Anne Meyers asked Jennifer A. Nielsen:

I am a (struggling) writer and I was wondering, when do you write? Do yo write office hours or at certain times, or only when inspiration strikes? I completely LOVED the Ascendance Trilogy, and I have read all three over and over and over.......my paperback copies are so worn that I might have to glue back on the front cover soon! Anyway, I would love to know, when do you find the time to write?

Jennifer A. Nielsen Hi Anne - I totally get the struggling writer thing!

Finding the time to write is always tough. It's not only about having the time at all; it's also having enough time to immerse yourself in the world and also about getting yourself in the mood to write.

For me, when I plan my week, I carve out writing time just as I would schedule time for other activities. And then I protect the time, no matter how much or little there is that day. I don't reply to emails or do anything but write.

This isn't a perfect system, but it works for me. And here's the thing, even if you only have an hour a week to dedicate to your writing, at least you're an hour ahead of where you were. It doesn't matter how quickly you move forward. What matters is that you're always moving forward.

And above all, don't give up. I've been where you are. You can do this.

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