Writing A Novel On Your Lunch Hour
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Writing Speaking -> subcategory Writing.
Writing a Novel on Your Lunch Hour
Summary:
While I didn’t finish an entire novel during my lunch breaks, I did manage to develop characters, settings, and plotlines by dedicating just thirty minutes each day to brainstorming. Discover how much progress you can make with consistent, focused effort.
A Little Background:
My job was driving me insane. The company I worked for constantly shifted its priorities. Projects I'd managed were either abruptly canceled, failed at launch, or dragged on without any clear success. My role had become more about managing paperwork than creating meaningful work. Frustrated, I turned my thoughts to the novel I had always dreamed of writing.
However, finding the time was a challenge. By the time I got home, I was too drained to focus on writing. Weekends were packed with chores and family visits. I needed a plan. I decided to allocate thirty minutes each day during my lunch break to jot down ideas in a notebook.
Getting Started:
Some days, I’d sit at a juice bar or taco stand, writing while I ate. Other days, I’d take my home-packed lunch to a secluded parking lot and jot down notes in my car. When I couldn’t leave the office, I blocked a thirty-minute slot on my work calendar and found a quiet corner to write.
Initially, it was tough to switch off work thoughts, but with some strategies, I began producing a couple of pages each day. Sometimes it was lists of ideas; other times, a few coherent paragraphs. Over three months, I filled two notebooks with character sketches and plot ideas. My novel began to take shape.
Unexpected Benefits:
This routine not only fostered creativity but also eased my job stress. My afternoons became more enjoyable, and I even found the confidence to seek a new job that offered a better work-life balance, allowing me to devote more time to my writing.
Ten Tips for a Lunch-Hour Writing Routine:
1. Character Sketches:
Develop characters by starting with basic details ?" name, age, occupation, and appearance. Add specifics about their lifestyle and environment.
2. Location Sketches:
Explore new scenes by starting broadly and drilling down into the details. Imagine the sensory experiences of your locations.
3. Mix and Match:
Combine characters and settings in different scenarios. Explore their interactions and how they affect each other.
4. Scheduled Sessions:
Treat your writing time as you would a business meeting. Schedule it and stick to it.
5. Change of Scenery:
Stepping away from your work environment reduces distractions and enhances creativity.
6. Disconnect:
Turn off your phone to focus fully on your writing.
7. Analog Tools:
Use a notepad and pen. Writing by hand can unlock creativity that digital devices might hinder.
8. Keep Moving:
Don’t dwell on minor decisions ?" keep your momentum going by making quick choices and revising later.
9. Let Go of Perfection:
This isn’t the time to critique your writing. Focus on generating ideas and content, whether lists or paragraphs.
10. Relax and Enjoy:
If nothing comes of a session, don’t stress. It’s just thirty minutes. You’ll have another opportunity tomorrow.
By integrating these strategies into your routine, you can steadily build the foundation for your novel. Consistent effort, even in short bursts, can lead to impressive results.
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: Writing A Novel On Your Lunch Hour.
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