First, congratulations on completing PiBoIdMo, getting all 30 of your great ideas down on paper. Or, congratulations on attempting PiBoIdMo, but only finding the time to get about 20 picture book ideas down on paper. Or, good try, you only found the time to get 5 or so picture book ideas down on paper because you’re really busy this time of year (heck, don’t kid yourself, you’re busy all year-round) but you feel like you’ve got 2 or 3 really good ideas you want to pursue. I, as usual, fall into the last group. It’s not that I lack good ideas, I just can’t get organized to write them all down on a schedule. Plus I have the added excuse of spending this November finishing my next book.
So now it’s December 3rd, now it’s time to take those 2 or 3 good ideas and start turning them into books. So let’s sit down and start writing, as soon as you go pick out a tree and decorate the house for the holidays. OK, that’s out of the way, let’s start writing, as soon a you finish that job you started in mid-November and the deadline is fast approaching. OK, that’s done, now it’s getting close to Christmas and you’ve got so many functions and last minute shopping and then it’s New Year’s Eve and I promise I’ll get around to writing as soon as the new year starts. Well, right after I do my taxes, that is. What do you mean Happy Valentines Day?! Where is the time going!
So here’s the issue, I don’t know about you, but I’m really busy. I work for myself as a graphic designer and freelance illustrator. I have a number of clients who are very demanding (especially that one who always calls at 4:30 with some emergency that requires another 4 hours of work). Add to that family stuff and general household needs, who has time to write?
So here are some secrets to finding all the time you need to write:
- Inherit loads of money so you don’t have to have a job. This also works if you win the lottery.
- Marry someone who is really wealthy so that you can have servants to take care of all the small stuff like raising the kids. This frees up a lot time.
- Become really famous for something else, like acting in movies or singing great songs, then publishers will pay you lots of money to write a book. Even becoming infamous can get you a book deal.
Sorry, I didn’t mean to make it sound hopeless, it’s not. We write because we have to, because we are passionate about it. Don’t ask me how I found the time to get 5 picture books out in 6 years, 4 of which are with a publisher so small they don’t pay an advance*, and I’m the illustrator as well, so I really have to work some late nights. Basically I’ve found that you just have to make the time. Find an hour here and an hour there. Get up a few hours early on the weekends and leave the dishes in the sink until later. If you are sitting in the car on a long trip, write in your head or speak it into your iPhone.
You found the time to do PiBoIdMo, you’ll find the time to write your books. You will, because you want to, you need to…because you have to do it, for you.
*Don’t get me wrong, I love Schiffer Publishing, they’re an independent, family-run publisher that has been around since the early seventies, they pay good royalties and they do an excellent job producing my books and distributing them.
Timothy Young has had a lot of fun jobs; he’s been an animator, puppet maker, toy designer, sculptor, art director, illustrator and graphic designer. Tim has designed for Pee-Wee’s Playhouse, the Muppets, Disney, the Simpsons and Universal Studios. Now he is the author/illustrator of 5 published picture books including I Hate Picture Books! and his latest, The Angry Little Puffin. He lives with his family on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.
Visit Tim’s website at creaturesandcharacters.com. Friend him on Facebook and follow him on Twitter @TimSYoung.
Tim is giving away two books–a signed copy of THE ANGRY LITTLE PUFFIN and a signed copy of I HATE PICTURE BOOKS!
These prizes will be given away at the conclusion of PiBoIdMo. You are eligible for these prizes if:
- You have registered for PiBoIdMo.
- You have commented ONCE ONLY on today’s post.
- You have completed the PiBoIdMo challenge. (You will have to sign the PiBoIdMo Pledge at the end of the event.)
Good luck, everyone!
293 comments
Comments feed for this article
December 3, 2014 at 7:57 am
tanyakonerman
This is so accurate…easy to let everything else get in the way of writing! Love the #3 way to find time to write. My critique group discusses this silliness a lot!
December 3, 2014 at 7:59 am
julietclarebell
I’m finding time I didn’t realise I had (basically by wasting less time when I think I’m working but not) -the secret? It’s working for me, anyway… telling someone else exactly what I’m going to do for the week and then feeding back at the end and feeling slightly ashamed if I haven’t done it all. I guess I’m not as self-motivated as I used to be. Whatever works! And good luck! Clare.
December 3, 2014 at 8:03 am
cartwomey
It’s so true! Somehow we prioritise everything else above our writing time but that’s just it…make writing the priority too!! PiBoIdMo has given me such an extra surge of energy for writing PBs, I’m excited to see what 2015 brings!
December 3, 2014 at 8:04 am
mwebb32
great post! It is hard finding time but it can be done!
December 3, 2014 at 8:04 am
Jessica Miller-Nims
You know, people keep telling me that I need to win the lottery. This only confirms it. If only I actually played the lotto. Oh well, guess I’ll just have to stick with writing and hope that pans out. Thanks for the great post. 🙂
December 3, 2014 at 8:09 am
Valarie giogas
Great reminders. Super cute illustrations, too
December 3, 2014 at 8:11 am
Laura Purdie Salas
So true…
December 3, 2014 at 8:11 am
June Smalls
Great advice. I’ll just go buy that lottery ticket… 🙂
Actually leaving the dishes in the sink could work.
December 3, 2014 at 8:13 am
Doris Stone
Tim, thank you for your advice! Today I’m planning to win the lottery. But, just in in case that plan fails, I’ve scheduled a half hour of writing time into my day. It is amazing how a half hour a day adds up over the course of a year.
December 3, 2014 at 8:20 am
Daryl Gottier
Thanks. I’m taking extra writing time today.
December 3, 2014 at 8:22 am
Claire Lordon (@ClaireLordon)
It’s so important to prioritize and make time for the things that are important to you. Thanks for the advice!
December 3, 2014 at 8:26 am
Louann Brown
I plan to move to a deserted island, live in a grass hut and write picture books beside the ocean.
December 3, 2014 at 8:28 am
Rebecca Colby
I agree. We write because we have to and if we really want to write, we will find the time somehow. Thanks for sharing!
December 3, 2014 at 8:29 am
Jenny Seiger
This post is the “story” of my life! Thanks, Tim! It is so hard to find time. I sometimes feel guilty when I do make time to write because other things just don’t get done. It is hard to justify when your not making any money yet. But the passion to write keeps bringing me back!
December 3, 2014 at 8:31 am
ManjuBeth
Tim, I like I’m Looking for a Monster. Hope you have a great writing day!
December 3, 2014 at 8:32 am
Andrea
I always think that even 10 minutes of writing a day is getting me closer to my writing goal. Ten minutes is better than zero minutes! Of course, ten minutes often turns into more….
December 3, 2014 at 8:32 am
Jabeen
I loved your post, it made me laugh! Its so true, so hard to find time. Thanks for the advice.
December 3, 2014 at 8:38 am
Christine Michaela Sharpe
Those books look cool!
