Fitting in time to blog can be a hard thing. A full time job, dates, commitments with friends and having time to actually relax and sit down to write can sometimes be challenging.
So many times I have found myself under deadline, or with an opinion piece that I really want to write and end up writing at 11pm. Not ideal. But writing still brings me so much joy, so how do you do it?
The challenge is to fit my blogging around my life and still being able to be creative with it and keep the joy and excitement in there, without it being a chore.
For me, that means creating a virtual office that I can take with me everywhere, whilst maintaining a home base where I collate my ideas. Here is how I do it:
Buy a Notice Board
I have recently purchased a notice board for my room where I can pin my notes for my latest blogging ideas and projects. I use colourful post it notes along with pages from my notebook in order to create a visual aide that I can look at for reminders of what is in my to do list along with inspirations for future pieces. For me, this works much better than a calendar or diary.
Utilize Your Travel Time
I worked out the other day that I spend 45 minutes on the bus every day. Perfect time for a little blogging inspiration! I have a cheap notebook that I don't mind tearing pages from where I jot down ideas and piece together blog posts using bullet points that can be typed and added to later.
If you travel to work by bus or by train, your commute is the perfect time to get started on pieces and get the inspiration flowing.
Write on the Go
A few months ago I purchased a small lightweight tablet with a removable keyboard which has proved a lifesaver. Whilst you cannot get a tablet out on the bus (although would be great on the train), I find it perfect for transforming my notes into a few paragraphs in my lunch or when in the summer, sitting in a park and getting a little work done whilst getting some sunshine.
Maintaining Your Down Time
Remember, writing is supposed to be fun. It is what you enjoy so don't make it a chore. Remember to enjoy yourself, take a break, take a step back and relax. If you schedule your time there is no reason why you should be writing late at night or getting up early to finish a piece.
