Finding Time to Write: Practical Tips for Busy Writers

Finding Time to Write: Practical Tips for Busy Writers

1. Introduction: The Challenge of Writing Amidst a Busy Life

As a writer, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle of life, with daily commitments pulling you in multiple directions. Work, family, friends, and personal obligations often leave little time for creative pursuits. Writing, something that’s typically fueled by passion, can sometimes feel like an additional chore on top of everything else.

However, just because your schedule is tight doesn’t mean your writing has to be put on the backburner. In fact, even the busiest individuals can make time to write if they approach it strategically. Writing doesn’t have to mean hours spent alone in a quiet room—it’s about being intentional with the time you have and finding ways to incorporate writing into your daily routine.

This blog is designed to help you discover practical ways to find time to write, even when life gets busy. Whether you have 10 minutes or a couple of hours, you can make progress on your writing goals. We’ll explore ways to make the most of the time you already have and help you develop habits that will keep you motivated, productive, and consistent in your writing practice.

2. Recognize the Time You Have

The first step in finding time to write is understanding where your time is currently being spent. Most of us think we’re too busy to write, but once we track our time, we often realize that there are untapped moments throughout the day that can be used for writing.

Track Your Time

Start by tracking your daily activities. This isn’t just about documenting the time spent writing, but about seeing where your time is going in general. Whether it’s work, family, errands, or relaxation, tracking every activity for a week will give you a clearer picture of how much time you have to work with. You might be surprised by how many pockets of time you have throughout the day.

• How to Track: Use a time-tracking app, or simply jot down what you do throughout the day. Apps like RescueTime and Toggl can automatically track the time spent on different activities. Alternatively, if you prefer pen and paper, make a log and jot down what you’re doing every 30 minutes.

Identify Time Wastes

Once you have an accurate picture of where your time is going, look for areas where you might be wasting time. This could include excessive time on social media, watching TV shows, or doing things that could be handled more efficiently. It’s common to spend time on activities that don’t align with your long-term goals, especially when they’re easily accessible or provide instant gratification.

• Example: If you’re spending an hour a day on social media, that’s 7 hours a week that could be dedicated to writing. Imagine how much progress you could make by cutting that time in half.

Recognize Your Productive Periods

Everyone has certain times of the day when they’re more energized and focused. These productive windows are key moments to take advantage of for writing. Whether you're an early bird or a night owl, identifying when you’re most alert and focused will help you dedicate those high-energy periods to your writing.

• Example: If you feel most alert in the early morning before work, consider waking up 30 minutes earlier and writing during this time. If you’re more productive at night, set aside time after dinner to focus on your writing. Knowing when you're at your best allows you to make the most of your writing time.

3. Set Realistic and Specific Goals

Once you’ve assessed your available time, the next step is to set clear and realistic writing goals. General goals like "I want to write more" are often too vague and lack the structure needed to achieve them. Setting specific, actionable goals will not only help you stay focused but also allow you to make steady progress, no matter how much time you have.

Break Down Your Writing Goals

Big writing goals, like completing a novel, can seem overwhelming. Breaking them down into smaller, manageable chunks makes them more achievable. Start by defining what you can reasonably achieve within a week, month, or year.

• Example: If your goal is to write a 60,000-word novel, break that down into smaller tasks. Instead of aiming to finish the entire novel at once, set a goal of writing 500 words a day. If you keep that up, you’ll finish the novel in about 120 days.

Smaller, specific goals give you a sense of accomplishment each time you meet them, helping to keep you motivated.

Be Specific About Your Timeline

One of the reasons writers struggle to find time is because they don’t attach deadlines to their goals. When your goals are tied to specific timeframes, they become more tangible and realistic.

• Example: Rather than saying, “I want to write more this year,” set a specific goal like, “I will write 1,000 words every week until my first draft is complete.” By setting clear deadlines, you're more likely to stay on track and stay committed.

Be Realistic About Your Time

It’s easy to set ambitious goals, but it’s important to be realistic about what you can achieve given your time constraints. Don't set yourself up for failure by aiming for an unrealistic word count every day, especially if you know your schedule won’t allow for it.

