A Writer's Time: Making the Time to Write

I found this book to be an excellent resource for organizing ideas and approaching a project. I've started several writing projects in the past and became discouraged when I would hit that inevitable "brick wall". Atchity sheds tremendous light on writer's block, tapping into your creative writing voice, and says it in a way that is easy to understand. A very helpful addition to the personal library for a writer of any genre.

"A Writer's Time"(Revised and Expanded Edition) is a gold mine of ideas and suggestions for the writer at any level. This is one book that will stay on my book shelf, along with all the other reference books I could not do without. You'll feel as if you have hit the mother-lode with the invaluable information and strategies for organization. It is written by a writer with complete understanding of the writer's mind. I also found it to be extremely motivating. I often found myself shaking my head up and down as I was reading, as if the Author Kenneth Atchity, could read my mind, or knew exactly what I needed to hear. Atchity delves into several subjects relating to writing, that would probably take several courses, or years of experience on your own to learn. He teaches you to Manage and make the most out of your time. He also advises little "vacations" away from your project as well.You'll also take away with you from the read, cause to celebrate each and every step you take towards your goals(as opposed to kicking yourself for not getting enough accomplished). Here are just some of the nuggets to devour from your read. Finding the Time..Step by step management techniques... Organizing a system(he lays out a fabulous card system that is easy and makes great sense)...Researching...Agendas for both Non-fiction and fiction writers, with excellent examples... Your work time related to getting published(some great tidbits here that everyone should read), Putting Your Dreams into a storyline(this is especially interesting for the fiction writer), An informative and educational look at breaking into Show Business for the screenplay or TV writer,(this chapter had some fabulous illustrations that brought everything into perspective)...And last but not least, Recapturing the Creativity from a slump. He tops it off with words of inspiration from some great literary figures(and other great minds). Words that you can turn to at any time, for a little pick-me-up. Here is one of my favorites: "I cannot hold my tongue, nor my pen. As long as I live, I must write"...George Bernard Shaw, at 91. I even found the bibliography helpful for future projects. There are many creative, motivational and inspirational suggestions to be found here. Written by one with vast experience on the subject. Atchity points the way.Extract what you like and see which ideas work best for you. For myself, I tried the card system on a smaller scale. Not for a book, but for an article, and I can tell you, that I was amazed at how well I managed my writing time, and what I accomplished with it. By the end(actually way before), you will feel the need to write, write, write. It's a Writer's Gold Mine. Strike it rich with this read, and try to restrain yourself from doing the Walter Huston "we found the gold" dance(Treasure of the Sierra Madre")!....Laurie also recommended: On Writing Senior Citizens Writing: A Workshop and Anthology, with an Introduction and Guide for Workshop

I read this YEARS ago and still recommend it to everyone I know who likes to write or who has to write. The author's description of what our minds are doing while we write and fight writers' block will give you the biggest creative "AHA!" You can almost hear your mind saying, "Drat, my secrets are REVEALED! Now I'll have to WORK." This book is the reason I was able to finally finish my first book (see "How to Make Money While You Look for a Job"), and I even use the methods for freelance articles. Can't wait to read his article on finding time...I need a time-raise!

"A Writer's Time: Making the Time to Write" was just what I was looking for as I begin a second career as writer. This book explains how I can best organize my time to combat writer's block and eliminate wasted time. It also helped me get over the 'how do I publish it now that I've finished it?' problem.

I'm gonna make this short and sweet. This book convinced me that it was possible for me to write a play, a book--any longer work--by giving me the tools to break the process down into comprehensible, do-able pieces.(Besides, who could not relate to a process where the all-important first step is "Take a vacation," I ask you.)Now, three produced plays later, I still refer to it before beginning a new project. It wears well over time.Give it a read, and good luck on YOUR new projects!