December 3, 2014 at 8:39 am
barbara kupetz
Good advice. I’m on my way to sit in front of the computer right now but l may still buy an occasional lottrery ticket. A few million can’t hurt, right?
December 3, 2014 at 8:47 am
Jan Milusich
Get hanks for the inspiration mixed with realism.
December 3, 2014 at 8:51 am
Kim Erickson
Yes, raising children does interfere with writing for children. LOL Thanks for the motivating post!
December 3, 2014 at 8:52 am
Amanda Banks
Thanks for the post!
December 3, 2014 at 8:52 am
Mark A. bentz
Thank you Tim for taking the time to post.
Your illustrations are amazing. It takes a lot of time to do both, write
and illustrate.
December 3, 2014 at 9:02 am
Jim Chaize
I keep hearing “find the time”. It’s like the voice Ray hears in “Field of Dreams”. Thanks Tim
December 3, 2014 at 9:05 am
lmconnors
Lisa Connors
I left the dishes in the sink, and I still didn’t find time to write! Just kidding–great post…and I really am ‘off’ to write. Thanks!
December 3, 2014 at 9:10 am
Sue Heavenrich
Thanks for permission to leave those dishes in the sink one more day! I’ll get around to writing as soon as I have breakfast. And finish up that little bit of work that I just HAVE to do first….
December 3, 2014 at 9:11 am
Carolyn Rohrbaugh
I tell myself how busy I am, and I do keep busy, but I have to admit that I waste more time than I want to admit. Thanks for the blog
December 3, 2014 at 9:11 am
Marla
How did we all get so busy? I don’t have time to write, but I’m a great creative procrastinator. So when I should be doing something else, I procrastinate by writing or painting instead. Although sometimes I end up putting off one project by starting another.
December 3, 2014 at 9:13 am
Susan Halko
I hear you. Congrats on your books!
December 3, 2014 at 9:16 am
Amy Houts
Nice to “meet” you! I will look for your books.
December 3, 2014 at 9:20 am
shiela fuller
Dear Tim: This post rings so true. I’m in good company with all those procrastination excuses. Thank you.
December 3, 2014 at 9:24 am
hmmmmm
TIME is always the issue… it seems crazy to need to get better at ignoring the little tasks but I do. (This fall I got MUCH better at cooking simpler dinners — or not cooking at all. That was a big help…)
December 3, 2014 at 9:24 am
Chana Stiefel
Hopefully this will not be the only sentence I write today! 🙂
December 3, 2014 at 9:26 am
Jennifer Cheng DesAutels
Right on, sir! Thank you for the support/encouragement!
December 3, 2014 at 9:26 am
DaNeil
Absolutely needed to hear this today! Thank you for reminding me that everyone is busy, but, if it is important to you, you need to find the time.
December 3, 2014 at 9:27 am
lindamartinandersen
Tim,
You’re so right. We write because it’s who we are! We find the time somehow.
December 3, 2014 at 9:28 am
The World Is My Cuttlefish
I’m intrigued by your “I Hate Picture Books” picture book. The Penguin/ Puffin trailer is really well planned and thus enticing.
December 3, 2014 at 9:29 am
Debra Shumaker
Hi Tim. I LOVE “I Hate Picture Books!” And great advice in this post. Since I never play the lottery and my family has no money for me to inherit, I better get busy writing. But wow, it’s hard this time of year! 🙂
December 3, 2014 at 9:30 am
kathalsey
Time is a precious commodity and you are right, we can fritter it away. I do lots of “things related to writing” and less actual writing, so now my goal is really BIC.
December 3, 2014 at 9:31 am
aliciaminor
To publish a picture book is as elusive as winning a lottery ticket, inherit a fortune or marry somebody rich. Don’t we all wish the easy way? But success is sweeter if we do it the hard way. Thanks for sharing.
December 3, 2014 at 9:32 am
Christie Allred
Leaving the dishes in the sink is my favorite way to find time to write. 🙂
December 3, 2014 at 9:33 am
Linda Ford
Finding excuses is so much easier than making time. Thanks for the reminder.
December 3, 2014 at 9:40 am
cat jones
Thanks for the reminder to make time to write. Great to have an excuse to leave the dishes sitting in the sink!
December 3, 2014 at 9:42 am
Kimberly Sprinkles Cowger
This is EXACTLY how I felt a year ago when I finished my first PiBoIdMo! Then I heard about this thing called 12 x 12–write one draft a month for a year and at the end of 12 months you have 12 drafts!! PiBoIdMo and 12 x 12 are the BEST things I’ve found to actually get me writing since SCBWI!
December 3, 2014 at 9:49 am
winemama
love that angry little puffin
December 3, 2014 at 9:52 am
Doreen E. Lepore
Thanks for the great advice!
December 3, 2014 at 9:56 am
Cassandra Federman
love your sense of humor 🙂 Fun post!
December 3, 2014 at 9:56 am
Deirdre Englehart
Yes, we need to make time!
December 3, 2014 at 9:57 am
Karen Calloway
Great post. I wait expectantly to write, sit down, get ready, then find something that needs immediate attention, like lining up pencils. Procrastination is my worst enemy.
December 3, 2014 at 9:58 am
Linda Baie
It is hard to find the time, & I do wish I had won the lottery. But I really wanted to say how much I love The Angry Little Puffin!
December 3, 2014 at 9:58 am
deborahholtwilliams
That angry puffin reminded me of a previous post about pairing animals and adjectives! What a great little character. Thanks for the reminder that we all have the same amount of time–24 hours every day–and we just have to decide how to allocate those hours. I had to give up TV. (Well, except for Downton Abbey.)
December 3, 2014 at 10:01 am
pathaap
How very true! Love the trailer for The Angry Little Puffin!
December 3, 2014 at 10:03 am
Mary McClellan
I find saving email for last reallllly gives me more time for writing! Sounds as if you’re doing alright. 🙂 Wishing you continued success!
December 3, 2014 at 10:11 am
Tim Young
Thanks for all the great comments and compliments! Something I noticed about myself, the more I enjoy the thing I’m doing, the more I feel like there is something else I should be doing instead. Once I got over this I was able to relax more when writing or illustrating my books.
December 5, 2014 at 2:47 am
Veronica Bartles
That is such a great observation! I totally do that! Whenever I’m working on a story I love, I feel guilty. As if I’m not working hard enough (or on the right things) because it’s fun. I need to remember that “real work” can be really fun too.
December 3, 2014 at 10:16 am
Susan Cabael
Love those 3 bullet points about how to find the time to write–funny!
December 3, 2014 at 10:18 am
kevanjatt
Time to take time seriously.
December 3, 2014 at 10:20 am
Heather Pierce Stigall
I have used those excuses over and over. This year will be different! There are a few children who I can’t totally ignore, but I do find the provide a lot of inspiration as well as distraction!
December 3, 2014 at 10:21 am
Nancy Armo
Yes, it can be done! I carry a small notebook in my purse at all times to write down those wandering ideas and snippits of sentences that would be lost otherwise.
