Alice Wisler: Writing from Home

~ Alice J. Wisler

Often I hear ordinary folks tell me, “I want to write a book.” When I ask what they’re doing about their desire to write, they look at me in a baffled way and say, “Oh, I’m too busy to write now!”

And so, do they think that I’m not busy?  We all having different things that pull at our lives.  There are children, pets, parents, garbage that needs to be taken out and grass that needs mowing.  As if that’s not enough, there are episodes of The Office and Desperate Housewives that we can’t miss.

“If your desire is great enough, you will find time to write.”  No one famous said that quote, although I think that many would have.  I came up with that statement because I believe it.

I used to be a wanna-be writer.  I thought that just because I wanted to write, I would. I let everything get in the way of my writing.

Then I learned that you have to make time for your writing. I cut out TV shows and some social obligations.  I wrote my first novel as a new single mom, working thirty hours a week at a non-profit outside the home, and wondering every day if God was going to ever answer my prayers for an interested agent.

The time spent on perfecting my craft paid off.  I landed an agent in 2006 and months later had a two-book contract.

I am familiar with the voices in our heads that keep us from succeeding.

So, tell me what your hinderances are: Fear?  Time?  Discipline?  Email them to me at info@alicewisler.com. I’ll compile the list in my next article, and we can find ways to work around what stifles our dreams.

Until next time, may you create time to be creative!

~ Alice
Alice J. Wisler teaches online grief writing courses and speaks at conferences, retreats, and workshops on the value of writing through pain. Read about Alice and her novels, Rain Song and How Sweet It Is, at her website: http://www.alicewisler.com