Finding Time to Write: 5 Approaches for Busy Lives

Life can often feel like a whirlwind, can’t it? Between managing a demanding job, juggling family commitments (hello, kids!), nurturing our spiritual lives through church activities, and giving our time to various volunteer efforts, it’s no wonder may of us are left wondering: How do I find time to write?

Of course we have the responsible choice to ask, How do I make time to write? But that’s not exactly a light switch of revelation, either. At least, not often a sustainable one.

And let’s be honest: it’s easy to get caught up in mindsets that hold us back. How many times have you thought, “If I can’t write the perfect chapter in one sitting, then what’s the point?” Or felt guilty for wanting to carve out time for your passion when there are chores to tackle or kids to play with? You’re not alone in these feelings.

But what if it IS entirely possible for you to find time to write amidst the beautiful chaos of everyday life? In this post, we’ll explore five practical approaches to help you discover golden moments for your creativity to flourish, all while embracing the imperfections of the writing process.

So grab your favorite mug of coffee or tea, take a deep breath, and explore how you can reclaim your time and start that book you’ve been wanting to write!

1. Maximizing Planned Short Sprints: Write in the Nooks and Crannies

Life is busy, but you don’t need hours of uninterrupted time to write. Look for the small pockets of time in your day — the “nooks and crannies.” Instead of waiting for the perfect hour or a quiet space, make the most of the small moments you already have.

Watching your child’s soccer game? Instead of scrolling on your phone, dictate a few thoughts in your notes app. While dinner’s cooking, brainstorm ideas or themes you want to explore. Even during your lunch break, you can write a quick paragraph or outline a chapter. You might also get into the habit of arriving five minutes early to work or a meeting, and use that extra time to write in your car or a quiet spot nearby.

Writing doesn’t have to happen in long, perfect sessions. Don’t wait for the ideal conditions. Every sentence adds up, and progress comes from the act of writing, no matter how small. Start asking, “Where can I find a moment today to write?” Embrace these small windows of opportunity, and you’ll be surprised how much you can accomplish.

Finding Time to Write in the Nooks and Crannies is Useful During:

• Brainstorming and Idea Generation: In the early stages of a project, when you’re still figuring out your themes and direction. You can jot down thoughts and ideas as they come to you.
• Revision and Editing: With small chunks of time, you can re-read and edit sections of your work, or revise specific paragraphs. This approach helps maintain your momentum and keep you connected to your writing, even when life gets busy.
• Drafting First Draft Chapters: As you start to get words on the page, you can utilize small moments to flesh out your initial ideas or character sketches.

“The scariest moment is always just before you start.”

― Stephen King, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft

2. Seizing Micro-Moments: Finding Time to Write in Small, Surprise Bursts

In the hustle of daily life, finding time to write often seems impossible. Not just because there’s no time, but also because your brain feels like a runaway hamster wheel. So, while you can plan for the nooks and crannies, unexpected micro-moments can also arise. If you’re not ready to seize the moment, you’ll probably end up scrolling on your phone or spacing out, because, well, you deserve a break. However, for a prepared writer, snagging these micro-moments can be gifts towards your writing progress!

Picture this: you’re meeting a friend for coffee and she cancels. Or your in-laws spontaneously offer to take the kids for ice-cream. Or you feel stirred during the Sunday sermon. These small windows can be perfect for jotting down ideas, notes, or thoughts that you’ve been mulling over.

The key is being prepared. Know what you want to write about next so you can dive right in when a micro-moment appears. Keep a notebook or notes app handy for jotting down ideas. Every little bit counts, whether you’re outlining, brainstorming, or writing a quick paragraph. These small moments can help you steadily make progress, even in a busy life.

Seizing Micro-Moments are Most Useful For:

• Nugget Writing: Writing a short scene, anecdote or brief section from your outline that’s been playing around in your mind.
• Daily Reflection: When you’re not in the mood to write, these short bursts can allow you to capture thoughts or reflections that arise throughout the day, ensuring you don’t lose inspiration.
• Brainstorming and Idea Generation: In the early stages of a project, when you’re still figuring out your themes and direction. You can jot down thoughts and ideas as they come to you.
• Drafting First Draft Chapters: As you start to get words on the page, you can utilize small moments to flesh out your initial ideas or character sketches.

3. Making Time to Write by Establishing Regular Rhythms

You’re craving those quiet creative moments alone with your writing, but life is pulling you in multiple directions. That’s when it’s reassuring to know you don’t have to worry about finding time to write—it’s already a guarded space on your calendar!

Establishing a writing routine can work wonders for your productivity. Imagine carving out thirty minutes each morning or after the kids are in bed to commit to your writing. Daily writing rhythms didn’t work for me, so my sacred time while writing Dare to Decide was Saturday mornings at Starbucks. These small, regular sessions can add up quickly, allowing your ideas to flow more freely. Over time, this consistency helps your brain adapt to the rhythm of writing, unlocking creativity you may not have realized was there.

