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21 Reasons You Think You Don't Have Time to Write
1. You are letting people tell you that you should be doing other things with your time.
2. You can’t live with the level of clean that your family accepts as normal.
3. You haven’t decided to treat your writing seriously and so no one around you treats it seriously, either.
4. You haven’t made yourself a writing space.
5. You haven’t realized that you need help.
6. You do what is urgent rather than what is necessary.
7. You don’t let your kids and other people solve their own problems.
8. You think that someday you will have more time for writing.
9. You are spending time doing things you actually don’t care about.
10. You are actually using distractions as an excuse not to write.
11. You are terrified of writing, of actually sitting down and putting yourself on the page.
12. You are too busy criticizing the best selling books that you are reading to write something better.
13. You don’t know what to do with a blank page.
14. You don’t know how to turn off your internal editor.
15. You talk a good game, but you don’t play it.
16. You need to do a little planning and research before you start.
17. You don’t actually like writing. You like having written. (Join the club.)
18. You need to write the first line of the next chapter before leaving for the day.
19. You need to spend time remembering what it is you love about writing.
20. You have convinced yourself that you need 2 hours to write and don’t know how to use the 20 minute chunks you actually have.
21. You don’t have notebooks scattered through the house, including in the bathroom, to jot down inspiration.
2. You can’t live with the level of clean that your family accepts as normal.
3. You haven’t decided to treat your writing seriously and so no one around you treats it seriously, either.
4. You haven’t made yourself a writing space.
5. You haven’t realized that you need help.
6. You do what is urgent rather than what is necessary.
7. You don’t let your kids and other people solve their own problems.
8. You think that someday you will have more time for writing.
9. You are spending time doing things you actually don’t care about.
10. You are actually using distractions as an excuse not to write.
11. You are terrified of writing, of actually sitting down and putting yourself on the page.
12. You are too busy criticizing the best selling books that you are reading to write something better.
13. You don’t know what to do with a blank page.
14. You don’t know how to turn off your internal editor.
15. You talk a good game, but you don’t play it.
16. You need to do a little planning and research before you start.
17. You don’t actually like writing. You like having written. (Join the club.)
18. You need to write the first line of the next chapter before leaving for the day.
19. You need to spend time remembering what it is you love about writing.
20. You have convinced yourself that you need 2 hours to write and don’t know how to use the 20 minute chunks you actually have.
21. You don’t have notebooks scattered through the house, including in the bathroom, to jot down inspiration.
- GenresWritingNonfiction
57 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 24, 2013
9 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
About the author
Mette Ivie Harrison
68 books436 followersMy name is pronounced "Metty" like my mother's "Betty." It is Danish, and we were all named after ancestors. I guess by the time they got to number nine (out of eleven), it was getting tricky. So I got the funny Danish name no one knew how to prounounce. In Denmark, it should be "meta" like "metaphysical." It's from the Greek for "pearl." And no, it's not short for anything. Not even Mediterannean.
My first book, THE MONSTER IN ME was accepted for publication in 1999 and was published in 2002. My second book, MIRA, MIRROR was published in 2004. The latest book, THE PRINCESS AND THE HOUND , was published in 2007. A sequel, THE PRINCESS AND THE BEAR, came out in April of 2009.
I now live in Utah with my husband and 5 children, ages 5 to 14. I write during nap time, or at 4 in the morning, or while the broccoli for dinner is burning. Whenever I get a chance. I love to write the kind of books that I love to read. And I love to discover what is going to happen next, just like a reader would. I also do some racing in triathlon.
from http://www.metteivieharrison.com/myli...
My first book, THE MONSTER IN ME was accepted for publication in 1999 and was published in 2002. My second book, MIRA, MIRROR was published in 2004. The latest book, THE PRINCESS AND THE HOUND , was published in 2007. A sequel, THE PRINCESS AND THE BEAR, came out in April of 2009.
