Attach writing to another action

A few years ago I was experiencing severe headaches caused by pinched nerves in my neck and shoulders. My chiropractor ordered me to stretch often. Not being as good a patient as I should be, I often forgot. Finally, I told him I was getting better at remembering since I started stretching every time I saw my dog or one of my two cats stretch. He thought it was such a great idea he told his other patients about it.

If it’s a challenge for you to find time to write, try attaching the action of writing with another errand, chore, or event.

• Each time you check your email, set a kitchen timer for 15 or 30 minutes and write.
• Every time you come home, jot down notes from your journey that you can use for character and scene building later.
• Before bed, take five minutes to make a list of ways to add realism, or fantasy, to your writing.

If you’re committed to writing during a certain time, in this case, while cooking dinner, for example, be sure to hold yourself to it. After all, if you don’t, you’re the only one who’s hurting.