December 3, 2014 at 10:21 am
mariagianferrari
It’s definitely always about prioritizing and making the time we need, wherever we can find it. Enough with the excuses! Thanks, Timothy!!
December 3, 2014 at 10:28 am
Corey Schwartz
Ha, love this post. Eek, is it almost time to do taxes?
December 3, 2014 at 10:30 am
Stephanie Shaw
Spot on, Tim! Thank you!
December 3, 2014 at 10:30 am
thestoryladyva
I’ve been leaving the dishes in the sink more and more lately. 🙂 Thanks for letting me know I’m not alone.
December 3, 2014 at 10:33 am
Tom Barrett
yes, I have to take a small bit of time each day to draw. Now, how to get a bit of writing time in. 😛
December 3, 2014 at 10:34 am
rowenarae
Thanks for the great post, Timothy. It sounds like you know exactly how my life goes! You’ve inspired me to be serious about taking writing time, so I’ll give it a go today. All the best with your PBs. They look fun!
December 3, 2014 at 10:37 am
Patricia Toht
Great trailer! Love your puffin, Tim.
December 3, 2014 at 10:38 am
Emmeline Hall
Thank you! So important to remember that minutes add up into hours—even if it’s only 15 minutes here and there, if you do that 4 times during the day, that’s an hour of work! Make it happen! 🙂
December 3, 2014 at 10:39 am
Helen Matthews
I procrastinated with my writing until I didn’t have to work (i.e. went on maternity leave). I thought I was going to have all this time to write when I was home with the kids… First, I discovered I didn’t want to be a stay-at-home-mum, then, when my first child was 7 months old and I was about to return to work, I realised that if I hadn’t started writing then, I never would. So I finally started. Ah, all this time I had before the children were born, I could have written War & Peace… Helen Matthews
December 3, 2014 at 10:42 am
Carrie Charley Brown
Yep. We just gotta do the best we can with the time we have. It’s all good. Thanks for affirming our efforts, Tim.
December 3, 2014 at 10:45 am
Debra Daugherty
Procrastinating comes easy to me, but then once I sit down and start typing, everything else is forgotten except my writing.
December 3, 2014 at 10:48 am
Meena
Yes, we achieve by our own efforts not blaming on time. It’s the mind set that matters. Thanks for the practical advice!
December 3, 2014 at 10:49 am
Kelly Vavala
The Angry Little Puffin sounds great and the trailer was wonderful! It is hard to leave the dishes in the sink, let things go and make time to write but if we are passionate and want to write, we will find the time!! Thank you for such a wonderful post and for sharing your time with us!
December 3, 2014 at 10:58 am
Maria J Cuesta
I feel relieved that I am not the only one struggling to fit everything into schedule. Thank you for the post!!!
December 3, 2014 at 11:01 am
lgalaske
Thank you for the encouragement
December 3, 2014 at 11:02 am
Theresa Love
Nothing like the truth! 🙂 Thanks for serving reality on a platter. I’ve added your books to my reading list – your art looks great 🙂
December 3, 2014 at 11:03 am
ssuehler
I have no problem of leaving those dishes in the sink. Still waiting for those puffins to come and clean up for me. Also, they could whisper ideas in my ear, bring me coffee (or in the evening a glass of red wine). Now, finally! I can sit down and write, write, write… Thanks for the Puffins, Tim!
December 3, 2014 at 11:03 am
Lynn
I am expert at procrastination. Why I keep putting off the actual work/play of shaping up the ideas I have for children’s stories I just don’t know. Waiting for my lottery win hasn’t paid off (yet), so I must work on the fun ideas I collected in November and make the waiting time count for something. There could be a win in there somewhere.
Thanks, Tim, for this funny and affirming post. And I love your illustrations.
– Lynn A. Davidson
December 3, 2014 at 11:10 am
Debbie Wagenbach
Thanks for sharing, Timothy! My library kids love “I Hate Picture Books.”
December 3, 2014 at 11:15 am
Lori Dubbin
I have an idea for you: “Timothy finds Time” — he drops ‘othy’ and adds ‘e’ ! I LOVE your illustrations! Thanks for making us see we aren’t alone when it comes to carving out time for writing.
December 3, 2014 at 11:17 am
Erin O'Brien
Finding time is my biggest enemy! Actually, making time is. Thanks for the reminder!
December 3, 2014 at 11:18 am
Christy Mihaly
Excellent post. Thank you for the important reminder. Hmm I just got a new idea, it’s about a princess who can’t find the time even though she DOES have servants to do all the dishes . . . . Today is my writing day, so I’m off!
December 3, 2014 at 11:23 am
Cindy C.
Tim, you’ve inspired me to pull all those ideas from past PBIM’s and focus on a few. Let the cobwebs and dustbunnies have a hoe down, I’m gonna write!
December 3, 2014 at 11:23 am
kdveiten
Oh, I love this post! And thanks for the chance to win one of your books!
December 3, 2014 at 11:24 am
Nancy Colle
Nifty post! Making time is certainly the key.-thanks
December 3, 2014 at 11:31 am
Shari Schwarz
With four kids I have to sometimes write in chunks of two minutes at a time. Somehow it keeps coming out. You’re right. If we are writers we can’t help but write! Thanks for the post!
December 3, 2014 at 11:38 am
Dawn Young
Love this –
“You will, because you want to, you need to…because you have to do it, for you.” Thanks!
December 3, 2014 at 11:42 am
sherry alexander
“I need to find time. I need to find time.” My new chant thanks to you. 🙂
December 3, 2014 at 11:43 am
Ashley Bankhead
There never is enough time to write. But I like your idea of squeezing in time whenever you can. Thanks for the reminder. And thanks for your post.
December 3, 2014 at 11:45 am
Laurie Theurer
Thanks for starting my day with a smile!
December 3, 2014 at 11:47 am
Lauri Meyers
Check on leaving dishes in the sink. And I’ll add letting the laundry pile into really, really big loads. Anything to squeeze in that hour of inspired writing or painfully exhilarating revising.
December 3, 2014 at 11:48 am
Pam Miller
Timothy, thanks for motivation! Thanks for educating me about Puffins! Amazing video of this precious creature.
December 3, 2014 at 11:52 am
Daniela Weil
hey, love your advice on finding the time to write! for my next lifetime… thanks for motivating us to not let it all go…
December 3, 2014 at 11:59 am
daynesislendesign
Oh, I have minions to take care of work and all the household chores while I write and illustrate. Seriously, if we love what we do, we manage to find the time.
December 3, 2014 at 12:05 pm
Natasha
Thank you, Tim. I’d love to win one of your books! Off I go finding time… it’s around here somewhere.
December 3, 2014 at 12:08 pm
carolynscombs
Thank you for the reminders and for the inspiration. A little voice in the way back of my head always seems to be whispering BIC (butt in chair, writing). I’m so happy to a have a job that I always want more time for.
December 3, 2014 at 12:09 pm
Traci Sorell
So true! We write because we have to and we’ll find the time – one way or another. Thanks!
