Last updated on January 9, 2025
When it comes to writing, I often dream of having nothing else on my plate besides creating stories and weaving worlds. Sadly, for me—and for so many others—that’s just not the reality. Life demands our attention in countless ways, from work to family, errands to unexpected chaos. Yet, writing remains a passion and a priority, and I’ve learned that it’s possible to carve out time each day to nurture it.
If you’ve ever struggled to find balance and wondered how to make writing fit into your busy schedule, you’re not alone. Today, I’m sharing the tips and strategies that have worked for me—practical ideas you can adapt to your own life to ensure you have time to bring your stories to life!
Make Writing a Natural Part Of Your Day
This might sound simpler than it is, but planning my days is essential for me to ensure I have time to write each day. I like to structure my time so that certain activities are guaranteed before I allow myself to relax. For example, working out has always been one of those non-negotiables for me, and now writing has earned a spot on that list too.
The key is that it doesn’t have to look the same every day. Flexibility is important. Some days are busier than others, and that’s okay. Adjust the time you set aside for writing to fit your schedule. For instance, many of us have more free time on weekends, so I take advantage of that and dedicate longer blocks of time to writing then.
I used to believe that every day had to be identical in terms of writing output, but that mindset added a lot of unnecessary pressure—especially on hectic days. This more flexible approach has been a game-changer for me, allowing me to prioritize writing without the stress of rigid expectations.
Don’t Set Targets
I can almost hear you thinking: ‘But everyone says I need to write a certain number of words each day to achieve my goal. Why are you telling me not to?’ That’s the beauty of writing—there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Everyone can reach their goals in their own way.
For me, setting strict daily word counts often backfires. It adds unnecessary pressure and can take the joy out of writing. Just like trying to maintain the same number of hours for writing every day, this approach often feels overwhelming. Focusing on hitting a specific word count doesn’t always work for me.
Here’s the thing: writing isn’t just about putting words on the page. When I’m developing a character’s backstory, crafting the details of my fantasy world, or brainstorming key plot points, I’m still moving toward my ultimate goal. That creative groundwork is just as valuable—if not more so—than hitting an arbitrary word count.
So, instead of fixating on a daily word target, I focus on making meaningful progress, whatever that looks like for the day. For me, that approach keeps writing enjoyable and sustainable.
Explore The Outside World
A large part of my life happens indoors, and let’s face it—nothing particularly exciting tends to happen inside. This can make it challenging at times to find fresh inspiration for my stories. That’s why stepping outside is so important for me. Whether it’s the random interactions I might have with people or simply observing the world around me, the change of scenery often sparks new ideas.
But it’s not just about the interactions. The peace and clarity that come from being alone with my thoughts can be just as valuable. Sometimes, a quiet walk is all it takes to work through a tricky scene, solve a plot issue, or stumble upon a completely new idea. Nature and solitude unlock creativity in ways that staying indoors simply can’t.
Write down Each Thought
Last—but perhaps the most important tip—is to write down every idea or thought that could help your story. In the past, I didn’t always do this, and unfortunately, it’s led to some ideas fading away, never to return. Perhaps they’ll resurface someday, but for now, they remain lost.
The reality is, inspiration can strike at the most unexpected moments—during a work meeting, a workout session, or even while running errands. In those moments, it’s not always possible to explore the idea fully, but writing it down ensures you won’t lose it. Later, when you have the time, you can revisit that thought, flesh it out, and decide whether it’s worth pursuing or if it’s just not the right idea for now.
These are the four strategies that work best for me to make time for writing and keep the creativity flowing. I hope they can help you in your writing process too! What works best for you? I’d love to hear your thoughts or tips—share them!