Finding Time

[Emily]

Hello, everyone!

I am posting this topic as a help to myself and many others who struggle to read and/or write during their busy life schedule. I was hoping for some feedback on what others might do to get such tasks done.

For me, I usually read 30 minutes or more a day and write as much as I can everyday. Some days are good, others not so much, and I fail to do such important tasks with everything going on that I feel I get behind on doing the things I love.

Anyone who may have suggestions for a lover of books and a hope-to-become author is greatly appreciated! 🐾

[Jennifer, Moderator]

Anthony Trollope published what, 47 novels? Many of them written on the train while he did his job for the postal service. Sometimes he wrote 15 minutes a day. He prioritized that task enough to consistently do it in that environment, and it worked for him. Seems to me the trick would be getting into focus in that short time -- maybe leaving off on a sentence the day before already knowing what you want the next sentence to be, and then you can pick right up the next day. Always knowing what comes next.

Louis L'Amour kept a typewriter with a different book in progress in each of several rooms in his house. He got stuck on one, he'd change rooms and work on another. I think I'd find that too confusing, but if you have the kind of mind that can keep plot lines, characters and details straight, multiple projects can keep you from getting stuck and getting nothing done.

I listen to books on tape. I do not listen to podcasts or music or watch television when I can be listening to a book instead. :)

[Emily]

Okay, I’ll try that! Thanks, Jennifer! 🐾

[Ioana]

I listen to audiobooks during my commute, when I take a walk by myself, when cooking or doing other things around the house. I'm like Jennifer "I do not listen to podcasts or music or watch television when I can be listening to a book instead. :)"

[Emily]

Thanks, Ioana!

I’ve only listened to two audio books in my life at the moment-one I tried after reading the book and didn’t finish because I felt it didn’t carry the right tone like mu mind had set when reading the book. The other was because they didn’t have the book itself, but it was actually pretty good with added sound effects to parts in the background.

I’m not a full fan of audiobooks, but listening to them on my commute or a vacation while driving is an idea. Even walking-since I do love to do that!

I’ll give it a try! 🐾

[Ioana]

Emily, with audiobooks, the narrator makes a huge difference. Some are great, some not so much. Plus, different people life different voices, some prefer a single narrator while others like a cast of readers/voices/characters, some prefer certain genres as audio and other genres are "read" books, you'll just have to experiment and see who and what you like.
I for example can't listen while driving, but my commute is by bus so that's at least a couple of hours every day. Good luck!

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

I've started making more time to read now I've found that lying on the bed is an ideal place to read. I do keep wanting to try audiobooks, am starting with podcasts while I walk. Unfortunately I do like watching TV too

[Denise]

I read books when I am at home usually curled up on the couch or while taking a bath. I listen to audiobooks when I am driving and once my store has closed and it is time to clean I just pop in my earbuds and listen to my audiobook.

[Madeline , Moderator]

Last year I listened to more books than I read. It worked for me, but I hope to actually make time to read more this year.

[Emily]

Thanks everyone! I really appreciate the help on this! 🐾