CornerScribe

Finding Time to Write: How to ask for help

It can be difficult to manage your responsibilities — home, work, family — and still have time to write and manage your writing business.

After all, if you’re going to make money writing, then you have to treat it much like a business.

How do you find time to do everything else you need to do AND manage a business?

You get help, of course.

Ask for help with non-writing tasks.

Whether it’s paying bills, housework, errands, or whatever, ask for help. Remember though, there’s a right and wrong way to do this. One will likely get you the help you need, the other is just as likely to start an argument as anything else.

Ask for help. Don’t nag, guilt, demand, whine, etc. Asking for help means saying things like…

1. Would you take out the trash?

2. Will you take care of dinner tonight? I have a deadline.

3. Can you pick up the dry cleaning tomorrow?

There are a few things you can do to get better results.

Ask for something specific. Don’t ask for help with housework or something else equally generic. If you’re the one who usually handles it, you’ll need to ask for specific help if you’re delegating.

Don’t nag or play the guilt card. Saying things like, You never help me with the kids isn’t going to make anyone eager to lend a hand. Likewise, whining about having to do everything or complaining won’t help either.

Say thank you. Yes, I know it’s not just your job to take care of these things. However, don’t you appreciate a thank you, even when what you did is really your job? Everyone does. A thank you can help ensure that you get the help you need the next time around too.