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The Five-Minute Writer
by Shery Ma Belle Arrieta
Five minutes. That's all you need to begin writing. You don't have to set aside a morning, a day or even a weekend to write.
If you do, it will only put pressure on you; writing then becomes a chore, an appointment in your already busy schedule.
And like your other appointments, you'll be tempted to move your writing schedule some other time.
So rather than put yourself in a position where you "have" to write because "it's in my schedule," start by finding 5 minutes in your day and then use those minutes to write.
How long does it take for your e-mails to finish downloading? There's your 5-minute writing time.
Your casserole takes how many minutes to simmer? There's your 5-minute writing time.
How long do you have to wait for the bus (or train) at the terminal? There's your 5-minute writing time.
Stuck in a long check-out line at the supermarket? There's your 5-minute writing time.
How long before it's your turn to do your morning ritual in the bathroom/toilet? There's your 5-minute writing time.
I'm certain you can think of other situations in your life where you can snatch those 5 minutes.
In 5 minutes, write how you're feeling at that moment; describe where you are; do a one-paragraph character sketch of the tired-looking cashier; make a list of things you want to do or don't want to do at the present.
Snatch those 5 minutes of writing time every day. That's not a lot to ask for when there are 1,440 minutes in a day.
Start as a 5-minute writer. Give yourself time to be comfortable and used to this new habit. Allow those 5 minutes of writing time to blend in with your every day life. Soon you'll be writing beyond your 5-minute writing time, and you won't even notice your 5 minutes are up!
