Finding Time to Write

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Finding Time to Write: Practical Tips for Busy Authors

In this post, we’ll explore some practical strategies for finding time to write, including tips on writing in short bursts, using mobile devices to write on the go, and setting achievable writing goals. By the end, you’ll be armed with ways to turn even your busiest days into productive writing time.

The Power of Writing in Short Sprints

One of the best ways to squeeze writing into a packed schedule is to use short, focused sprints. Even ten or fifteen minutes can add up over the course of a week. Writing in sprints helps you concentrate on getting words on the page without overthinking, making it a perfect strategy for drafting. Here are some examples of when you can fit in these short sprints:

- While Waiting: Waiting at the doctor’s office? Open up your phone and jot down a scene, dialogue, or even ideas for the next chapter. Five to ten minutes of writing may seem small, but it can be a surprisingly productive chunk of time when you’re focused.

- During a Lunch Break: Bring your laptop or phone to lunch, and use the time to work on a few paragraphs or outline your next chapter. Even if you write for just fifteen minutes, those words are progress you wouldn’t have made otherwise.

- Early Mornings or Late Nights: Set aside fifteen minutes in the morning before your day starts, or just before bed. These uninterrupted moments can lead to focused, creative flow, even if you’re only jotting down ideas for the next day’s writing.

Pro Tip: Use a timer for these sprints. Set it for 10 or 15 minutes and focus on writing without editing or second-guessing. This technique, often called a "Pomodoro" timer, helps keep you on task and gives you a concrete sense of accomplishment.

Making the Most of Mobile Writing

Thanks to mobile devices, writing on the go has never been easier. If you find it hard to make time at home, consider using your phone or tablet to make progress on your manuscript. Here are some ways to make the most of mobile writing:

- Use Note-Taking Apps: Apps like Google Docs, Evernote, and Scrivener’s mobile version let you work on your manuscript no matter where you are. These apps save your work in the cloud, so you can easily access it on any device. If inspiration strikes while you’re on the bus or in a waiting room, open the app, add to your draft, and your work will be saved and ready for your next session.

- Dictation Tools: Many phones have built-in dictation tools that can turn your voice into text. If you’re walking or driving, try dictating ideas or even entire scenes. While it may need editing later, dictation allows you to make progress on your book without needing to type.

- Set Writing Reminders: Many apps let you set reminders or notifications. Try setting a reminder to spend ten minutes writing every day at a specific time, like during your commute or lunch break. A gentle nudge from your phone can be enough to help you build a consistent writing habit.

Pro Tip: If typing on a phone feels clunky, consider a portable Bluetooth keyboard, which can make mobile writing feel much more natural and allow you to type quickly and comfortably.

Setting Realistic and Achievable Writing Goals

When time is limited, it’s important to set reasonable writing goals that fit into your lifestyle. Unrealistic goals can lead to burnout, while achievable goals keep you motivated and make progress feel doable. Here’s how to set writing goals that you can accomplish even on busy days:

1. Start Small: Begin with goals that feel manageable, like writing 100–200 words a day. This may not seem like much, but even a small daily word count adds up to thousands of words over time.

2. Measure Your Progress in Scenes or Chapters: Instead of aiming for a daily word count, try setting goals based on scenes or sections. For example, “Finish one scene by the end of the week.” This is a flexible goal that can fit into sprints and lets you celebrate milestones beyond word counts.

3. Use Weekly Goals Instead of Daily Goals: If daily goals feel too rigid, set weekly goals instead. A goal like “write 1,000 words by the end of the week” gives you flexibility to write more on some days and less on others, depending on your schedule.

4. Track Your Progress: Seeing your progress over time is motivating. Use a calendar or habit-tracking app to mark each day you hit your goal. Visualizing your progress can help keep you committed and celebrate the work you’re putting in.

Pro Tip: Avoid perfectionism while drafting. In short writing sprints, aim to get ideas down on paper rather than creating polished prose. You can always edit and refine during later drafts, so give yourself permission to write freely.

Sample Writing Schedule for Busy Authors

Here’s a sample weekly schedule that incorporates short sprints, mobile writing, and realistic goals. Feel free to adjust this to fit your own life!

- Monday: 15-minute writing sprint before breakfast (Outline or start a new scene)

- Tuesday: Write during lunch break (Continue scene or add new dialogue)

- Wednesday: 10 minutes on your phone in the evening (Review and revise Tuesday’s work)

- Thursday: Dictate ideas or scene notes while commuting

- Friday: 20-minute sprint in the morning (Finish scene)

- Saturday: Review the week’s work, make notes for next week, and outline any new scenes

- Sunday: Rest, read, or spend 10 minutes brainstorming ideas for the week ahead

Even with short sessions, by the end of the week, you’ll have made significant progress on your book. Writing in smaller, consistent increments keeps you connected to the story, so it’s easier to pick up where you left off each day.

Embracing Flexibility and Patience

Remember that writing a book is a long-term commitment, and it’s normal for progress to vary from week to week. Some days you’ll write more, and some days less—and that’s okay. What matters is that you’re consistently moving forward, even if it’s one paragraph or scene at a time. Embracing a flexible, patient approach to writing will keep you motivated and ultimately help you finish your book.

Final Thoughts: Progress Over Perfection

Finding time to write doesn’t require a perfect schedule or uninterrupted hours of quiet. It’s about taking advantage of the small moments, using tools that help you write on the go, and setting goals that inspire steady progress. By building writing into your daily routine—even in short sprints—you’re nurturing your creativity and steadily bringing your book to life.

So if you’re feeling short on time, remember that every word, paragraph, and scene you write moves you closer to “The End.” Don’t wait for the perfect moment—use the moments you have, and let your story unfold one sprint at a time. Happy writing!