Another perk to establishing a regular writing routine is that it helps shape the expectations of the people in your life. Your family might notice you’re more relaxed and fun to be around after some writing time, and soon become your biggest supporters in your creative journey. Plus, as your kids witness you pursuing your dreams, you set a powerful example. You show them the importance of investing in their gifts, inspiring them to chase their own passions.

So, instead of just sporadically finding time to write, create that routine, embrace those scheduled sessions, and watch how those words accumulate into a book!

Established Writing Rhythms are Most Useful During:

• Consistent Drafting: Once you have a clear direction for your project, establishing a routine helps you develop a writing habit and meet word count targets, making it easier to produce content regularly.
• Mid-Project Progress: When you’re deep into writing, a routine can help you maintain focus and manage your time effectively, ensuring you’re consistently progressing toward your goals.
• Revisions and Edits: Editing and revising your manuscript can feel tedious, but breaking it into smaller milestones and scheduling time to work on them can help you make progress without feeling overwhelmed.

“Less mental clutter means more mental resources available for deep thinking.”

― Cal Newport, Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World

4. Deep Dives into Creativity: Carve out Immersive Blocks of Writing Time

When life gets busy, finding time to write may require setting aside large chunks of uninterrupted time to make progress on your book. When you have several hours to write, you can enter a creative flow — a state where your brain dives deeper and works more efficiently, a concept Cal Newport refers to as “deep work.” This is different from short bursts of writing because it allows you to connect ideas, work through complex thoughts, and get more done in one session.

To find these longer blocks, consider waking up early before the kids, scheduling a weekend writing retreat at a cottage, or dedicate a Saturday morning at a coffee shop. You could also trade time with a spouse or friend for uninterrupted space.

To inspire this precious oasis of time with focus and productivity, you’ll want to come prepared. Try outlining what you want to write beforehand, or writing prompts on sticky notes, so you can jump right in. Eliminate distractions by putting on headphones or implement focus apps to give yourself permission to focus fully. Create a peaceful environment by reducing clutter, lighting a candle or writing a heartfelt conversation with God in your journal.

While it might take more intentionality to carve out a few hours or days for writing, this immersive time will help you connect more deeply with your book and make significant progress.

Immersive Writing Blocks are Most Useful During:

• First Draft Completion: When you’re in the zone and need extended periods to explore ideas deeply and make significant progress, immersive blocks can help you achieve creative flow.
• Complex Idea Development: When you need to work through intricate concept frameworks, character arcs, or themes, having larger blocks of time allows for thorough exploration and refinement.
• Revision Read-Through: At various points in the editing stages, it’s worth read through (or listening to) your full book. Setting aside large blocks of time for this helps you see the big picture and flow of your story or structure.

“If you want to win the war for attention, don’t try to say ‘no’ to the trivial distractions you find on the information smorgasbord; try to say ‘yes’ to the subject that arouses a terrifying longing, and let the terrifying longing crowd out everything else.”

― Cal Newport, Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World

5. Setting Targets: Goals That Motivate and Inspire You to Find Time to Write

When life gets busy, it’s easy for writing to take a backseat. However, setting specific writing targets can help you prioritize finding time to write. Powerful motivators — like accountability, clear goals, or word count targets — can fire you up and encourage you to carve out time you need.

Think about it: we often show up better for others or for a higher mission than we do for ourselves. Committing to a goal, like writing 500 words a day or meeting a submission deadline, shifts your focus from finding time to write a meaningful mission rather than a mere task.

Adding structure, like joining a writing group or hiring a book coach, can provide accountability and motivation. In the year I was part of a writing critique group, somehow I found time each week to write a 1000-words, plus read and critique three chapters from other writers. Knowing that you’ll share your progress with others and they’re counting on you makes you more likely to show up. Alternatively, aiming for a specific word count or a contest submission date creates urgency. This helps you stay on track, even amidst family and volunteer commitments.

To make the most of these strategies, schedule dedicated writing sessions in your calendar and share your goals with someone who can check in with you. With these practices, you can turn your message of hope into a completed book!

Using Targets and Accountability for Finding Time to Write is Most Useful During:

• Project Planning: At the start of your writing journey, setting clear targets helps you establish a roadmap and maintain focus throughout the process.
• During Overwhelm or Lagging Motivation: During times of overwhelm or low motivation, adjusting your writing strategy, creating a feedback loop, or enlisting support can help you stoke inspiration and progress in your book journey.
• Final Stages: As you near completion, targets can help you stay motivated, ensuring you meet deadlines for submission or publication while providing a sense of accomplishment.

“Amateurs sit and wait for inspiration, the rest of us just get up and go to work.”

― Stephen King, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft

Finding Time to Write Doesn’t Have to Be All or Nothing

Incorporating these five approaches to finding time to write can transform your writing journey. Whether you carve out tiny moments, or establish a consistent routine, remember: every effort counts! Stay motivated by setting targets and deadlines and inviting support. Embrace your passion for writing, and trust that God is also guiding your steps. You have a message worth sharing!