About Me

Hi. My name is Sally Hall and I write YA. In 2019 I was shortlisted for the Varuna Publisher Introduction Program (I was also shortlisted in 2016). In 2014 I won a PIP Fellowship for a young adult manuscript. In 2013 I was awarded the CBCA NSW Charlotte Waring Barton Award which included a mentorship with Penguin Books Australia. I've had magazine and short stories published in various anthologies and placed in many competitions. I also write in a corporate capacity for my 'day job'. My website is www.sallyhall.com.au.

Sunday, February 8, 2015

How to write a novel, 15 minutes at a time

Library made of lego
How to write a novel, 15 minutes at a time

People often say to me 'I don't know how you do it'. They are talking about my writing of course. Sometimes I agree with them (and tell them I need more sleep) but I truly believe  that if you really want to do something enough you will make the time for it.

I'm no different to someone who needs to lose 50 kilos, start a new business or decides to run in a marathon. You have to chop your goal into small pieces. Achievable goals will help you work your way up to the big picture.

I usually write in small chunks of time, usually early in the morning and late at night (when the kids are asleep and not interrupting me with 'Muuuuuuummmmm!'). I take my laptop on holidays, I often take it to work and write in my lunch break or while I'm waiting for my son to finish a sports lesson. I carry a notebook with me at all times.

Everyone is busy. We're all rushing around telling each other how busy we are and yes jobs, kids, partners, household chores, appointments, haircuts, visiting our families, attending Christenings and those pesky work events all take up our time but if your goal is worth dreaming about it's worth fitting it in.

Check out this article for some great advice on writing in small chunks of time http://thewritelife.com/how-to-write-a-novel-15-minutes/. For some of us that's all we can manage, but it's better than nothing. As Mia Freedman once said, 'You can edit bad words but you can’t edit no words.'

Good luck everyone.

Follow me on Twitter @SallyPHall         

4 comments:

  1. I have a similar writing method - writing in lots of chunks of time. I only wish I could take my laptop with me everywhere so I can write waiting at kids activities... instead I take a notebook :)

    (not sure if Blogger ate my last comment)

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for your comment Melissa. All those chunks of time add up though. Good luck with your writing.

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  2. Thanks for sharing this, Sally, and for the link to JP's post. I also take my laptop with me everywhere I go.

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  3. Hi Avril,
    Glad to hear I'm not the only one carting my laptop everywhere!
    Sally

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