Should he leave his job so he can finally find the time to put pen to paper?
Or will he realize that its possible to make time for his passion if hes willing to dig deep?
Some people have problems that require delicate advice from a qualified professional.
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My parents dont have the ability to support me if things go south.
I havent really written anything new (thats not related to work) since law school.
I have nothing left to give.
All the productivity articles in the world about time management etc.
Im at the point where I feel like the only way to move forward is to quit my job.
Moving onto another job as a litigator is not really a solution because the work requirements are pretty universal.
The only difference is less pay for less-challenging/boring work at other employers.
I dont want to be sad and have regret.
What should I do?
After work, Id go home and veg out because I was totally wiped.
I could never find time to sit down and plink those keys, especially with a refreshed mind.
I was against the ropes, convinced Id be stuck where I was forever.
You are currently at a similar crossroads, WW.
Right now, the question for you is not How do I become a writer?
The question you should be asking yourself is Do I actually want to be a writer?
You say you havent written since law school because youre too busy and tired?
Almost every writergets their start while working another job, myself included.
If you really think on this and decide you dont want to be a writer, thats okay.
Itll pass; dont leave your job.
I dont care if you think this sounds stupiddo it.
Youll never convince yourself to write more if you dont allow yourself to believe youre capable of it.
Remind yourself that what you write doesnt need to be good; it just needs to exist.
Dont let fear or perfectionism hold you back.
Writing is 90% revision anyway.
Get some freaking words down.
Take a thorough look at your daily schedule and look for times when youre free.
Its clearly there, so dont lie to yourself.
Even a block of ten minutes is enough to start.
You might be surprised how much time you actually have each day.
Create a writing schedule.
This is essential because you oughta make writing a habit.
No habit, no writing, no change to your life.
If you want change, make changes.
Through trial and error you will eventually figure out what works for you.
Stick to your writing schedule.Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jennifer Egan says, Exercising is a good analogy for writing.
If youre not used to exercising, you want to avoid it forever.
If youre used to it, it feels uncomfortable and strange not to.
No matter where you are in your writing career, the same is true for writing.
Even fifteen minutes a day will keep you in the habit.
Do your exercise, WW.
Repeat dosage as needed.
If symptoms persist, re-evaluate whether you actually want to be a writer or not.
Now is the time to take action, WW.
Its the only thing that separates the wannabes from the real writers.