December 3, 2014 at 12:10 pm
Sandy Powell
If we want it bad enough we will find and make time to write and/or illustrate. I know when I get going I feel so happy, and that keeps me coming back day after day.
December 3, 2014 at 12:10 pm
Sarah T
It’s true that you can make time for what you find truly important. We have an hour quiet time every day in our house- all of us- me and the 5 kids all go to separate rooms and do something quiet and alone. This is my writing time, blogging time, editing time, etc
December 3, 2014 at 12:11 pm
kirsticall
I love your illustrations and we love your book: I hate picture books! at our house!
December 3, 2014 at 12:11 pm
Judy Cox
I managed to squeeze in time to write while I was teaching school, playing weekends in a band, and raising our son–twenty-six books in 15 years. I couldn’t wait until retirement so I’d have tons of time to write, but suddenly I don’t seem to have any time at all! Go figure!
December 3, 2014 at 12:14 pm
colleen kosinski
I like the idea of being rich with servants.
December 3, 2014 at 12:18 pm
becki wilson
thank you… when all is said and done (or not) it comes down to me choosing to write, to follow up on the ideas that have landed (and keep landing, lol) here’s to just DOING it!
December 3, 2014 at 12:27 pm
Joseph Miller
Thanks for the post 😉
December 3, 2014 at 12:27 pm
Jodi Moore
Writing isn’t what we do…it’s who we are. 🙂 Thanks for a great post!
December 3, 2014 at 12:30 pm
Stephen S. Martin
Somehow, somewhere, sometime it will all get done
December 3, 2014 at 12:30 pm
MaryAnne Locher
Throw in “my daughter’s getting married in the middle of December” and that’s my life! Thanks – Now to get to work!
December 3, 2014 at 12:33 pm
vickireinhardt2014
Enjoyed your post!
December 3, 2014 at 12:35 pm
Dorothy Wiese
Thanks, Tim, for wiping our slate clean in order to do what we love to do–Write!
December 3, 2014 at 12:37 pm
Jennifer Sommer
I’m fitting this in between packing up the last of the Thanksgiving decorations and pulling out the Christmas ones…I consider writing time off my feet! I retired a year ago and do spend more time writing, but the house is cleaner than it’s ever did before too! Love your book trailer and your three tips on how to find more time. I used to get upset about how any famous person could get published, but a publisher once explained that those books make the money that allows them to publish the unknown authors, so I don’t complain about it anymore.
December 3, 2014 at 12:43 pm
Dawn
I’ll find time to write because I want to, I need to…because I have to do it, for me. Thanks for sharing!
December 3, 2014 at 12:46 pm
Penny Parker Klostermann
I’m really good at finding excuses! Thanks for reminding us we have to find the time to write 🙂
December 3, 2014 at 12:49 pm
katmaz2012
I enjoyed your story and your advice. Thanks!
December 3, 2014 at 12:53 pm
gabisnyder
Thanks for sharing, Timothy! This time of year it is especially difficult to carve out time to write, but I know I feel better when I make the time!
December 3, 2014 at 1:14 pm
Claire Vita
Great advice. Love your stories and illustrations! Thanks!
December 3, 2014 at 1:14 pm
Aunt Alice
Thanks for the pep talk!
December 3, 2014 at 1:15 pm
jdewdropsofink
How fun. The penguin, I mean puffin is great.
December 3, 2014 at 1:17 pm
Karen A
Thanks for the encouraging post!
December 3, 2014 at 1:17 pm
Beth Blee
Timothy, thanks for your post. Love your illustrations and humor. I need to make time for writing, and not let other good things crowd it out. Thanks for your encouragement. I have to get a hold of “I Hate Picture Books.”
December 3, 2014 at 1:18 pm
JEN Garrett
Been There. Done that. Bought the T-shirt. Wrote a picture book about it.
December 3, 2014 at 1:26 pm
Lori Alexander
Thanks, Tim! I might have to put the “I Hate Not Having Enough Time to Write My Picture Books” image on my desktop.
December 3, 2014 at 1:27 pm
Sandie Sing
I think if I steer myself away from Facebook, email, television and other projects for ten minutes every morning to write, I could do it. Thanks for sharing with us your thoughts and your humorous energy. 🙂
December 3, 2014 at 1:30 pm
Marty McCormick
It’s so easy to procrastinate. Loved your “secrets.” LOL. Never hurts to be reminded we’re all juggling an assortment of important, and not so important, commitments; and the ones who get published are the ones who give their writing/illustrating time priority. 5 books in 6 years is an amazing accomplishment.
December 3, 2014 at 1:41 pm
Jeanine Potter
Way too true! Thanks for the secrets. Just what I needed.
December 3, 2014 at 1:41 pm
Mary Warth
I’m working on one of the 30 ideas now and this week is a great support. Thanks for the fun post!
December 3, 2014 at 1:43 pm
thislittlebirdie
Maybe if we all got together and petitioned for a 26hr. day? 🙂 Great Post!
December 3, 2014 at 1:51 pm
Donna
That’s it exactly! I’m off to write. And buy a lottery ticket.
December 3, 2014 at 1:53 pm
Jacqueline
This is hilarious because it hits so close to home! It’s also a great shot in the arm. Thanks!
December 3, 2014 at 1:56 pm
klmcmorranmaus
I’m the person you were describing. I just need to get BIC and do it. Thank you for sharing.
December 3, 2014 at 2:00 pm
Vicki Wilke
Thank you Tim! It is time to dig up those buried ideas and “season” them with our inspiration – everything worthwhile take time to cook! Love the look of little puffin!
December 3, 2014 at 2:12 pm
Melanie Ellsworth
Thanks, Timothy. I’m headed right out to get divorced and remarry someone wealthy.
December 3, 2014 at 2:14 pm
Lauri Fortino
I LOVE Tim Young’s books! Glad you found time to finish those picture books!
December 3, 2014 at 2:15 pm
Sandy Perlic
Hmmm… putting off writing so I can do other things this holiday season? I’d never be guilty of that! (I wish.)
December 3, 2014 at 2:20 pm
Pia Garneau
Love the sarcasm. Buying a lotto ticket now. Lol! Thanks for the laugh and the inspiration. Finding time to write here and there works for me.
December 3, 2014 at 2:23 pm
Mishka Jaeger
Gah! I completely relate to this post! I HATE NOT HAVING ENOUGH TIME TO DO THE WORK! Or I could say make the time… except that I do and oh boy toddlers. Actually, I can work on stories in my head and I am just starting to do that. I’m just starting to write at all. Up until now, I’ve just been an illustrator. And doing that in my head only gets me so far (though It worked for a Hanukkah card I made this year). I didn’t get my Christmas card done before Thanksgiving and I’m having a hard time BIC to get the art finished. Never enough hours in the week but I’m VERY happy to be inspired (even if it’s becoming a tad frustrating). It’ll get done if it’s meant to. Agan, thank you!
