By Liz, happy to welcome Olivia Blacke, author of the Record Shop Mysteries, to the blog! I love what she’s talking about today – I’ve been thinking a lot about writing when you’re not in front of the screen, and Olivia is a master at using her non-computer time to write. I’ll let her tell you. Take it away, Olivia!
We’ve all heard it before: “If I had more time, I’d write a book.”
Writers have the same 24 hours a day everyone else does. We have friends, families, and obligations like everyone else. Most of us have a job (or jobs!) outside of writing. And on top of that, we still need to eat (three meals a day? Ridiculous!) and sleep (8 hours a day? Please!). In order to find time to write, something has got to give.
So, how do I make time to write without giving up all the things I love without adding more hours in the day? It’s all about getting creative and using distractions to my advantage. Of course, there is no one-size-fits all solution for finding time to write. Every author has unique challenges competing for their time and energy, and what works looks different for everyone.
For me, dedicated keyboard time is limited to weekends, but that’s not the only time I’m writing. Ordinary life responsibilities are always distracting me, but when I’m doing dishes, I’m working on character development. If I’m writing and get stuck, instead of staring at the screen, I take a long shower (Aqua Notes are my best friend!). I might forget to rinse the conditioner out of my hair, but now I know what needs to happen in the next scene. Even mealtimes can be useful if I turn off the TV and have actual conversations with real humans.
I also love to read. It’s a distraction from writing, but it relaxes me. It fills the well. It helps keep me current with what’s selling and gives me the opportunity to blurb books and authors I admire. But who has time to read? I used to read on my commute, but now that I’m not spending an hour each way on Metro every day, I have to find (or make!) time to read. Books on tape are my secret weapon – I can listen to them while I’m driving or cooking. If I’m a passenger in a car/train/plane, I’m waiting on a friend, or it’s the intermission of a hockey game, I’ve got my nose stuck in an e-reader. And when I can’t sleep at night, instead of rewatching Buffy for the nth time, I’m reading.
Whenever possibly, I use the time I’m not writing to figure out where my story is going so once I’m finally in front of the keyboard for however long I’ve carved out of a busy week, I’m typing. But in order to do that, I have to choose my distractions during the day wisely. Television and social media are fun, but my brain is preoccupied instead of working. A long walk, a soothing crochet project, or even a trip to the grocery store gives me time to plot. So if you’re ever at a writer’s house and the laundry is half-done or dinner is cereal (again), give them the benefit of the doubt and assume they got distracted by some fabulous plot twist!
Readers: What’s one distraction in your life that you could use to your advantage to find time to read or write? I’m giving away one signed copy of Rhythm and Clues to a random commenter. Open to U.S. readers only.
About the book:
It’s raining murder in the third book in the Record Shop Mysteries by Olivia Blacke, Rhythm and Clues. It’s been months since Juni Jessup and her sisters solved the last murder in Cedar River when disaster strikes again. After a sketchy financier dies outside Sip & Spin Records during a torrential Texas thunderstorm and the overflowing river spits out a macabre surprise, can they catch the killer without missing a beat? The rhythm is gonna get you!
OLIVIA BLACKE (she/her), author of the Record Shop Mysteries and Brooklyn Murder Mysteries writes murderously fun, cozy, and caffeinated mysteries. Olivia is a little nerdy, a lot awkward, and just the right amount of weird. She wants to be a unicorn when she grows up. Connect with Olivia on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or check out her website OliviaBlacke.com, where you can join her newsletter.
The Wickeds 
Welcome, Olivia! I hear you about working while showering or doing the dishes. I’m a little bit famous for my plotting walks, which double as exercise after I’ve been typing all morning. Congratulations on book three!
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I read during commercials when I am watching my favorite tv programs and it adds up.
Congrats on your Book 3!!
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Loved the first two books and am looking forward to reading the latest!
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Welcome to the Wickeds, Olivia. It took me a lo-o-ong time to realize that giving into distractions while I am at the keyboard is part of my process. When my parents or grandparents might have had a cigarette break, I play a quick game of solitaire. It’s a little mental sorbet and it gives my subconscious time to work out the next little bit of writing. Now that I finally understand it, I don’t beat myself up about it.