I now live in Utah with my husband and 5 children, ages 5 to 14. I write during nap time, or at 4 in the morning, or while the broccoli for dinner is burning. Whenever I get a chance. I love to write the kind of books that I love to read. And I love to discover what is going to happen next, just like a reader would. I also do some racing in triathlon.
from http://www.metteivieharrison.com/myli...
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 1, 2014
I first heard about Mette Ivie Harrison's 21 Reasons You Think You Don't Have Time to Write when she was a guest on the podcast Writing Excuses. On the podcast, she explained that she wrote the book because people were constantly asking her how to find time to write. Only when it came down to it, it was less about scheduling time and more about eliminating excuses. That's what this book is really about.
While reading this book, I found myself constantly wishing I had found it a year ago. It's a short, fast read (only 63 pages, and the last several pages are samples of her other books on writing), and attacks many of the problems I found myself up against when I had first decided that I wanted to be more serious about my writing. There's just some really good advice here, and not only for writers. Certain points, such as removing toxic friends from your life, or eliminating time wasters, is just good advice in general. Despite the fact that I've more or less learned some of these points on my own, I did pick up some new information as well, such as how to best make use of your breaks from writing. I also liked the fact that it's clearly written by someone that's been there, as Ivie Harrison is constantly pulling from examples from her own life. The only real complaint I had about this book, is that the formatting was really wonky, which made it seem less professional.
21 Reasons You Think You Don't Have Time to Write is a great selection for people who are looking to turn writing from an occasional hobby to a serious part of their lives. It's currently available for free on amazon, so there's no good reason not to pick it up right now.
While reading this book, I found myself constantly wishing I had found it a year ago. It's a short, fast read (only 63 pages, and the last several pages are samples of her other books on writing), and attacks many of the problems I found myself up against when I had first decided that I wanted to be more serious about my writing. There's just some really good advice here, and not only for writers. Certain points, such as removing toxic friends from your life, or eliminating time wasters, is just good advice in general. Despite the fact that I've more or less learned some of these points on my own, I did pick up some new information as well, such as how to best make use of your breaks from writing. I also liked the fact that it's clearly written by someone that's been there, as Ivie Harrison is constantly pulling from examples from her own life. The only real complaint I had about this book, is that the formatting was really wonky, which made it seem less professional.
21 Reasons You Think You Don't Have Time to Write is a great selection for people who are looking to turn writing from an occasional hobby to a serious part of their lives. It's currently available for free on amazon, so there's no good reason not to pick it up right now.
January 4, 2014
I'm torn. There are a few bits of really useful information here, but the book badly, BADLY needs an editor. There was no organization and points were not "elaborated" so much as "digressed from" and "talked around". There was probably as much advice about maintaining a home and family as there was about finding time to write, and Harrison has a peculiar tendency to casually diagnose herself as mentally ill--a habit that walks right up to the boundary of good taste.
Presentation was also an issue. There were a number of typos--which I can forgive--and some curious formatting inconsistencies--which I cannot. Sometimes headers were preceded by page breaks, sometimes they weren't. Sometimes they were bold, sometimes not. Paragraphs had neither indentation nor spaces between, which only served to make the whole thing feel even more rambly.
Definitely worth a skim, and check out the links at the end, but I can't really recommend it. Which is too bad, because, again, there were some good snippets in there.
Presentation was also an issue. There were a number of typos--which I can forgive--and some curious formatting inconsistencies--which I cannot. Sometimes headers were preceded by page breaks, sometimes they weren't. Sometimes they were bold, sometimes not. Paragraphs had neither indentation nor spaces between, which only served to make the whole thing feel even more rambly.
Definitely worth a skim, and check out the links at the end, but I can't really recommend it. Which is too bad, because, again, there were some good snippets in there.
December 31, 2013
This book did have some very useful information in it, and I even highlighted some of it for me to go back and read later. But, the main problem was that by the end of the book, the topics were actually not reasons that you think you don't have time to write, but instead were the things you should be doing. They were advice listings and not the problem reasons to overcome. The other thing that was hard for me to get through was the mechanical errors that may have been introduced in publishing but seem more like editing errors. Basically, the formatting was just off. Some headings we're not bolded while others were, some started on a new page while others didn't, and a few just didn't make sense. Again especially for free this is a good book, it just had some issues. I would still recommend reading it for any writer who is trying to get on with their work.
