by Alena Wendall, @alenawendall
Are you trying to find time to fit everything into one day? I sometimes shake my head at how busy my day can get.
This year I’m trying to be more intentional with my time. As I get older, I realize just how quick time goes and I want to succeed and hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant” when I stand before The King. For me, that means being faithful to the calling of writing.
I’ve had to develop tricks to incorporate the time needed to hone my craft.
I’ve listed a few of my favorites below.
Audible – Listen to craft books on the go or while exercising. I downloaded, The Story Equation by Susan May Warren, and listened to it while on the elliptical. I also listened to the book while on a drive from Houston to Dallas. I loved accomplishing two things at once! Hey, who doesn’t love a two-for-one special?
Craft Books – The paper kind. I’ve recently purchased additional editing books that weren’t available in Audible. I don’t have time during the day (that pesky day job again) to read. I’ve found that the simple habit of leaving the book on my pillow in the morning helps me read a chapter before bed at night. The simple “prompt” of it being on my pillow when I get into bed helps!
Webinars – I purchase a class, and if they offer it, I also purchase the recorded session. When I re-watch a webinar, I always take more notes because I can catch things, I missed the first time around. Note – this can be done at a walking pace on the treadmill. (Can you tell I’m trying to maximize my time?)
These take a little more time but are well worth it!
Critiques: The first time someone I didn’t know personally critiqued my book, I thought, “This lady is crazy. I wrote it that way, and it makes perfect sense!” But for kicks, I incorporated the suggestions, and my scene was better after I added the recommendations! The words were tighter and more impactful for the reader. I had to be willing to join the critique group and listen to the advice without being sensitive. I’ve learned so much already from participating.
Conferences: It looks like we will be able to start attending conferences this year. Yippee! When you attend a conference, you can learn from others’ mistakes and use their tips and tricks to hone your craft! The investment is worth it!
I hope these tips help! Feel free to pass on any ideas you have!
Blessings!
Writing as Alena Wendall, Alena Tauriainen pens contemporary Christian romance novels that always end with a happily ever after. By day, she partners with her lifelong mate Clyde, to run the family HVAC business. She manages both business and family life with four lovable but crazy kids. She is the Retreats Coordinator for My Book Therapy. She is represented by Rachelle Gardner with Books & Such Literary Management. Visit her at alenawendall.com.