Finding Time to Write

Finding the time to write is sometimes difficult. I have an erratic schedule, sometimes flying days, sometimes nights. I cross time zones, and my body clock is frequently not the same as the time clock. I sleep strange hours, sometimes for short periods of time and then will turn around and sleep for an entire day.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining one bit. It’s that variety, and sense of no two days ever being the same, that draws me to the job. I’m just struggling with finding the best time to write.

Accomplished writers say that you just have to write every day. Most writers have some sort of routine to their writing, whether it’s on a time schedule every day or achieving a particular output every day. Neither of those options seems to fit my lifestyle as a flight attendant.

For now, I think I’ll try the idea of writing when I’m on a layover. I’m in a hotel room, so there is no laundry staring me in the face, nor is there a list of household chores waiting for me to get to. I can keep my own schedule, without consideration for anyone else, as long as I get enough rest to show up and work productively for my next flight. I travel with a laptop, and most hotels have high speed access. I love it when it’s wi-fi (right now I’m laying in bed and typing this post), even better when it’s free. This may be the routine that works for me right now.

I’m going to spend some time reading and researching other writers to learn how they schedule their writing time. If I’m lucky, I’ll find a routine that will work for me in the long run.