January 3, 2023
Very Encouraging
I found this book very encouraging because it touched on the magic of writing in such a down to earth way. It wasn't overblown or dramatic, but it wasn't all about money and editing and get your butt to work either. (Though you should of course get working.)
I found myself nodding my head in some places, disagreeing in others, and more importantly feeling that stab in the gut you feel when you realize that those feelings you were having that made you feel stupid and lonely are feelings other people have too and you are not in fact alone.
For a long time I've been wanting advice for the 'middle writers'. The ones who have heard the basics so many times that we're drowning in it. The writers who are not beginners, but who haven't yet found the success or reached the masterful skill they seek. And finally, I found some help for us 'in the middle' writers in this book.
I found this book very encouraging because it touched on the magic of writing in such a down to earth way. It wasn't overblown or dramatic, but it wasn't all about money and editing and get your butt to work either. (Though you should of course get working.)
I found myself nodding my head in some places, disagreeing in others, and more importantly feeling that stab in the gut you feel when you realize that those feelings you were having that made you feel stupid and lonely are feelings other people have too and you are not in fact alone.
For a long time I've been wanting advice for the 'middle writers'. The ones who have heard the basics so many times that we're drowning in it. The writers who are not beginners, but who haven't yet found the success or reached the masterful skill they seek. And finally, I found some help for us 'in the middle' writers in this book.
January 26, 2023
Encouragement for Writers - And All Creatives
Mette's transparency about her own struggles with making time to write while balancing family and the demands from the rest of her life inspires me.
Even aside from my desire to write, this book fired me up to take on all my other creative projects. Her advice for writing challenges usually works just as well for all other creative pursuits and productivity challenges.
Thank you for writing such an inspiring and empowering text!
Mette's transparency about her own struggles with making time to write while balancing family and the demands from the rest of her life inspires me.
Even aside from my desire to write, this book fired me up to take on all my other creative projects. Her advice for writing challenges usually works just as well for all other creative pursuits and productivity challenges.
Thank you for writing such an inspiring and empowering text!
January 22, 2014
I thought this was very helpful in pointing out possible hindrances for writers, including myself. I thought her presentation of each point was done in such a way that it was flexible and adaptable to all kinds of situations, even ones that aren't necessarily writing related. Overall I found it helpful to me in understanding myself as a writer, and also something that could help others in my life that would like to understand some of what it is to be a writer. The only thing that bothered me a little was that I feel like it just stopped at the end, making the questions more like individual articles or essays, rather than a piece of a cohesive whole. I did feel that the pieces related, but I think the lack of some form of end signal made it seem to putter out. Other than that I loved it.
July 3, 2014
Short book filled with advice on removing the obstacles between your desire to write and you actually getting those words on the page. I read this with two hats on. As an ML for nanowrimo I noted a few pointers useful for those struggling to start a novel or to carve out time in busy lives during the annual November writing challenge, although there was nothing I wouldn't have already known myself. As a writer myself I bookmarked a couple of frank tips which will help me to stop hiding behind historical research for my next book, and just get down to it. No, there's nothing brand new here, although it is well-expressed, but sometimes we all need reminding that the only way to become a writer, or to improve our writing, is To Write.
December 31, 2013
Mette gives some of the best writing advice here. Each point of advice is well thought out. She's inspirational with the way that she addresses how to make the most of what little time you have. She makes a good case on how to overcome major conflicts and everyday frustrations in life and still be able to make time to write. In the end, she provides the aspiring writer with strong motivation to manage time and take control of life. This read is a major inspiration for me as an aspiring writer. I'm ready to set out and make time to write without any excuses thanks to Mette's wisdom. Thank you Mette!
