If you're employed outside the home, or have children, you'll know it can be a real struggle trying to fit in time for your writing. Everything I've ever read on the subject reiterates that the only way your writing will improve and progress is to write every day. Easier said than done. There are always demands on your time, and if you've just come home from a long day at work, you need to relax and unwind, so writing, understandably, might not be high on the agenda. So how can you achieve that often-elusive goal of finding enough time to write?

If at all possible, try and establish a routine for your writing- even if it's only thirty minutes a day. Try and block off periods off time: arrange for someone else to take care of the children for a short while, close down your email and take the phone off the hook. Put up the do not disturb sign and make sure that friends and family understand how important this is to you.

If you commute by train, that can be an ideal opportunity to get in some regular writing every day. If possible, invest in a PDA, or handheld computer. Dave swears by his Jornada, a small handheld computer with a proper keyboard. Sadly they don't make them anymore, but you can still buy used ones on Ebay for example.

If you have a lunch hour at work, perhaps you could fit in some writing then. Find a quiet location: a nearby library is ideal, or maybe you're lucky to have one in your workplace. The local park is another option during the summer.

Also think about which time of the day you can settle down to writing more easily. Most people have optimum times of the day for working. Mine is definitely early morning. Dave on the other hand could happily work through most of the night! Could you get up slightly earlier and fit in a bit of writing before work or before the rest of the household is up and demanding breakfast?

For many writers, writing is their escape and the thing they most love, so difficult as it may be, try not to let it get pushed to one side by more mundane tasks. Give your writing the time it deserves.