Lately, I’ve been staring at my notebook (or laptop or my OneNote app) and thinking, when am I actually going to find time to write? Life has felt like a never-ending to-do list lately — work, parenting, studying, chores, and trying to maintain a social life — and finding time to write has been slipping further and further down the list.
The thing is, I love writing. It’s not just a hobby; it’s the thing that makes me feel grounded and creative, but finding the time? That’s been a real challenge. So, I’ve been experimenting with ways to fit writing in around everything else, and honestly, some of these little shifts have made a big difference. I thought I’d share them here, just in case you’re also juggling a million things and trying to keep your creative spark alive.
1. Stop Waiting for the “Perfect” Moment
For the longest time, I’d tell myself I’d write “when I had a proper chunk of time” — like a peaceful afternoon or a magical, quiet evening. Spoiler: those moments don’t happen very often.
So, instead, I’ve started sneaking in writing time where I can. Ten minutes while dinner’s in the oven. A quick brain dump before bed. A scribble of dialogue on my phone while I’m waiting in the car. It’s not glamorous, but it works. Those tiny bits add up more than you’d think.
2. Treat Writing Like a Real Appointment
I’ve started scheduling writing sessions in my calendar, just like I would a meeting or appointment. Even if it’s just 20 minutes on a Tuesday evening, it’s there. And when it pops up, I try my best to stick to it.
It’s incredible how much more you show up for something once it’s officially on your schedule. Plus, it stops me from brushing it off with “I’ll do it later” (which we all know often turns into never).
3. Embrace “Micro-Writing”
This one’s been a lifesaver. Instead of expecting myself to write entire chapters in one sitting, I break things into tiny, manageable chunks.
Examples:
- Jotting down plot ideas while I’m on a quick break.
- Writing a few sentences on my phone in bed.
- Recording voice notes of random ideas while walking.
Sometimes I surprise myself with how much progress happens in these in-between moments.
4. Have a Little Pre-Writing Ritual
Switching gears from “busy human mode” to “creative writing mode” can be tricky. A small ritual helps me get in the zone faster. For me, that might be making a cup of tea, lighting a candle, or just re-reading the last paragraph I wrote.
It’s a tiny mindset shift, but it really helps signal to my brain that it’s time to write — even if I only have 15 minutes.
5. Ditch the Pressure
Some days, the words flow. Other days, I stare at the blinking cursor and wonder why I ever thought I could do this. I’m learning to stop expecting every writing session to be a masterpiece. Messy drafts are still progress. Even one scrappy paragraph is better than nothing.
Permitting myself to write imperfectly has actually made it easier to sit down and start.
6. Protect Your Creative Energy
It’s so easy to let writing slip to the bottom of the pile when you’re busy. But the truth is, it deserves space. I’ve been practising saying “no” to things that drain me unnecessarily and carving out pockets of time where writing comes first — guilt-free.
7. Be Kind to Yourself
This one’s the biggie. Some weeks, I manage loads of writing. Other weeks…not so much. And that’s okay. Life is unpredictable. What matters is that I keep coming back to it, even if it’s slowly. There’s no rush.
Writing is part of who I am, and it’s worth making space for — even in the middle of the chaos.
Final Thoughts
Finding time to write with a busy schedule isn’t about magically discovering extra hours (if only!). It’s about sneaking writing into the cracks, setting boundaries, and being kind to yourself when life gets in the way.
If you’ve been struggling to fit writing in, know that you’re not alone. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be yours.
