5:00 A.M.? Must Be Time To Write…

When I first had the idea for this post, I thought I would simply go out to the web and poke around into writer’s routines. I wanted to excavate what specific daily agenda they set for themselves in order to be productive, get published, and be successful. What I discovered, however, was something entirely different. You see, no such formula exists. Finding time for writing is something that most writers must consciously create. Much like the way in which we devise our stories, plots and characters, we must purposefully work to carve out that precious slice of time from our daily lives to practice the number one tenet of writing: BIC (butt in chair).

Thomas Hardy worked in architecture and wrote from 6:00 p.m. to midnight; Kafka’s government position left little time for writing or for family, and he often began writing at 11:00 p.m., sometimes working through the night until 6:00 a.m. and heading back to the job by 8:30; attorney John Grisham could only write from 5:30 a.m. until he had to hustle off to the courthouse; both Alice Monro and Toni Morrison wrote while raising young children (the most demanding job of all!)

The flip side to all of this are those authors who have risen to the level of “full time” writer: William Styron, Stephen King and Roald Dahl are all examples of those blessed to be able to pursue this profession as their official occupation. Then there is Emily Post, who would lounge, writing, in bed until noon or later.

As for me, I will continue to daydream about the time when I get to spend my days and nights doing the one thing I love most – writing. Until then, I will continue to steal snippets from the stopwatch at irregular intervals – and enjoying every single second of it.

 So what about you?
What would your ideal writing day look like?

Beth Zellner

http://www.bethnbijoux.blogspot.com/