December 3, 2014 at 2:28 pm
Nina Haines
I’m trying to invent time. Thanks
December 3, 2014 at 2:28 pm
katrinamoorebooks
This post made me chuckle. Thanks, Tim!
December 3, 2014 at 2:32 pm
teresarobeson
I already feel fortunate to be married to someone whose job allows me to stay at home with the kids. Asking for a maid would be out of the question. 😉 But you and Nike are right: we gotta “just do it”!
December 3, 2014 at 2:37 pm
LovableLobo
Thank you for the entertaining post, Tim! You hit the nail on the head. We CAN find the time and you are a SHINING example.
December 3, 2014 at 2:38 pm
KASteed
Great post. Thank you!
December 3, 2014 at 2:41 pm
Maria Oka
I NEEDED this post today! I am sitting at the table brainstorming one of my PiBo ideas while my 4-year-old draws, my 6-year-old is at school, and my 10-month-old is being appeased with chunks of cheese (well I was, until I got distracted by this fabulous blog post). I have a huge to-do list, but I’m taking some time to write, because, well, I want to and if not now, then when?
December 3, 2014 at 2:44 pm
Heidi Yates
I am looking through my collection of idea’s from PiBoIdMo and deciding which idea to work on first. I can’t wait to get started! Thank you for the encouragement Timothy. 🙂
December 3, 2014 at 2:44 pm
Anne Lei-Yeung So
Sometimes things just find time to get done 😉
December 3, 2014 at 2:49 pm
Naana Kyereboah
Great post, Tim! I love your illustrations!
December 3, 2014 at 2:55 pm
Nadine Gamble
There’s always something that gets in my way too. But I’m going to keep up the momentum from PiBoIdMo and write a little everyday! Thanks for the encouraging post.
December 3, 2014 at 2:56 pm
loriannlevyholm
Being incarcerated may work for me! Three meals a day, locked in a room with little to no housework required…
December 3, 2014 at 2:57 pm
Bethany Roberts
I totally relate!!! But PiBo helped motivate me to find the time- for 30 days- even with Thanksgiving cooking and family birthday celebrations, and, and, and. I had to let a few things slide to do it, but everyone around me survived. (Now if I can just keep making writing a priority- every day!)
December 3, 2014 at 2:58 pm
Leslie Raith
Trying to work on the kitchen table, er, wrapping station this morning. Thanks for making me smile!
December 3, 2014 at 3:08 pm
Buffy Silverman
Arggh, I think you are living inside my procrastinating head! Thanks for the encouragement, humor, and wonderful illustrations.
December 3, 2014 at 3:14 pm
Doris Fisher
Christmas certainly tends to disrupt our writing goals and time slots! Thanks for the post.
December 3, 2014 at 3:19 pm
mbeaversillustration
Why is life so DEMANDING! LOL
Thanks for sharing!
December 3, 2014 at 3:26 pm
Margaret Flint Suter
Yep, all these different pulls on our time, thankful the loudest voice is the voice of the picture book character who wants to: “FINALLY BE FIRST,FINISHED and FOUND!!
December 3, 2014 at 3:35 pm
Jewanna
Oy, this is true! I sit down to write and have so many windows open (that are begging to be clicked) that I fool myself into thinking “hey, I just wrote for an hour!” when really I was mindlessly clicking links.
December 3, 2014 at 3:35 pm
lindaschueler
Thanks for the laugh today.
December 3, 2014 at 3:40 pm
Colleen Kelley
Thanks so much for the reminder of how hard it can be to make/take/seize/wrest from life the time to write. And how easy it is for the days to just fly by with no writing at all. Because there isn’t a fairy godmother who magically appears and gifts you with protected, ample, productive writing time…is there???
December 3, 2014 at 3:48 pm
kiwiskan
thoroughly enjoyed this – lack of time is my biggest excuse…
December 3, 2014 at 3:52 pm
rgstones
Thanks for the post. I’m excited to read your books. 🙂
December 3, 2014 at 4:12 pm
Joanne Sher
Who doesn’t need this reminder!?? Great post. Thanks for the motivation and the laugh!
December 3, 2014 at 4:17 pm
Tracy Molitors
Great post, Tim. I need the pep talk!
December 3, 2014 at 4:22 pm
Christine M. Irvin
My writing is very sporadic, but I do write something most days. I think it’s important to keep on writing, even if it’s just a little bit at a time.
December 3, 2014 at 4:32 pm
bookseedstudio
Dear Tim & Melanie, Pee-Wee’s Playhouse? Barney? Monsters? Chickens? What great planet do you & your kiddo crew live on? Bravo! & Brava! Sounds like a lot of hard work with fun along the way. So pleased to meet your titles & company thru Tara & PiBoIdMo, 3 days after.
~ j a n
bookseedstudio
December 3, 2014 at 5:06 pm
Julie Murphy
Puffins are cool – especially angry ones!
December 3, 2014 at 5:10 pm
Robyn Campbell
I needed to giggle. Thanks. Gotta make the time, gotta make the time….
December 3, 2014 at 5:13 pm
Lisa Ventrella
Hopefully this year I won’t find an excuse to put off writing until PiBoIdMo 2015!
December 3, 2014 at 5:15 pm
Stacey Shubitz
Finding the time is hard. I find I work better in the mornings, but lately (with the cold) it’s so hard to get up at 5 a.m. If only I could write in bed without disturbing my husband…
Nonetheless, I have lots of ideas in my notebook and can’t wait to get to them. Thanks for the reminder that we have to make the time!
December 3, 2014 at 5:24 pm
Karen Brueggeman
what a fun post. Okay, time to win the lottery…lol Thanks for the laughs. I needed that.
December 3, 2014 at 5:24 pm
Jason Perkins
I’ve found I get more writing done at odd moments by carrying a piece if printer paper in my back pocket than I do by scheduling time to sit down and write. Great post
December 3, 2014 at 5:35 pm
StephMWard
The timing of this is perfect! May we all find more time to write (and I don’t mean tweets) in the new year!
December 3, 2014 at 5:37 pm
Donna Rossman
So true, so true, so true… by the way, did I say, “so true!” I am just going to have to get up earlier. Love your illustrations and thanks for the pep talk! 🙂
December 3, 2014 at 5:41 pm
bangersnmashdesign
That’s exactly what I was thinking! More time, more time…
December 3, 2014 at 5:45 pm
Charlotte
It’s not such a great idea to use your time-to-fall-asleep-now time to plot out that next PB idea. Then when it’s time to get up to begin a day you’re too tired to remember what it was you plotted the night before! Been there, done that!
Tim, your PB titles definitely make you sound like a big kid yourself – thanks for the pep-talk post!
December 3, 2014 at 5:49 pm
AlenaT
Thanks for the post. I’m glad you found time to write your new book I Hate Picture Books. We got it from the library yesterday, and I’ve already had to reread it to the kids.
December 3, 2014 at 5:50 pm
kathydoherty1
A very entertaining post! Thanks for the fun!
