FIRST EDGE - WEDNESDAYS
Welcome to First Edge, my Wednesday focus on beginning novelists. Here you'll find practical guidance, encouragement, and permission to start your writing journey. Whether you're thinking about writing or ready to begin, First Edge offers the support you need to take your first steps.
Making Time to Write: Starting Your Novel in Real Life
“I don’t have time to write.” I hear this often from beginning novelists, and I understand. At 60, with a full-time law practice, I said the same thing. Then I wrote my first novel. Here’s how you can too.
## Real-Life Writing Scenarios
### The Early Riser
Sarah, working mother of two:
5:30 AM: Coffee brewing (set up night before)
5:35 AM: Writing corner, laptop open
5:40-6:00 AM: One scene, no editing
Result: 20 minutes = 300 words = novel in one year
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### The Lunch Break Writer
James, office worker:
12:00 PM: Eat at desk while reading yesterday’s work
12:15 PM: Write new scene
12:45 PM: Save and close
Result: 30 minutes = first draft of scene
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### The Night Owl
Maria, retail manager:
9:30 PM: Kids in bed
9:35 PM: Writing space ready
9:40-10:00 PM: Focus on story
Result: 20 minutes of uninterrupted creation
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## Making Minutes Count
### Small Sessions Add Up
Monday: 15 minutes = one paragraph
Tuesday: 15 minutes = scene continuation
Wednesday: 15 minutes = scene completion
Thursday: 15 minutes = new scene begins
Friday: 15 minutes = scene development
Result: One complete scene per week
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### Weekend Bonus Time
Saturday morning:
7:00-7:45 AM: Extended writing time
– Review week’s work
– Expand scenes
– Plan next week
Result: Momentum maintained
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## Creative Time-Finding
### Hidden Moments
– Doctor’s waiting room: Character sketch
– Kid’s practice: Scene outline
– Morning commute: Plot brainstorming (voice notes)
– Walking dog: Mental scene planning
### Time-Stack Method
6:00-6:15 AM: Story outline
Lunch break: Quick scene
8:00-8:15 PM: Scene revision
Result: Three touch points with your story daily
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## Start Today
Your First Week Plan:
Day 1: Set up writing space
Day 2: Write opening line
Day 3: Complete first paragraph
Day 4: Continue scene
Day 5: Finish scene
Weekend: Review and plan
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Remember: My first novel began with 15 minutes before my law practice opened. Today, twelve novels later, I still believe in the power of small beginnings.
“Time isn’t found, it’s made. Make time for your story.”
– Richard L. Fricks
Ready to find your writing time? Schedule a free consultation to create your personal writing schedule.
Tags: FirstEdge, BeginningWriter, WritingTime, WritingHabits, StartWriting
The Pencil Driven Life 