How to Find Time and Motivation for Writing (or Any Other Demanding Vocation)

Two illuminating videos from my brother Dana Gioia

Coming Attractions: I never go into a retail store on Black Friday—I’m too busy planning my end-of-year lists. For more than a decade, I’ve shared a list of the 100 best albums of the year (all styles, all genres) at the start of December. And to assuage my conscience, I also publish a list of honorable mention titles—recordings of merit that didn’t quite make the top 100.

I know Santa makes a list, checks it twice. But I have two big lists. And I work on them all year long. So roll over Saint Nicholas, and give those reindeer the news.

As always, I listened to more than 1,000 new releases during 2021. In other words, even with all these titles getting my endorsement, I still have to pass over more than 80% of what I’ve heard. This is, hands down, my most time-consuming project each and every year.

Next week I’ll share the honorable mention list with all subscribers. The top 100 will go out to paid subscribers a few days later.

But first, while I’m on the subject of time-demanding projects. . . .

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How to Find Time and Motivation for Writing

In the meantime, I want to share two outstanding videos on how to become a writer—filled with genuinely practical guidance, not just MFA platitudes. And the pointers here are equally valuable for people aspiring to a vocation in music, visual arts, or any other time-consuming field.

The videos are part of an going series by my brother Dana. Yes, I’m probably biased because he is my brother. But I’ve been learning from Dana for years (I’ll write about that sometime), and he really hits the mark on these videos.

The first video looks at how to find time to write, and it’s very illuminating. Dana knows from painful firsthand experience the challenges of time management—for many years, he was extremely productive as a writer while also working demanding ten-hour-per-day jobs. I’ve lived with these kinds of challenges too, and endorse everything he is saying here. As mentioned, this has applicability far beyond just writing.

I’m also sharing a second video on finding the motivation for writing.

Dana’s whole series comes highly recommended. You can find it on his YouTube channel.