Finding the time to write

We all lead very busy lives these days. Mine is no exception.

When do you write? First thing in the morning? Before bedtime?

I tend to write whenever the urge strikes me. I have that ever handy-dandy notebook in my purse. I have a series of notebooks in every room in my house. I always have a pen clipped to my shirt (a habit I acquired while at work). My favourite pen is the Pilot P-500, extra fine point gel pen.

In order to insure it does not wander off in the hands of a co-worker or patient, I have this method of guaranteeing it never leaves my person. Somewhat reminiscent of the grocery clerk who always had a pencil tucked over his ear (a very 70's thing, perhaps).

Nothing's worse for this writer than to be without pen in hand.
Inspiration strikes when it does. On the job, in the bookstore, while standing in line at the grocery store, while eating sushi in my favourite sushi joint (which btw is August8). Often, it's the middle of the night, or after a particularly image filled dream, that I need to capture it and write it down before it leaves me.

For the longest time, I devoted myself to 1000 words a day. I've abbreviated that routine due to lifestyle choices these days. Maybe it's an excuse, but I prefer to see it as an adjustment.

I'm writing more focused snippets these days.
One day I will compile and edit.

One step at a time works for me. There's plenty of time to have all my ideas incubate. In the meantime, I find irregular writing routines work best.

And you? What's your process for daily writing routines while balancing a day job?