhaps I can spend an hour reading old journals and taking notes. That’s pre-writing that will move my memoir forward.”
• You develop new habits. “I can put off viewing the morning news so I can use my ‘best energy’ time for writing. I can do the news later—on the web or in print.”
• You read books on writing memoir and you read memoirs
• You take classes and workshops.
• You sign up for coaching and editing

Don’t schedule an activity before writing time if that activity is likely to have a time overrun.  Honor your regular writing time regardless of how you feel on any given day.

Writing a memoir needs to be treated seriously, like a priority, like a job. Your schedule is your friend in writing quantity. The more you write the better you become.

Are you ready to change your “I’m interested in” to “I’m committed to” managing your memoir writing time?

The Writer’s Time: Management That Works Program can help you set your priorities and commit to writing your memoir.

Whatever you do today, write a bit on your memoir.