Why Writers Need a Clear Plan (Especially When Life Gets Busy)
Hi, I’m Darlene Panera from Aspiring Writer Academy, and if you're anything like me, you've probably experienced those chaotic moments when life throws everything at you at once. Whether it's coming back from a vacation, juggling appointments, or just trying to get back into your writing groove, having a clear plan can make all the difference.
In this post (and the video below 
), I’m sharing some real-life strategies to help you refocus and move forward with purpose—even when your week feels like a whirlwind.
Getting Back on Track After a Break
After my recent vacation, I returned to a mountain of tasks waiting for me. Sound familiar?
Instead of immediately diving into emails, deadlines, or my current work-in-progress, I paused. I took a breath and decided to revisit my writing goals first.
When life is busy, it's easy to slip into reactive mode—putting out fires and checking off to-dos. But that often leads to burnout and lost momentum. Sometimes the best thing you can do for your creativity and progress is to stop and ask:
What do I really need to focus on this week or this month?
Squeeze Writing Into a Busy Life
One of the most practical ways to stay consistent with your writing is to build your schedule around real life. If you have a doctor’s appointment Tuesday morning, ask yourself:
-
Can I write in the afternoon for 30 minutes?
-
Can I bring a notebook and jot down story notes in the waiting room?
Finding those small windows of time—15 minutes here, half an hour there—can add up to real progress over time.
Zoom Out & See the Big Picture
Currently, I’m finishing a rough draft for a new book that I’d love to release this fall. But I’m a little behind. There’s still revision, feedback, editing, and all the behind-the-scenes prep that goes into publishing.
So now I’m asking myself:
Can I realistically hit that fall release date, or would after the holidays be better?
These are the kinds of big-picture questions we all have to wrestle with as writers. And the only way to answer them with confidence is by stepping back, reviewing your priorities, and adjusting your plan.
Make Goal Planning a Habit
If you can’t do a weekly goal check-in, consider doing one monthly. Ask yourself:
-
Where am I right now in my writing journey?
-
What are my top goals?
-
What are the next 3 steps I can take?
-
What do I want to achieve by the end of the year?
Whether you’re trying to finish your first draft, publish your next book, or grow your author platform, clarity comes from writing it down and mapping it out.
A Book I’m Loving Right Now
If you're struggling to figure out your next steps, I highly recommend the book Everything is Figureoutable by Marie Forleo.
It’s encouraging, practical, and reminds you that even if you feel stuck, the next step is always within reach. "Everything is Figureoutable."
What’s the next step I can take to reach my writing goals?
Final Thoughts
When life gets hectic, don’t let your writing goals fall to the bottom of the list. Refocus, take a breath, and build a plan that works for you.
Watch the full video below for more tips and encouragement:
Other Posts You May Like:
Do you find it difficult to create compelling antagonists and villains for your stories? Do your villains feel cartoonish and unbelievable? Do they lack motivation or a specific game plan? Discover the secrets to crafting villains that will stick with your readers long after they finish your story, with our How to Create Antagonists & Villains Workbook.
This 32-page instructional workbook is packed with valuable fill-in-the-blank templates and practical advice to help you create memorable and effective antagonists and villains. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting out, this workbook will take your writing to the next level.
We Believe All Authors Can Aspire to Take Their Writing to the Next Level!
Our Goal for Aspiring Writer Academy is to help people learn how to write quality fiction, teach them to publish and promote their work, and to give them the necessary tools to pursue a writing career.
ENTER YOUR EMAIL BELOW
TO GET YOUR FREE
"Brainstorming Your Story Idea Worksheet"
7 easy fill-in-the-blank pages,
+ 2 bonus pages filled with additional story examples.
A valuable tool to develop story plots again and again.
Thanks for subscribing! Please check your email for further instructions.
is a multi-published author, speaker, and writing coach. She writes sweet contemporary, inspirational, and historical romance and loves teaching aspiring writers how to write quality fiction. Read her inspiring story of how she published her first book and launched a successful writing career.