As an indie author, one of the most common questions I get is, “How do you find the time to write?” Balancing writing with a day job, family responsibilities, and everything else life throws your way can feel overwhelming. Over the years, I’ve developed a system that works for me, and today I’m excited to share my formula for staying productive and consistent as a writer.
1. Planning Is Key
The foundation of my writing routine is planning. I use two tools to keep my schedule organized:
- Google Calendar: This helps me schedule everything digitally and sync with other commitments.
- A Paper Planner: As someone who loves stickers and creativity, this adds a fun, tactile element to my planning.
Each week, I sit down and plan my schedule, including dedicated time for writing. My goal is to write at least three times a week, sometimes more if I can. I also prioritize flexibility, because life is chaotic and unpredictable. For example, I’ll often plan a Monday writing session, but if Monday doesn’t work out, I move that session immediately to Tuesday in my Google calendar
2. The Power of Accountability
Accountability has been a game-changer in my writing journey. I rely on two consistent co-writing sessions every week:
- Thursday Co-Writing with a Friend: This is a focused hour where we start by sharing our goals and then spend 50 minutes writing. These sessions are incredibly productive—just last week, I wrote 2,100 words in 50 minutes!
- Friday Writing Group: This is a 90-minute session with fellow writers. We spend about 30 minutes chatting and problem-solving, followed by an hour of solid writing.
These sessions provide both structure and motivation. Writing alongside others, even virtually, creates a magical sense of focus and accountability.
3. Staying Flexible
Life happens, and flexibility is essential. While I rarely miss my Thursday and Friday writing sessions, I’m ready to adjust if a family member gets sick or a day job project comes up. If I miss my usual times, I’ll carve out time later in the evening or even on a weekend if I’m on a deadline.
When I do need to shift things around, I communicate with my family. For instance, I’ll let my husband and son know that I need an hour to write after dinner. This balance ensures that I meet my goals without sacrificing family time.
4. Setting Goals and Staying Motivated
Another critical piece of the puzzle is setting clear goals. I set yearly goals for my writing, breaking them down into monthly, weekly, and even daily tasks. For example, my current goal is to publish the first book in my urban fantasy series this fall and draft the second book while waiting for edits.
I also keep the bigger picture in mind: my dream is to publish all five books in the series within the next five years. Staying focused on this long-term vision helps me stay motivated and consistent, even on busy days.
Final Thoughts: Balancing Writing and Life as an Indie Author
Balancing writing with everything else requires careful planning, accountability, and flexibility. By scheduling time to write, staying committed to accountability groups, and remaining adaptable when life throws curveballs, I’ve been able to make consistent progress on my books.
If you’re an aspiring writer and struggling to find time, I’d love to help! Drop a comment below, and let me know how I can support you in your writing journey.
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