Finding Time to Write With a Busy Schedule

Making Time for Writing, Setting Goals, Avoiding Distractions

Nov 6, 2009

Finding time to write is like finding time to exercise. It's there if one just quits making excuses.

"No time to write” is an excuse heard often from aspiring writers. But productive writing time is easy to add to the day with a little planning and scheduling.

Write at a Set Time Every Day

Set aside a “prime time” of day to write. An entire morning, afternoon, or evening that can be set aside for writing is ideal, but one to three hours is enough if that allotment is used wisely. It is important to maintain and stick to a regular schedule. Use this “prime time” for writing only. This is the opportunity to let loose and be creative. Reserve less creative parts of writing such as editing and research for off hours.

There are peak times when the brain is most alert and creative. For some, this is just after morning coffee, for others it is early evening or late at night. The creative part of writing should be done when a writer feels his or her best. Of course, authors who also have day jobs in other fields will have to accommodate their schedule by finding time to write before or after work or on weekends. Still, a few hours of the best part of the free portion of the day should be reserved for writing.

Have a Daily Goal in Mind

The goal a writer sets depends on how much time can realistically be set aside for writing. Some writers make a commitment to write an hour or two a day. Others try to complete a certain amount of words or pages per day. Whatever works for the individual author is fine. It is better to have a goal that is easy to meet than to have one that is impossible to keep. Four of five completed manuscript pages a day can be a realistic goal and can quickly add up to a novel by the end of the year.

Avoid Distractions

When working from home it is easy for a writer to get into the trap of doing other things. Running errands, watching television, or doing laundry defeats the purpose of setting aside writing time. If an extra chore wouldn’t be acceptable to do at the office, it shouldn’t be done during writing time. The serious author makes it clear to family members and friends that writing time is valuable.

On the other hand, a work-at-home writer shouldn’t be a harsh taskmaster. Time should be allowed off for breaks and certainly for small emergencies. An author just has to be careful not to abuse writing time.

The copyright of the article Finding Time to Write With a Busy Schedule in Writing Fiction is owned by Vickie Britton. Permission to republish Finding Time to Write With a Busy Schedule in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.