Whoever said that advanced technology would translate into more time for personal pursuits got it all wrong. Turns out we simply have more time to be busy, no matter what our stage in life. But, as a writer, I have found ways to maximize the time that is available to get down and write. Here are some tips you can use to take advantage of even the busiest moments in your life.

1. Be Prepared

Always keep a notebook and pen at your fingertips, whether on your bedroom night table, in your purse or backpack, or in your vehicle. When opportunities arise, you can use the allotted time to record thoughts and ideas, or work on a current project. Also, plan in advance what you will work on next in order to take full advantage of the time available. Being organized is a key time-saving strategy. Be ready to write.

2. Seize the moment

We all spend a lot of time in waiting rooms, whether it's for ourselves, our children, our parents, or friends. Take this opportunity to browse the magazine table and write down possible new markets or idea-starters for future submissions such as anecdotes, articles, stories or poems. If you're waiting while your children take music lessons, have a sports practice, or you're picking them up from school, rather than day-dreaming or letting your mind wander, discipline yourself to use those segments of time to your advantage. Longer waits allow you to accomplish more, but even those five-minute stints can eventually add up when put together.

3. Maximize Breaks

While at work, coffee breaks and lunch hours provide ample opportunities to spend time on your writing tasks or assignments. If there is a library within walking distance, that's a great place to do research, use a desk or table to do some writing, or sit in a comfortable chair and read books on writing or check out the latest Writer's Market. At home, work around scheduled tasks. While dinner is cooking in the oven, use the down time for your creative writing projects.

4. Capitalize on Quiet Times

If you're a full-time mother/father, take advantage of children's nap times and their quiet times to be productive. Small bits of time can be used to write fillers, such as tips, hints, anecdotes, etc. or simply work on a short section of a current longer project. Later in the evening, once kids are in bed, you can enjoy longer periods of productivity.

5. Multi-Task at Leisure

I've often found that creativity is enhanced when I'm taking a walk or involved in some other form of leisure activity or hobby, such as fishing, camping, etc. There must be something in the air! Here again, that notebook and pen are essential equipment. Of course, if it's not possible to stop and write down your inspiration on the spot, try your best to hold that thought until you can! And, if you're fortunate enough to own a laptop, that's a useful tool to have while on vacation.

6. Be Resourceful

Look for opportunities to carve out writing time. When commuting or traveling by bus, subway, or if you're the passenger in a car, record your thoughts, ideas, and reflections in a journal to expand upon at a later date. Perhaps you could exchange babysitting favors with a neighbor or friend and schedule an hour or two for yourself to write free of interruptions. Be diligent and use your time wisely to accomplish necessary tasks in an efficient manner. By doing this, in all likelihood you will be able to have some left-over or banked time to use for writing.

7. Be Flexible

If your schedule allows for some flexibility, take full advantage of that and be committed to making the most of found time, rather than letting it slip through your fingers. Know how to prioritize tasks in a way that allows for some extra free time later.

If you follow these suggestions, you will be able to outsmart the busy monster and find precious spare time to follow your pursuit of writing-- more often than you ever thought possible. Happy writing!