June 10, 2014
It was a very quick read, probably about 45 minutes at most. I liked some of the anecdotes and I highlighted some advice. Unfortunately, I feel like this could very easily be a blog series instead of a book. I get trying to capitalize on your advice, but blog clicks would probably be just as good. If the book wasn't only $0.99, I wouldn't have bought it and I wouldn't recommend anyone else spending more than that.
I think the parts about motherhood/marriage and a writing career had some particularly good advice but I think I just struggle with a life balance issue. Julia Cameron's The Artist Way was a better source of info on overcoming my internal editor and ignoring the naysayers.
I think the parts about motherhood/marriage and a writing career had some particularly good advice but I think I just struggle with a life balance issue. Julia Cameron's The Artist Way was a better source of info on overcoming my internal editor and ignoring the naysayers.
January 10, 2014
All writer's have things that can get in the way of their writing. Mette uses her vast experience to expose these hang-ups and how best to avoid or maneuver them. Not all 21 points will apply to everyone...or maybe not yet. We're all at different places, but it's easy to see that most writers will encounter them at some point in their writing...even if they see it in someone else.
This is a great way to re-charge your work ethic. Great tips and insights all crammed into a quick-read. A clear recipe for success.
This is a great way to re-charge your work ethic. Great tips and insights all crammed into a quick-read. A clear recipe for success.
January 1, 2014
Most of these apply.
As a 26 year old husband and father working retail, I can say that nearly every point made in this book can be applied to me. The author points out several methods of dealing with these, some of which I already knew, some I did not. The most important point however is that all of my excuses for not writing are just that: excuses. Time is an authors most important commodity, and the author has helped me realize that I have wasted far too much of it already.
As a 26 year old husband and father working retail, I can say that nearly every point made in this book can be applied to me. The author points out several methods of dealing with these, some of which I already knew, some I did not. The most important point however is that all of my excuses for not writing are just that: excuses. Time is an authors most important commodity, and the author has helped me realize that I have wasted far too much of it already.
September 24, 2013
I felt this book had good advice about writing, but also good advice about meeting goals in general. Mette Ivie Harrison approaches the process of writing like any other sort of long-term life goal. She breaks the process down into smaller goals and objectives that need to be met in order to achieve the larger goal. I appreciated the very practical approach presented in this short book.
January 20, 2014
Harrison gives a lot of good advice in this quick read. Some of the reasons mentioned and discussed are ones that I have had. This book has really encouraged me to step up my writing and do something about these excuses. I definitely recommend this book. Furthermore, I highly recommend the podcast "Writing Excuses" for similar advice.
January 7, 2014
I picked this book up for free on Kindle after hearing the author, Mette Ivie Harrison, on the podcast Writing Excuses. It served as a quick dose of advice which was a mix of common sense and encouragement. I enjoyed the short anecdotes she used to punctuate each reason. Truly, you should think of this book as more of a short essay from the author to anyone who wants to write.
March 16, 2016
This book struck so many chords with me, I felt Mette Ivie Harrison was plagiarising my life. This was an emotional read for me.
Needless to say, I have made changes.
Needless to say, I have made changes.
September 12, 2016
It was free, short and useful. I can't ask for more than that.
January 8, 2014
Great, quick read. There were actually lots of typos but more importantly, good insights. A good tool for motivation.
January 10, 2014
Yeah, there's a few home truths and helpful tips in there. Ouch. I consider myself prodded.
Could have done with an edit, though, there were some truly awful typos.
Could have done with an edit, though, there were some truly awful typos.
May 19, 2014
Some good pieces of advice here, it was definitely worth reading although marred a bit by formatting issue.
April 6, 2017
Excellent Motivation
Mettle Ivie Harrison presents the frustrated or procrastinating writer with strategies to move forward with their writing. If you think you don't have time too write, I definitely recommend this book. I didn't give it five stars because of the number of typos, but this book truly contains excellent advice.
Mettle Ivie Harrison presents the frustrated or procrastinating writer with strategies to move forward with their writing. If you think you don't have time too write, I definitely recommend this book. I didn't give it five stars because of the number of typos, but this book truly contains excellent advice.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews