Managing Your Writing Time

As a writer, finding time to write can be a challenge. Between work, family, and other responsibilities, it can be difficult to carve out the time necessary to write a novel. However, with some time management strategies, you can find the time you need to pursue your passion for writing, and well -  there's no other way to say it, but you need to stop procrastinating and putting off your writing for reasons and reasons. 

So many people want to write a book but claim the number one reason they don't is that they don't have the time or they have too many other things to do - those who want to make writing a priority will - those that don't will read this article and wonder in a week from now why they haven't found the time to write anything. 

Set a Writing Schedule

The first step to managing your writing time is to create a writing schedule. Make. Writing. A. Priority. Determine how much time you can realistically dedicate to writing each day or week, and create a schedule that works for you. This could be as simple as setting aside an hour a day or blocking off a few hours on the weekend. If you don't believe you have the time to write then make your writing schedule the time it takes for a load of laundry (30–45 minutes) write during the commercials of your favorite show (12–17 minutes) you can even write while you make a slice of toast (3 minutes.) Even three minutes every day will eventually get you a novel. 

Identify Your Most Productive Writing Time

Everyone has different times of day when they are most productive. Some writers prefer to write in the morning, while others are night owls. Pay attention to when you are most productive and try to schedule your writing time during those hours. This will help you to be more focused and efficient during your writing sessions.

I write at night. There are fewer distractions and it feels like my brain is ready to settle down in a chair for a few hours and tell a story instead of worrying about that load of laundry I needed to start. It can wait till tomorrow, night is for writing.  

Eliminate Distractions

Turn off the TV, hide your phone, give your dog a new toy, have your husband go cut the grass, unplug the washer, and throw out the dishes. There's nothing else you need to think about right now. 

Distractions can be a major hindrance to your writing productivity. Identify the things that distract you and eliminate them during your writing time. This could mean turning off your phone or email notifications, closing your internet browser, or finding a quiet space to write.

Use Writing Prompts

If you find yourself struggling to get started with your writing, try using writing prompts. Writing prompts can help to jumpstart your creativity and get your writing flowing. There are many websites and books available with writing prompts, or you can create your own.

callofwriting.com <- This is the best site for writing prompts that I use at least once a week for my flash fiction. 

Just like an athlete you just need to warm up a bit before you start. That's what writing prompts are, once you start writing it'll be easier for you to keep going. 

Break Your Writing into Smaller Tasks

Writing a novel can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into smaller tasks can make it more manageable. Set specific goals for each writing session, such as writing a certain number of words or completing a specific scene. This will help you to stay focused and motivated. You can have a word count goal of anywhere from 100 words to 1000 words for a day or even just to goal to complete a scene. I always suggest writing at least one chapter a day (1000–4000 words) I find writing the complete chapter helps it flow easier than putting it together in pieces. 

Prioritize Self-Care

It's important to prioritize self-care when managing your writing time. Taking care of your physical and mental health will help you to be more productive during your writing sessions. This could include getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, eating healthy, and taking breaks when needed. You can't write if your eyes are straining to look at the screen and you now suffer from migraines. You can't write if you need to instead see a chiropractor for your bad posture from sitting at your desk. You can't write if you've been typing so much your bones are coming threw your fingertips and tapping on the keys. 

There is a such thing as too much of a good thing and if you need to go to bed early instead of writing then do so, just don't make a habit of it. You need to keep your habit of writing. 

Don't Be Too Hard on Yourself

Remember that writing a novel is a marathon, not a sprint. Don't be too hard on yourself if you miss a writing session or don't meet your goals. Be flexible and adjust your schedule as needed, and don't give up on your writing dream. You don't need to write every single day, but just like a full-time job has you showing up at least five out of the seven - that's how many days of the week s you should show up to write. 

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In conclusion, managing your writing time can be a challenge, but with some planning and effort, it is possible to balance novel writing with other demands. By setting a writing schedule, identifying your most productive writing time, eliminating distractions, using writing prompts, breaking your writing into smaller tasks, prioritizing self-care, and being flexible, you can make progress on your writing goals and achieve your dream of becoming a published author.

Find the time to write, even if it's just a little bit every day. 

With love, 

B.K. xo

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