There’s a famous saying that goes, if you are waiting to be inspired to write, you’re not a writer. You’re waiter. Which cannot be more true. If you want to be a writer, be. It’s really as simple as that. I happen to know all the excuses that you can come up with to avoid actually sitting yourself down at a desk and writing your heart out. 

I have a full time job of a content writer at a digital media agency in Mumbai. My hometown is Kolkata. In order to lead a comfortable life, I freelance over the weekend. Some times, my time management is not that great, and some of the work gets spilled onto the weekdays. I do not have a cook – so some days I have to make own dinner. I mean, can you imagine? On top of that, I need to go out, meet friends, go on several first dates (because hey, Prince Charming really isn’t going to come riding on a White Horse), and make sure my full time job doesn’t suffer. Yet, against all odds, I have made it a point to write. Be it a blog, be it an article I truly believe in, the short story that has been screaming my name, or even the novel that I know will see the light of day really soon. 

Not only do I have a full time job but I also ensure that I have a full life. However, nothing has kept me away from pursuing my dreams of writing. How do I do that, you ask? It’s really simple. I follow 5 simple rules. 

Being selfish about writing days

J.K. Rowling had said that writing days are important. One needs to be selfish about them. I couldn’t agree more. If your friends try to convince you come out for one drink or if they try telling you that one night wouldn’t make a difference in your life, don’t believe them. If you have Sunday marked as writing day in your calendar. Then, writing day it is. You wouldn’t have flaked on any other plan. So, why are you treating writing as being unimportant?

Going digital

We live in a world of smartphones. If you don’t like writing on Notes on your mobile, download Google Docs. That is ONE app that has saved my life. You can actually be writing on the go. The best part is, you wouldn’t lose data either.

Personal breaks are important 

Some times, just take ten minutes to yourself. This is essential even if you are just planning your book. It is quite possible to feel overwhelmed. Once in a while, just shut everything off and take ten minutes to really appreciate your life.

Cafe dates are equally important 

Before or after work, sitting for an hour in a cafe works for me. Either I plan the story out or I write out the scenes that had been haunting me throughout the day. There is no right or wrong way of writing a story. Truth is, you just have to find enough time to sit in one place and write it.

Find your writing nook 

Lastly, it is important to find a writing nook you’re comfortable in. I do some of my best writing at a desk. No matter where I am, I always find the table and chair and set up shop at the place. Whether it’s your own home or a place you’re just visiting, always look for your writing nook. 

Even if you are working yourself to the bone, please make the time to pursue your writing. Because honestly, if you don’t write your story – who will?