December 3, 2014 at 5:54 pm
creationsbymit
I bought a powerball ticket but……sigh. Great post!!! Finding (or making) time really IS difficult, so it resonated with me! I’m working an unrelated FT job, doing freelance illustration on the side (currently have a book contract), and as of Thanksgiving, have a wedding to plan! UGH!! But it’s what I want to do, so it WILL get done! 🙂
December 3, 2014 at 6:09 pm
Charlotte Gunnufson
It is crazy hard to find time for writing. It does seem like the one thing that can be shifted around. I’ve had to steal a little time from a lot of things: family, friends, fitness, downtime, and housework…mostly housework…
December 3, 2014 at 6:33 pm
Amy Harding
Amen and Amen! Where to find the time?! Thanks for the encouragement!
December 3, 2014 at 6:34 pm
shirley johnson
Make the time to write. Realistic and inspiring, Great post!
December 3, 2014 at 6:36 pm
Kaye Baillie
Yep, can relate to all that.
December 3, 2014 at 6:43 pm
donnacangelosi
What a fun,relatable post! Thank you for the validation and encouragement. You’re so right. We must find time to write!
December 3, 2014 at 6:44 pm
Dani Duck
I never have the time, but I still find time to get things done. If you’re passionate about something you will do it. I hope everyone else is finding the time!
December 3, 2014 at 6:52 pm
Tarryn Lean (@TarrynLean)
So true, I usually write through my lunch breaks at my ‘day job’ and late at night when the rest of the house is snoring, if you love it you don’t find time for it in your busy life, you make time for it because without it you are not your truest you.
December 3, 2014 at 6:52 pm
danielledufayet
Love your sense of humor and the reminder that we have to make time for what’s important (writing).
December 3, 2014 at 6:59 pm
Stephan Stuecklin
I’ll have to find a balance between the one-month surge that was PiBoIdMo and a more sustainable workload – but I’ll give myself time for that.
December 3, 2014 at 6:59 pm
Julie
Thanks for the encouragement.
December 3, 2014 at 7:05 pm
Carol Jones
Curiosity just led me to read about The Angry Little Puffin on Amazon. What a great concept! Everyone hates to be misunderstood.
December 3, 2014 at 7:11 pm
Shari Della Penna
Thanks, Tim. It seems like there is always enough time to do those things we want to do.
December 3, 2014 at 7:21 pm
Zainab Khan
I’m picking up a few of my ideas and penning them down. Thanks!
December 3, 2014 at 7:36 pm
Kara Stewart
Time is ALWAYS the issue for me! Lottery, anyone?
December 3, 2014 at 7:36 pm
lymartinez
Ah! The battle between finding time and making time!
Thanks for the post!
December 3, 2014 at 8:19 pm
Cindy S
Time seemed to go so much slower when I was young…
December 3, 2014 at 8:19 pm
Maria Marshall
Ah yes, Christmas and New Years… Everyone else takes time off work, school, etc and expects you to also (sigh). Nice to see that it can be done. Wonderfully encouraging and humorous post – Thank you.
December 3, 2014 at 8:24 pm
Laurie L Young
Thanks, Tim, (I like your name!) I’m still holding out for your first 3 suggestions, but until they come through . . .
December 3, 2014 at 8:42 pm
Rick Starkey
It’s difficult to juggle it all. I make myself get up at 6am each morning. Sometimes it’s easy, sometimes it’s torture, but I try each morning.
Thanks for being here.
December 3, 2014 at 8:43 pm
Ali Pichardo
Tim, I enjoyed your post. I loved the picture of you and your characters. My characters are screaming for their stories, so that helps me make the time to write. I write anywhere the inspiration takes over, on line at the food store, doctor’s office or while making dinner.I always find time. I can’t wait to read your books.
December 3, 2014 at 8:58 pm
Ann K
So true…gotta make the time. Love your characters! Here’s to making time to write in December!
December 3, 2014 at 8:59 pm
Annie Cronin Romano
Fun post! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
December 3, 2014 at 8:59 pm
Bonnie
I have really tried to commit more to writing but it is so hard. What do you mean have to sleep in order to function. Thank you for this post inspiring me just to keep plugging away, away, away.
December 3, 2014 at 9:36 pm
Ann Bentley
Thanks for your post.
December 3, 2014 at 9:50 pm
Freckled Daisy Creations
I love this post because it allows me
To not feel alone in my quest to write and illustrate my ideas! Thank you! Grabbing another cup of coffee…
December 3, 2014 at 10:05 pm
Rebecca Gomez
It’s amazing what we can accomplish when we squeeze in an hour here or there!
December 3, 2014 at 10:05 pm
Shirley Timberlake Fadden
You summed it up!
December 3, 2014 at 10:14 pm
Janet Halfmann
You’re right that if we’re passionate about our writing, we’ll find the time. Thanks for sharing.
December 3, 2014 at 10:41 pm
kpbock
So many excuses, so little time! thanks for the reminder to just sit down and write already!
December 3, 2014 at 11:08 pm
tphumiruk
You’re right; we’ve got to make time!! I appreciate the reminder.
December 3, 2014 at 11:09 pm
wfedan
I LOVE this post! 🙂 Ha! Also love the Puffin book trailer. I love watching book trailers – would love to make my own someday!
December 3, 2014 at 11:14 pm
Elizabeth Brown
I love this post. It’s always great to be reminded to write, no matter what!
December 3, 2014 at 11:14 pm
Prairie Garden Girl
Timothy: How did you discover all of my excuses that I continue to make about not finding enought time to write? OK, no more acceptable excuses. I don’t want Puffin to be angry at me. ~Suzy Leopold
December 3, 2014 at 11:27 pm
Yvonne Mes
A very accurate description of what it is like to be a writer and/ or illustrator when not rich, famous or infamous! You got to love it! Thanks for the fun post.
December 3, 2014 at 11:40 pm
Lori Mozdziez
I hear you on time! 😉
December 3, 2014 at 11:42 pm
Ashley Bohmer
Great words!–I plan on making the time just as soon as…. 😉
December 3, 2014 at 11:58 pm
Stacy Couch
Not sure this is your point, but here’s my take on this: you want me to become infamous in a(n un-Kardashian) way, then marry Joss Whedon–and/or Jon Scieszka.
Right?
December 4, 2014 at 12:16 am
cergunay
Thanks for reassuring us that finding time is not insurmountable! (at least most of the time)…just wish my daughter, my dentist, my boss, my physical therapist, and the rest of the loan sharks out there who own a piece of me would go on vacation for a week!
December 4, 2014 at 12:19 am
Sharon Giltrow
thanks Tim for your hilarious look at time and lack of it
December 4, 2014 at 12:21 am
Juliana Lee
Yep, it’s that time of year again. So much to do, so little time! At least I can say I’m still plugging along!
December 4, 2014 at 12:59 am
Susie Sawyer
It’s amazing how much those little moments of inspiration can add up. Just keep a voice recorder or notebook, or napkin handy. 🙂 Thank you!!
