The question I get asked most often, hands down, is how do you find time to write?

I think someone once said we have the same number of hours in the day as Beyoncé. And that’s true. She has the same hours we do. So how do you make time for writing when you have a full-time job, family, and other obligations?

Get up an hour earlier. This works. Do your writing before you do anything else. This is what currently works for me.

Break up a longer project into chunks. I used to write 1,000 words a day but find I can’t do that all the time. Still, I break up writing into smaller bits. For example, I tell myself I’m going to spend 2 weeks outlining (30 minutes a day). Or, I’m going to edit a picture book manuscript this week. Or, this week I’m going to chip away at a new novel knowing that it may take me 4-6 months to complete a draft.

Stay up an hour later, or write instead of watch Netflix. This was something I did earlier in my career. I would write instead of consume other media at night. Sometimes I wrote at 10 or 11 p.m.

Carve out time on the weekends. The weekend can quickly fill up with social gatherings, chores, and other errands. But if writing is important to you try to find an hour early Saturday or Sunday morning to work on your craft.

Always be prepared to take notes. I usually think of a way to fix a plot problem at weird times which is why I always have a writing instrument handy. I keep a notebook by the bed, pens in my purse, and take notes in my phone if I have to. The back of grocery receipts work well, too.

What time management strategies have worked for you when it comes to writing? Share your tips in the comments.

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