PRIORITY WRITING  
By Richard R. Blake

For some time, I have wanted to provide autobiographical background for my family.  I recently learned of a class on "Autobiographical Writing."

I joined the class, which meets weekly.  The class affords me the benefit of a writing critique group.  We are expected to submit written work each week.  Individual readings are limited to  approximately five minutes.  I established a goal of writing two or three pages per week.

Unexpected staff shortages on my job created additional time demands. I found that if I wanted to pursue my writing, I would have to develop some other disciplines to make the time to write.

I decided to make the class a priority.  I set a writing goal in line with the class requirements.  I began to say no to distractions and other time drains to free up time for writing.

Establishing the priority to take the class, developing time management disciplines, and setting a weekly writing goal to meet the class requirements provided the impetus I needed to begin writing regularly.

At Christmas last year, I presented my family with the fruit of my labor -- the first installment of "My Story."

BIO: Richard R.  Blake is a regular contributor to The Restorative Justice News, Huntsville, Texas, and The Recycler, published by Follow Up Ministries, Inc., Castro Valley, CA.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

Could you try Richard's three methods for making time to write in your busy life?