How to Find Time to Write—Even with a Busy Schedule
Let’s face it—finding time to write is one of the biggest challenges for writers. Life gets busy. There are always errands to run, kids to take care of, appointments to attend, and those unexpected things that pop up and throw your whole day off track.
You might start your day with the best intentions: “Today, I’m going to write for two hours.” But then a phone call comes in. Or your plans get derailed by something you didn’t expect. And suddenly, that writing session disappears.
You're not alone in this. Every writer—no matter how experienced—struggles with making time to write. But with a little strategy and a flexible mindset, it is possible to create consistent space for your writing, even when life is chaotic.
Here are a few tips that can help:
1. Plan for the Week, Not Just the Day
Daily writing goals are great in theory—but life doesn’t always cooperate. Instead of stressing over hitting a word count every single day, try setting a weekly goal. Ask yourself:
“What do I want to accomplish by the end of this week?”
This could be writing a certain number of pages, finishing a scene, or completing a character outline. A weekly goal gives you more breathing room. If one day falls apart, you have the flexibility to catch up later without feeling like you failed.
2. Time Block with Buffer Zones
Start by looking at your calendar for the week. Take note of your appointments and other obligations, then block out possible writing windows—even if they’re just 15–30 minutes.
Don’t wedge your writing time too tightly. Build in buffer zones to account for the unexpected: the post office run, the extra-long doctor’s appointment, the last-minute errand.
If you want your writing time to stick, you have to plan for real life.
3. Identify Your Least Interruptible Hours
Think about your day. When are interruptions least likely? If your afternoons are chaotic, consider writing first thing in the morning or late at night after the house is quiet.
Sometimes, the only way to get words on the page is to get up early or stay up late. It’s not always easy, but it can be worth it—especially when deadlines are looming.
4. Always Carry a Notebook (or Use Your Phone)
Story ideas don’t always arrive when you're sitting at your desk. That’s why it helps to keep a notebook—or your phone—handy at all times. Jot down random thoughts, snippets of dialogue, or plot ideas when they come to you.
Those small notes can add up and make your next writing session even more productive.
5. Keep a “Next Step” List
Ever sit down to write and realize you’ve forgotten where you left off? That delay eats up your precious writing time.
To stay focused, keep a running list of your next writing tasks. This might include:
-
Write Scene 3
-
Flesh out a side character
-
Brainstorm props or setting details
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Sketch out the hook and ending for the next chapter
With a plan in place, you can jump straight into writing—even if you only have 20 minutes.
6. Embrace Writing Sprints
Writing in short bursts—also known as writing sprints—can be incredibly effective. Even if you can only squeeze in 10–15 minutes here and there, those moments add up.
By the end of the week, you may be surprised by how many words or scenes you’ve completed—just by using small windows of time consistently.
7. Be Flexible, Not Perfect
No writing schedule will ever be perfect. Things will always come up. The goal isn’t to control every moment of your day—it’s to make room for progress.
Give yourself grace. Adjust when needed. And just keep moving forward, one small step at a time.
Final Thoughts
Time management is hard. Life is unpredictable. But if writing matters to you, then it's worth finding creative ways to make it fit.
You don’t need giant blocks of uninterrupted time—you just need a plan, a little flexibility, and the determination to keep going, even when it’s tough.
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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.