Is writing a priority for you?

Ayla is a successful attorney who has always had a passion for writing. Throughout her legal career, she daydreams about writing a novel and imagines the stories she would love to tell. However, due to the demands of her profession, long working hours, and other personal commitments, Ayla never finds the time or energy to fully pursue her writing aspirations.

Ayla’s desire to write a novel is a lingering dream, always at the back of her mind. She collects ideas, snippets of dialogue, and character sketches in a notebook, hoping that one day she will have the opportunity to bring them to life on paper. However, the pressures and responsibilities of her career consistently take precedence.

As the years pass, Ayla occasionally experiences moments of regret or a sense of unfulfilled potential. She may attend writing workshops or join book clubs to stay connected to her love for literature, but the time and dedication required to actually sit down and write a novel elude her.

While Ayla’s passion for writing remains alive, the reality of her professional life and other obligations prevents her from actively pursuing her dream. However, it’s important to note that this example does not imply that Ayla’s story is predetermined. With a shift in priorities or a change in circumstances, Ayla could still find a way to prioritize her writing and fulfill her dream of writing a novel in the future. Is Ayla at the mercy of her circumstances or can she become an agent of change in her own life and make writing a priority?

Priorities

We all get the same number of hours in each day. The same number of days in a week. The same number of weeks in a year. Yet somehow, some people manage to write book after book while others only think about writing a book while juggling their other priorities. A person’s priorities can significantly impact their ability to finish writing a novel. Here are a few ways in which priorities can influence the writing process:

1. Time Allocation: Writing a novel requires a significant investment of time and effort. If a person’s priorities are focused on other commitments such as work, family, or personal obligations, they may struggle to find dedicated time for writing. Other responsibilities may take precedence, leaving limited or sporadic time for pursuing their writing goals.
2. Energy and Motivation: Writing a novel requires creativity, focus, and mental energy. If a person’s priorities and daily activities drain their energy or leave them mentally exhausted, they may find it challenging to muster the motivation and mental clarity needed for writing. Other commitments and demands can leave little energy left for creative pursuits.
3. Goal Clashes: Sometimes, a person’s priorities may clash with their writing aspirations. They may have professional or personal goals that take precedence over their desire to write a novel. For example, someone aiming for career advancement or managing pressing family responsibilities may need to allocate their time and resources toward those areas, leaving less room for writing.
4. Lack of Consistency: Consistency is crucial in the writing process. If a person’s priorities constantly shift or if they struggle to establish a consistent writing routine, it can be challenging to make progress on a novel. Without regular, dedicated writing sessions, the momentum and continuity necessary for completing a long-form project like a novel may be disrupted.
5. Fear and Self-Doubt: Priorities can also be influenced by fear and self-doubt. A person may prioritize other tasks or commitments as a way to avoid confronting their insecurities about their writing abilities or the challenges that come with completing a novel. Fear of failure or criticism can lead to avoidance behaviors, pushing writing down the priority list.

It’s important to note that priorities can evolve and change over time. By consciously evaluating and adjusting priorities, individuals can create space for their writing aspirations and establish a consistent routine that allows for progress on their novel. Finding a balance and making writing a priority, even if it’s in small increments, can help overcome the challenges and fulfill the goal of finishing a novel.

This post is part of a new series I’m writing on using the basic steps of the writing process to finish writing your novel. I hope you’ll enjoy this bit of motivation to help you prioritize writing your novel and then hit the subscribe button now to have each new post in this series delivered directly to your inbox.