Writing a novel is a labor of love that requires time, dedication, and creativity. For many aspiring authors, however, the demands of a day job can often feel like a barrier to pursuing their writing dreams.
But the reality is writing doesn’t have to be a huge time commitment. In fact, most of your favourite authors are probably holding down a day job to both manage the financial uncertainty of the publishing world and to better use their spare time.
In this blog post, I’ll explore some practical strategies and tips to help you carve out precious time to write your novel while juggling the responsibilities of a day job.
Embrace a Writing Routine
Establishing a consistent writing routine is essential for making progress on your novel. Set aside specific times each day or week dedicated solely to writing. It could be waking up an hour earlier, utilizing your lunch break, or designating evenings for your creative pursuits. Find what works best for you and stick to it.
Prioritize and Set Goals
Determine your priorities and set achievable writing goals. Instead of starting a giant series of books, try your concept out in a stand-alone novel or novella first.
Break down your novel into smaller milestones, such as completing a chapter or hitting a daily word count target. Having clear objectives will motivate you to make the most of your available time and make steady progress toward your larger goal.
I try to finish a novel a year and usually have a daily word count goal while writing my first draft and then set daily chapter goals for editing.
Maximize Productive Time Blocks
Identify your most productive periods during the day and utilize them for writing. For some, it’s the early morning when the mind is fresh and distractions are minimal. For others, it might be during the quiet hours of the evening. Discover your optimal time blocks and allocate them exclusively to your writing. Minimize interruptions by setting boundaries and communicating your writing time to those around you.
Create a Distraction-Free Writing Environment
Find a quiet and comfortable space where you can focus on your writing without interruptions. Whether it’s a dedicated home office, a cozy corner in a café, or a local library, choose a location that minimizes distractions and helps you get in the writing zone. Consider using noise-cancelling headphones and/or ambient music to block out external disturbances.
Use Dictation Apps
Using dictation apps is a game changing solution for busy aspiring authors. Apps like Otter can enable you to dictate your thoughts and ideas, eliminating the time-consuming process of typing. By leveraging it you can couple your writing with other tasks like going for your daily walk or cleaning dishes.
Make the Most of Commute or Lunch Breaks
If you have a long commute or lunch break, consider using that time to write. Carry a notebook or use writing apps on your smartphone or tablet to capture ideas, write scenes, or outline chapters. Even short bursts of writing can accumulate over time and contribute to the progress of your novel.
Delegate and Outsource
If possible, delegate some of your non-writing responsibilities to others. Whether it’s household chores, grocery shopping, or administrative tasks, sharing the workload can free up valuable time for writing. You might outsource tasks such as editing, proofreading, or cover design to professionals, allowing you to concentrate on the creative aspects of your novel.
Practice Self-Care
Finding time to write while holding down a day job can be mentally and physically demanding. Take care of yourself by prioritizing self-care activities, such as exercise, meditation, and sufficient sleep.
And don’t be too harsh on yourself if you don’t write a few days while not feeling well or when work becomes overwhelming. As long as you are able to get back to routine when things settle down.
Conclusion
While writing a novel while balancing a day job with may seem daunting, it’s entirely possible. By implementing these strategies and making writing a priority, you’ll be well on your way to completing that novel you’ve always dreamed of. Remember, every word you write brings you closer to completing a novel. As Bill Gates once said : “Most people overestimate what they can do in one year and underestimate what they can do in ten years.”
To learn about my process to write a novel check out this post.