December 4, 2014 at 1:11 am
SevenAcreSky
Thanks Tim. I can identify with the delays and it’s encouraging to realize that published authors have them to deal with too
December 4, 2014 at 1:21 am
Deborah Patz
Thanks. I needed to hear these words today.
December 4, 2014 at 1:52 am
Sydney O'Neill
Want to, need to, have to, for us. You nailed it.
December 4, 2014 at 3:05 am
Kathryn Cunningham
Amen, that is all.
December 4, 2014 at 5:40 am
Judith Wright Aplin
I love your puffin illustrations:) He/she seems to feel just like I do when time to write is scarce…thank you for your reminders of why we write….
December 4, 2014 at 6:21 am
Alberto Martín "NiñoCactus"
Sometimes I feel like Alice’s rabbit too. Thanks for sharing.
December 4, 2014 at 6:48 am
Joan Kassmann
Thank you for your post. Even if there were 48 hours in every day, we all would be extremely busy. You just have to find the time. It IS there if we really want to write!
December 4, 2014 at 6:54 am
tinamcho
You hit the nail on the head! We Can find time to write somehow.
December 4, 2014 at 7:43 am
Cat
I try and write sentences down as they come into my head then transfer them to a draft when I have more time. It is often hard to juggle writing around family life but every little word on a page and every bit of daydreaming helps somehow 🙂
December 4, 2014 at 7:57 am
Donna L Martin
I absolutely LOVE the illustrations in this post! I also felt like Mr. Young was talking just to me as that is EXACTLY how I feel about my writing.
Great post!
December 4, 2014 at 8:06 am
Shel LeDrew
Ôh great list of procrastination.
Thank you for writing this down so I can see truthfully. And then deal with it.
December 4, 2014 at 8:28 am
Janet Smart
It is hard to find the time, but if we really love to write, we will find the time. Love your illustrations! Sometimes I look like that little Puffin.
December 4, 2014 at 8:38 am
Barbara Cairns
LOVE your illustrations, especially the ones surrounding you! Thanks for reminding us that even though we may procrastinate, our passion wins out in the end.
December 4, 2014 at 8:47 am
billiesgirl
You have described my exact feelings…I love your frustrated bird! Now I can enjoy my coffee this morning; somehow it is comforting knowing I’m not alone!
December 4, 2014 at 8:55 am
Joyce Tucker
Oh the holiday season…it certainly keeps us busy! Thanks for the encouragement 🙂
December 4, 2014 at 8:56 am
Joan Waites
Good advice-somehow you have to carve out a way to get the writing done, even if it’s just 15 minutes a day.
December 4, 2014 at 9:58 am
Janie Reinart
Time flies when you are having fun! I agree –make a date with your writing and get it on the calendar! 🙂 Congrats on your books!
December 4, 2014 at 10:08 am
Michelle Heidenrich Barnes
Whoa. Are you inside my brain, or what?
December 4, 2014 at 10:55 am
Erin Nowak
Ahh…the 4:30 freelance client. I know them well. Most hopeful post ever…thanks to this line “You found the time to do PiBoIdMo, you’ll find the time to write your books. You will, because you want to, you need to…because you have to do it, for you.” AMEN.
December 4, 2014 at 11:02 am
Rebecca E. Guzinski
Ditto!!! Thanks for your hilarious yet realistic post!
December 4, 2014 at 11:15 am
Stephanie Geckle (@SPGeckle)
YES to making the time! Great post. Thank you!
December 4, 2014 at 11:18 am
Michael Karg
I agree -the time is there somewhere. Kill your television, or failing that, you’re not allowed to turn it on unless you already know what you’re going to watch.
December 4, 2014 at 11:52 am
saputnam
Great post ! I’m afraid that I’m just the opposite as I have BIC writing, revising, doing research, etc. from 6:00 am until 1:00 or 2:00 am. I procrastinate about doing housework and have learned to make friends with cobwebs and dust bunnies.
December 4, 2014 at 12:03 pm
Dana Murphy
Make the time, make the time, make the time. I’m just going to go around chanting this to myself.
December 4, 2014 at 12:22 pm
angeladegroot8
That’s right. Time’s short so make the most of what you’ve got. And find some if you don’t have any.
December 4, 2014 at 12:22 pm
Celeste Elbert
That’s exactly what I need to do……make time! Do you have any I could borrow?
December 4, 2014 at 12:35 pm
Patricia Tilton
It’s hard to find time, or get motivated, whether or not you have young kids, a busy day job etc. I do know that once a story has engaged me and I am writing, I have no problem finding the time, which says a lot to me. So, I go with the flow. Great post!
December 4, 2014 at 12:55 pm
MickiGinsberg
Hi Tim, I like your voice and your spirit! Thanks for the lift-up!
December 4, 2014 at 12:55 pm
teresa m.i. schaefer (@TMISchaefer)
Love, love, love the SECRETS to having enough time.
December 4, 2014 at 12:58 pm
barbswright
Time is a slippery weasel … thanks for the hints on how to wrassle it successfully!
December 4, 2014 at 1:02 pm
Shirley Menendez
There is always time for what you love. Thanks for the reminder.
December 4, 2014 at 1:16 pm
Jill Tadros (@PopTheWall)
Time, time, time. I’m always chasing it and I always find it somewhere! Thanks for the encouragement!
December 4, 2014 at 1:25 pm
Nancy Kotkin
I belong to a goal-setting group for writers. It really helps me to prioritize and keeps me accountable. I highly recommend joining or starting such a group.
December 4, 2014 at 2:02 pm
l8k8
Thanks for the post. I have time to read about writing, but I need to make time to do the real thing.
December 4, 2014 at 2:07 pm
jhayslett
Yes, time to capitalize on my imagination. PiBoldMo is helping me with both! Thanks for your great post, Timothy.
December 4, 2014 at 2:18 pm
Andrea Allen
Thanks for reminding me that I shouldn’t be reading my emails, but writing!!!
Too funny 🙂
December 4, 2014 at 2:20 pm
Sheri Rad
Thanks for your encouragement. Why is it writers sometimes get A.D.D. and have to go do 5 other things after they sit down to write. It is maddening. But thanks for helping me get things in perspective.
December 4, 2014 at 2:22 pm
Rebekah Hoeft
I make time for less important things…time to let those go!
December 4, 2014 at 2:33 pm
Sandi Lawson
Thank you so much. It’s good to hear that I’m not the only one trying to manage my time!
December 4, 2014 at 2:42 pm
Michael Vogel
Thanks for the blog Tim. I have had many days recently where I have had to create time to write. Especially during the holidays when you THINK you have time to write and before you know it the holiday is over and you have not written anything.
December 4, 2014 at 4:11 pm
orthodoxmom3
You’re right….though getting up early isn’t really working for me. I seem to do better mid morning to mid afternoon so I need to find something else I can ‘let go’ while I fit it in….maybe there’s something else I can do at 5:30 so I have the time at 2? I will find a way!! Thanks!
