How do you find time to write? When and where do you write? How do you juggle family, job, or life with writing? These questions keep coming across my desk, and I find that it's a question that every author is asked at some point, either by themselves or others.

Clear Your Mind & Write

Many times we have the itch to write, but once we sit down, we don't know where to begin. Our mind seems to be buzzing with ideas, activities of the day, what needs to be done tomorrow, what's for supper, and making sure the kids are to their practice on time. What if they need me?

Take a deep breath!

When you are sitting down to write, prepare for some quiet time, and clear your mind. Let the kids and significant other know you're taking a half hour or hour to write and you would appreciate it not to be disturbed. 

Lock yourself in the dungeon! Not really, but pick a writing spot and close the door. Put your favorite CD in the player or turn on some light music. If you're setting a time limit, use a timer. Don't let time be a distraction, just set the timer and forget everything else. Put a "Do Not Disturb" sign on the door. Set a goal - 1000 words.

Remove Obstacles:

• Shut off the computer
• If you use the computer to write, close out Facebook, Twitter, and Email Program
• Turn off Cell Phone (you can live without it for an hour)
• TV off
• Prepare to focus

I know. How can you ever live without Facebook???  Trust me, it's only an hour, you can do it.

Take a deep breath and exhale slowly.  

Do it again.

Now let the thoughts of your book come into your mind and place your fingers on the keyboard, or pick up that pen and put it to the paper. Start writing and just let it flow. Don't worry about mistakes, proper spelling or grammar. Just write. 

Become Your Character:

Let your character speak through you. The more in tune you can become with your characters, the easier it will be to tell their story. Let them possess you. Don't worry, you won't need an exorcist, I promise.

Feel your character's emotions. Know how they will talk, act, and react. When faced with a situation, know how they would respond. Let the words just come, and before you know it, you will have 1000 words, then 2000, and so on.

How are you feeling? Grab a drink and pat yourself on the back. 

Distractions are around us all the time. We just need to put our minds to it, and do it. I know I for one, always have an excuse to why I haven't finished my next book. If we just make the decision to write, and make it a habit, we will find we will be producing more and more books in a year than we ever imagined possible.

How do you prepare to write?