Sure, it’s fast. But not much room to stretch out with your laptop.

Several months ago I blogged about writing and working full time, and how I thought I would have to make some sacrifices, especially if I wanted to keep my writing resolution of getting down 1,500 words per week. Well, I was right.

It quickly became obvious that large, fluffy chunks of time were not going to fall into my lap. I’m at a point in my life where there’s just not any extra time to find anymore.  So it’s not so much about finding the time, but making it instead.

While I have purchased a few video games in fits of longing, I can’t remember the last time I played one. And since I don’t watch much TV, I’ve managed to chisel out 45-60 minutes in the evening to do some writing before it’s time for bed. On the weekends, I often get a free hour here and there — it’s just unpredictable.

Is this ideal? No, not really. If I could choose any time to write, I’d go with the morning, which is the best time to tackle creative projects, according to many experts. And I think I do my best work then. But for me that’s not an option. Well, it is an option, but it would require waking up at 5 a.m. Ain’t gonna happen, y’all.

And sometimes, even when I get the time, I discover another obstacle. A few nights ago that obstacle was loud music (one disadvantage of living with a rock musician, i.e., my son). I hate telling him to turn it down more than I absolutely have to, so I pondered my options. Library? Café? Too late — both closed. Bar? Too noisy. So where did I end up writing?

In my car, parked in the driveway, which was surprisingly comfy and quiet. All that plus air bags and a high WPG: words per gallon.