By Keith Gouveia
How do you find the time to write, when life gets in the way? This is a question that I cannot tell you how many times I have heard. When people find out that I have published three novels, numerous short stories, and the one or two essays, I hear one of two statements. The first, I have already stated in my opening line, the second is, “I could write a novel, but just don’t have the time.” Though these statements are different, they are similar; the only difference is the level of conviction.
Conviction is the key word here. In the first statement, you can see that the person wants to learn and is excited about the idea. In the second, you find a lack of interest and it is a sure fire topic stopper. You know the person has no interest in continuing the discussion, and you can get a feel for their mentality. Usually that type of person is a competitor and wants to instantly knock down your achievement. Now this doesn’t hold true for everyone, it is just my interpretation from my experiences.
Let’s get back on topic. So you want to write, but you can’t find the time. The answer to this is quite simple, but if I just gave it to you, where’s the fun in that.
There are many things you can do to find the time. A lot of writers dedicate themselves to writing X number of pages per day, some just wait till their muse slaps them across the face and hammer out their idea in a single sitting, much to your surprise, that is what this is. When I have a solid idea, I write three pages per day. Now, sometimes I do, sometimes I don’t, however, I do not get discouraged, this is another key ingredient. Many people will write a bit, but never finish a project, sorry to say, those are the people who will not make it as a writer. You must overcome this habit and here are some ways to help.
Surround yourself with friends and family who are supportive of any venture you wish to partake, these people will help give you the motivation needed to fulfill your goals – thank you Rick – without that support and motivation, you will find dozens of started works, but not a single completed one. A good place to associate with people of the same interests is a YAHOO chat room. There are millions, all off various topics. If writing is your passion than check out The Horror Writers’ Network, it is a great start. Disconnect yourself from those who look down, and mock the notion, they are poison. This holds true for any dream you may have, not just writing.
Life gets in the way for us all. I had already emailed Rick Mohr, head camper in these parts, stating that I couldn’t find the time to do a column for Camp Horror this time. Stating that work was overbearing, I’m putting in heavy overtime. I just moved into a new home and there are so many things that need to be done, and…and… the list goes on and on. What I got from him was a simple response, “that would make a good topic” after reading it, I was crushed by the proverbial muse.
Now I know what you are thinking, “but Keith, you said the answer is simple” – it is. If writing is your passion and you are truly destined to create a work of fiction or what have you, then you just do. At this time in my life, things are actually calmer than when I wrote my first three novels. I was working full time and going to night school, yet I managed to write. When you realize all those things are just excuses that are holding you back, you will do great things.
I wish all of you luck in all your ventures, whatever they maybe.