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For me it’s photography! As in writing, folks seem to think you go out snap a photo and your done. But there are hours of waiting hoping you are at a good location and that the critter your out to capture just happens to come along at that place while you are there. Also like writing, it takes research to study in this case critters instead of people, to understand they moves and motives for those moves. That’s how I find the place to be, the time to be there and what they may be when they are there. During those times, I find it peaceful, quiet and time for my mind to relax and recharge. it’s my distraction from the every day events, problems and also gives me a chance to get some reading in, albeit looking up in between chapters and sometimes paragraphs to see if my subject is making an appearance. I’ve read a LOT of books out on a photo shot whether at some different location or on our own front porch (we are blessed with many daily critter visitors).
Thank you for the fabulous chance to win a copy of RHYTHM AND CLUES! I would love the opportunity to read and review it (whether while taking photos or in the comfort of my recliner).
2clowns at arkansas dot net
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Hi Olivia! Life is just … busy. I thought once I retired I’d have an open planner but, it is still full to the brim and color coded. I attempt to embrace distractions and see them as bits of inspiration in both my writing and my daily life. The distraction is sometimes where the real focus should be for me.
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Most of my best ideas come while doing some mindless task at work.
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Welcom, Olivia! Aqua Notes! Why do I not have a pile of these in my shower? Like you, I think about my WIP when I’m doing menial things – folding laundry, walking the dog, loading the dishwasher – and I always take at least 30 minutes before I go to sleep to read.
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I think the middle of the night insomnia would be better served by me picking up a book to read instead of reading Reddit. aprilbluetx at yahoo dot com
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Congratulations on Book 3. During my daily walks in the neighborhood I am always thinking, pondering and realizing many important and minor thoughts and ideas.
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When I cannot sleep which is frequent I get brainstorms and ideas which I follow though on. With the lack of sleep I can envision the completion of projects etc.
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I am not an author, though my granddaughter is. However, I just want to say how much I love this series and this latest book (even if I would have chosen differently-ha). I posted 5 star reviews. As a native Texan, I enjoy references to places, things, ways of life that are accurately portrayed, etc. The Jessup sisters are wonderful characters, as are others. I know it’s a great read when I don’t want to leave at the end of the book. I also enjoy your narrator who dies a great job voicing your characters.
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Great suggestions! I have to look into aqua notes. I used to keep a grease pencil in my shower, but that was in my single days. My husband has higher standards than I do!
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I find that I do a lot of thinking/talking to myself when I am cooking or driving to and from work. I have solved some problems doing that! Congratulations on your latest release!
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I find that I am getting into audiobooks now more and more. I have been listening to audiobooks while doings busy work. Thanks to this I have been increasing my book total read each month.
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I have been downloading more ebooks since we are traveling more and I always have a book wherever I go especially when waiting in lines.
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Congratulations on your new book I cannot wait to read it.
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I think best when I’m driving to and from work with the radio on. Or when I let my family control the tv remote – I usually tune out whatever they are watching.
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I also used to read (or knit) while commuting to work, then got a job I could drive to. Now I listen to audio books in the car and at home, keep a book or e-book on hand for dining alone. Since I retired there is more time for reading, but life does get in the way!
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I get easily distracted these days and they really don’t produce any good ideas, which is a good thing since I’m not a writer. Your book sounds like a great read. Love the cover. Looking forward to reading the book.
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My husband is recently retired; I enjoy having him around, but this has taken a bite out of my writing time! I’m trying to head to my writing desk when Hubby is watching his favorite shows.😉
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I could hold any of the emails that I want to read until later. I could clear out the ones that only take a few minutes. It would then open up time to read. Thank you so much for sharing. God bless you.
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I have been listening to more audio books more now during my drive to work or even during walks!
Thanks for the chance!!
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Cooking for me is a good distraction, especially something I have made a lot and don’t need to think about too much so my mind can wander.
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When we traveled or drove to work and back, we listened to an amazing number of audio books. We don’t listen anymore as we are retired and haven’t taken any trips since Covid. But I read like crazy. Lately, in my older age, when I try to read before I go to sleep, sometimes I do not remember what I have read and have to read it again the next day. I love records and record stores. We had one down the street from my father’s movie theatre in our hometown called Sarge’s Records. It had wall to wall records and some booths to listen to them. I bought records there when I was a young girl. I am a native Texan transplanted to Georgia with my husband’s job. I take a book with me everywhere that Igo, so I can read. When my husband gets a haircut, I go but sit in the ca with the pup and read. I read during commercials, at stop signs, when there is no scenery and we are traveling, and anywhere else that I can fit it in. My father told me that books are our friends and I totally agree. You have to take that book with you as you never know what will distract you along the way. I would love to read your latest. I have you first one.
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Too much Netflix!
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