December 4, 2014 at 5:16 pm
writingcygnet
Love your blog post. Time (and myself) also seem to be my nemesis. Thanks for the encouragement!
Susan Swan
December 4, 2014 at 5:20 pm
Paola Amador
Finding time to do what you love should be the easiest thing, but it rarely is. Thanks for your advice. I too need to make time for my writing and illustrations.
December 4, 2014 at 5:34 pm
Nini Engel
I love it when people tell the truth. Thanks!!
December 4, 2014 at 6:49 pm
thiskidreviewsbooks
Great post! It boosted my spirits! I’ll get right to writing! After I write the blog post I need to publish tomorrow, and read the book that goes on Monday! 😉
December 4, 2014 at 11:39 pm
Tim Young
I hope it’s one of mine.
December 4, 2014 at 10:25 pm
Caroline Lee Webster (@uncoverthepearl)
Love this. I always joke that I need a sponsor to fund my efforts . . . but you’re right. If the fire is there, we keep at it, whether we write 100 words/month or 60,000. The keeping at it is the important part:-) And, yes, my November got away from me as well . . .
December 5, 2014 at 1:07 am
Jennifer Huls
Just what I needed to hear!
December 5, 2014 at 1:46 am
Jenna Woloshyn
Unfortunately the dishes can only sit for so long….I think I’ll take that inheritance thing you were talking about.
December 5, 2014 at 2:43 am
angelcat2014
Love the cute illustrations and sense of humour put into the to – do list. Thanks for reminding us we do it because we have a passion for it.
December 5, 2014 at 10:47 am
jeanjames
This is a post I can really relate to. I loved the Puffin video at the end!! I feel I might have a lot in common with that Puffin. I’ll be looking forward to reading all about him.
December 5, 2014 at 11:46 am
Rachel Anderson
Hi Tim. Thanks for this kick-butt post! I recently retired and I’m still having trouble notching out time in my schedule for writing. I “allow” many other things to take up my time (oh, look at the dust on the floor. I’d better sweep it up and the whole house while I’m at it), and it makes me mad, but I’m the culprit so it’s hard to kick myself in the butt. I need to make writing my day job, even if I start with day a week and get myself used to the new schedule and increase from there. Maybe I’ll make a chart and add stars to it the days I write and an angry face sticker to the days I don’t. Hey, that could work.
December 5, 2014 at 12:22 pm
Maria Bostian
You are so right. Everyone seems so busy and pulled in so many directions. Thanks for reminding me to carve out time for my writing. Getting up early on weekends is a great idea.
December 5, 2014 at 1:01 pm
writersideup
Oh, the continuous dilemma! Thanks for the encouragement, Timothy!!!! 😀
December 5, 2014 at 1:03 pm
Ellen Sirianni
Great advice! Love your illustrations.
December 5, 2014 at 1:13 pm
QuinnC
Half the fun is being creative. You have that in great abundance! Thanks for the honest post. 🙂
December 5, 2014 at 1:42 pm
SMHS
Ha– love your secrets to finding all the time you need to write!
I have to read your Puffin book now, based on the awesome cover page
December 5, 2014 at 1:56 pm
Michelle Cusolito
I find challenges like this really help me focus and at least try to meet the goal. I entered PiBoIdMo thinking I might not get 30 ideas, but willing to give it my best. Knowing others were committed, too, kept me committed.
December 5, 2014 at 7:31 pm
Marcy P.
Ironically, yours is the FIRST post all month that I didn’t get to on the day it was posted… no time! I appreciate your words. We need this as a CONSTANT reminder! I find myself thinking the, “How nice it will be when _______ and I can just write and write.” Well, I need to make that time now. Some seasons of life ARE busier, but we (I- big I) have to prioritize it better. Thanks for sharing!
December 5, 2014 at 8:38 pm
Kelly Russell Jaques
I can really relate to this post…
December 5, 2014 at 10:43 pm
viviankirkfield
You just have to make the time…so right, Timothy. I was nodding my head as I read your post…it’s true – everything can get in the way of writing…so we must carve out special moments and gift them to ourselves. 🙂
December 6, 2014 at 10:10 am
erikammon
Becoming infamous you say…mwah, hah, hah!! Um, does using my wife’s favorite coffee mug count?
December 6, 2014 at 11:25 am
kmshelley
Thanks Tim! Finding time is always an issue. Great post.
December 6, 2014 at 11:52 am
Kelly Parker
Hey! I’m a graphic designer too! I will make time, I HAVE to make the time. Either that, or will take up your idea on getting a lot of money… that sounds like a GREAT plan 🙂
December 6, 2014 at 2:55 pm
Jennifer Rumberger
Loved this post! Made me laugh!
December 6, 2014 at 5:17 pm
Tracey M. Cox
Time? Time!
Oh. You mean the little snippets during little league practice. Or getting up an hour early. Or going to bed an hour later. Oh nap time too. It’s crazy how us writers and illustrator learn to make time.
Thanks for the smile!
December 6, 2014 at 11:10 pm
Gretchen McLellan
Good for you for using the four letter word HATE. Kids feel passionate and love to hate things forced down on them, like rutabagas. But in schools, kids get the idea thar hate is a taboo word. My reading students gasp when I use it, and so I try to make their brains welcome the word back. Loving picture books, I’m intrigued by your title too. Thanks for the post.
Sent from my iPhone
December 7, 2014 at 3:20 am
Laurie Ann Thompson
So true, all of it!
December 7, 2014 at 11:37 am
calisue
I’m the worlds worst for writing snippets, everywhere!
December 7, 2014 at 4:05 pm
storyfairy
I will try to find time to write a little every day. 🙂 -Lily Stejskal
December 8, 2014 at 10:08 am
danielle hammelef
Funny post today! Writers all share these moments. Thanks for the smiles.
December 8, 2014 at 10:15 am
Priya
Good reminder how to spend our time
December 8, 2014 at 11:35 pm
Kathryn Ault Noble
Thank you for giving me permission to not do the dishes!
December 9, 2014 at 9:38 am
Karen Lawler
YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You put my secret thoughts in print !!! Thank you!
December 9, 2014 at 10:35 am
angelapadron
This was so great – thank you!
December 9, 2014 at 8:08 pm
sardyhar
I had a great time reading I Hate Picture Books. Thanks for the encouragement. The time exists. We just have to find, claim, and fiercely protect it for our writing.
December 10, 2014 at 11:48 am
Holly Ruppel
Ha! This rings so true! Thanks, Timothy, for a great post and for making me laugh!
December 10, 2014 at 11:50 am
Lindsay Bonilla
Yes, I totally relate! There is never enough time!
December 11, 2014 at 12:49 pm
Nicole Popel
I’m a bit late reading this, but it’s a great post. If I should win the book giveaway please write a short note inside to the Little Free Library Walnut, California. I’ll read your book dozens of times before I put it in my box of books in the front yard to share with others.Thank you.