• Example: If you can only write for 30 minutes a day, set a more achievable word count goal, like 200-300 words. Be kind to yourself and accept that even small progress is still progress.

4. Create a Writing Routine

Consistency is key to making writing a habit. When writing becomes a regular part of your routine, it stops feeling like something you need to force yourself to do. Instead, it becomes something you naturally do every day, even if it’s just for a short time.

Consistency Over Quantity

Writing every day, even for just 15-30 minutes, is more effective than writing for several hours once a week. The consistency of daily writing keeps you engaged with your project and helps maintain momentum. Even small writing sessions can accumulate over time and lead to significant progress.

• Tip: Set a time each day that you dedicate solely to writing. Even if it's only 20 minutes a day, consistently showing up will help you reach your goals faster than sporadic, long sessions.

Build Writing Into Your Day

Look at your daily schedule and find where you can fit in writing. Whether it’s during your lunch break, in the early morning before the rest of the world wakes up, or during the evening when the house is quiet, look for those small windows of time to focus on your writing.

• Example: If mornings are too rushed, consider using your lunch break to write, or if you have a quiet evening, spend an hour or so writing after dinner.

Create Writing Rituals

Rituals can make writing feel less like a task and more like a creative routine. For instance, you can light a candle, make a cup of tea, or listen to a specific type of music to signal to your brain that it’s time to write. These small rituals help condition your mind to switch into “writing mode” and prepare you for productive sessions.

5. Eliminate Distractions

Distractions are one of the biggest obstacles to finding time for writing. Whether it's your phone, notifications, or even household noise, distractions can make it harder to focus on your writing. Here’s how to minimize interruptions:

Set Up a Dedicated Writing Space

Designate a quiet area in your home or workspace where you can focus solely on writing. Whether it's a corner of your room, a coffee shop, or a public library, a dedicated space allows you to mentally shift into writing mode and avoid distractions.

• Tip: Make sure your writing space is free from distractions like your phone or TV. If you can't get away from your household, use noise-canceling headphones or listen to background music that helps you focus.

Limit Digital Distractions

Technology, while useful, can often lead to distractions. Social media, emails, and messages can easily pull you away from your writing task. Consider using apps like Freedom or Focus@Will, which block distracting websites during your writing sessions.

• Tip: Put your phone on airplane mode or leave it in another room while you write to prevent interruptions.

6. Stay Accountable

Accountability is a great motivator for writers. Having someone to check in with or sharing your goals can help you stay committed and encourage you to stick to your writing routine.

Find a Writing Buddy or Group

Share your writing goals with a friend, colleague, or writing group. Having someone else check in on your progress adds a layer of accountability and makes your writing feel more like a shared project. Whether it’s weekly check-ins or a casual conversation about your writing, knowing that someone else is rooting for you can be a big motivator.

• Tip: Join a writing group or community (online or offline) where you can share progress, ask for feedback, and get encouragement from fellow writers.

Join Writing Challenges

Participating in writing challenges like NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) or creating your own challenge can help you stay focused and motivated. These challenges provide structure and a sense of urgency, pushing you to write consistently.

7. Be Kind to Yourself

Writing is a journey, and it’s important to be kind to yourself throughout the process. There will be days when writing feels easy, and there will be days when it’s hard to get words down. Be patient with yourself and remember that every word counts. Even if you only write a few hundred words, celebrate those accomplishments. Writing is a marathon, not a sprint. The small steps add up over time, and consistent effort will eventually lead to the completion of your project. Life happens, and sometimes writing has to take a backseat. If you miss a writing session or fall behind on your word count, don’t get discouraged. Instead, look at it as an opportunity to refocus and keep going. Writing isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress.

8. Conclusion: Stay Consistent and Keep Writing

Finding time to write doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By tracking your time, setting specific goals, and creating a consistent routine, you can carve out space in your day to focus on your writing. Remember, even small writing sessions are valuable and add up over time. Consistency is key, so keep showing up and write whenever you can. Stay motivated, and keep writing—no matter how small the step. Every word written brings you closer to your goal, and over time, you’ll find that writing becomes a natural part of your routine.