I often hear people say, “I really want to be a writer, but I have such a busy schedule.” or “I need to find the time to write someday.” or “I’ve always wanted to write, but just am not sure what to write about.”

The stock answer is to write what you know. However, I’d like to give you my take on that statement and share some reasons why to write and how to break the log jam a little bit at a time.  Life has a way of throwing things at you or there is always something to do that will get in your way.

Consider these:

1. You have thoughts that you need to get out – write them in a spiral notebook to get them off your chest. This doesn’t have to be for publication, but can be just for you.

2. Write lists to clear your mind. People have published books of lists. You don’t have to publish yours, but it is writing.

3. Journal. You don’t have to write in it every day, just write in it when you want to. Many writers journal regularly. I don’t, I am more irregular with my journal.

4. Keep a notebook to use as an idea log. Write your thoughts as they flow out so you don’t loose them. It could become a collection of story ideas or completed short stories.

5. Write because you can’t not write. Just get it out of your system. Do it on a computer or with a pen in your hand.

6. Let your mind wander when you’re trying to work out a problem. Write about something that comes to mind that has nothing to do with the issue and it may help you find the solution.

7. Write because it’s what you think about when you wake up in the morning and when you go to bed at night.

These are only a few of many reasons to write in spite of what is happening in your life. It gets the muse going so you can write the “great American novel.”