If I just had 5 minutes to write!

Do you ever feel like there just isn't enough time in the day to sit down and write? And then you feel guilty because you didn't try hard enough to find those 5 minutes? Me, I definitely do this. But even if I do find 5 minutes, I still feel like I didnt give my writing enough attention for that day.

I recently came across a good article by Shery Ma Belle Arrieta-Russ where she makes some really good points about how to find that extra 5-minutes in your day to write that I had never thought about. Maybe by reading this all of us will get some useful ideas from it and never miss that 5 minutes a day to write again!

Leave me a comment (if you can find 5 minutes that is) and let me know what you think!

Below is the article:

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In The Beginning

a regular column by Shery Ma Belle Arrieta-Russ

Start as a 5-Minute Writer

5 minutes. That's all you need to begin writing. You don't have to set aside a morning, a day, or even a weekend to write.

If you do, it will only put pressure on you; writing then becomes a chore, an appointment in your already busy schedule.

And like your other appointments, you'll be tempted to move your writing schedule to some other time.

So rather than put yourself in a position where you "have" to write because "it's in my schedule," start by finding 5 minutes in your day and then use those minutes to write.

How long does it take for your e-mails to finish downloading? There's your 5-minute writing time.

Your casserole takes how many minutes to simmer? There's your 5-minute writing time.

How long do you have to wait for the bus (or train) at the terminal? There's your 5-minute writing time.

Stuck in a long check-out line at the supermarket? There's your 5-minute writing time.

How long before it's your turn to do your morning ritual in the bathroom/toilet? There's your 5-minute writing time.

I'm certain you can think of other situations in your life where you can snatch those 5 minutes.

In 5 minutes, write how you're feeling at that moment; describe where you are; do a one-paragraph character sketch of the tired-looking cashier; make a list of things you want to do or don't want to do at the present time.

Snatch those 5 minutes of writing time every day. That's not a lot to ask for when there are 1,440 minutes in a day.

Start as a 5-minute writer. Give yourself time to be comfortable and used to this new habit. Allow those 5 minutes of writing time to blend in with your every day life. Soon you'll be writing beyond your 5-minute writing time, and you won't even notice your 5 minutes are up!

Copyright © Shery Ma Belle Arrieta-Russ