Anonymous asked: I love reading and writing, but, the thing is, lately I don't have much time for it. And that worries me, because everyone keeps saying if you're serious about it, you should make time, make sacrifices, etc, but the truth is I'm so swamped with schoolwork and chores that even when I have a few free hours, I'm too tired. I still have the urge to read/write, but oftentimes I'm so frustrated with my own writing that I lose the will. Any advice?

Tazzy: Honestly, there’s not really much that we can advise that you don’t already know about. I’ve got a part-time job and I’m in full-time further education, but I still manage to write/read. It’s difficult, but you do have to make sacrifices.

Even if your writing frustrates you, don’t give up on it! It’s better to get it on paper (even if you think it’s bad) and then to just go back and edit it later- once you start and get into the flow again, you’ll find that you don’t want to stop! That’s why I- at the last minute, anyway- decided to partake in NaNoWriMo. Well, not officially, I’m just trying to keep up with the word limit. You know what? Even if my writing feels substandard because I haven’t planned in advance like most people, hence I’m free-styling, it’s a great feeling to just write. 

You need to set yourself a target, a challenge, and then to live up to it! We’re a few days into November already, but how about having a go at NaNoWriMo? Of course, there’s no need to sign up to the website or anything, but try to write at least 1667 words per day for the next 31 days and see what comes from it! I’ve managed much better than I expected to, and I’m sure you will too!

Like I’ve said before, and will say again, it’s all a matter of self-motivation. Get those words out on paper- just give it a go!

I’m sure you’re not busy every single minute of your weekends. Instead of flopping around on Tumblr and the internet (if you’re like me), try your hand at writing, or kick back with a nice book and a hot cup of tea/coffee/hot chocolate. Go on, do it! Treat yourself. :)