Finding Time to Write While Working Full-Time

In today's day and age it can be hard to find time to work on your craft. Especially if you're working on a novel. Myself, I work 40+ hours a week, which leaves me little time to work on my own novel. Between work, house chores, errands and trying to add working-out into my schedule, finding time to write has been hard. However, I have found a few tips that have been working for me so far (even if I've had writer's block lately).

Here are 5 Tips to Find Time to Write While Working Full-Time.

1. Set Goals-Daily or Weekly

On Sunday nights, before bed, I like to sit down with my bullet journal at set goals I'd like to achieve for the next day. They can be as simple as working on characters or setting multiple goals that have to do with working on plot. Don't forget to schedule that around getting chores done too. Since I have Monday and Tuesday off I will get my chores done in the morning. This leaves midday and afternoon open to work on my novel. Also, set yourself a time limit of how much you want to write. Whether that be a word-count limit or writing for an hour or two.

2. Keep a Notebook Near

Have you ever had an idea pop up and you have nothing to write it on? This has happened to me more times than I care to admit. Keeping a notebook near, even while working, is a great idea. If using your phone is easier, there are great apps you can download on your phone. JotterPad is a great one. It is similar to notepad and has great features, plus it's free! An app that I like to use when I don't have a notebook is the Writer app. I can write out my ideas in the app by selecting the PLUS sign at the top right corner. Add your idea and you can go back to it at a later time. Whatever system you use, writing your ideas down is a great idea so you don't lose them.

3. It's Okay to Take Breaks

Nobody said, "hey you're supposed to write everyday!" If we did that we would get burnt out on what we were creating. For example, I used to draw all the time. I loved to draw! Each day I would work on one or two pieces and each week I would work on a large project. But I was doing it so often I eventually burned myself out. Now, whenever I go back to draw something I don't like it. The same applies to writing. It's important to work consistently on your projects but not to the point you're burning out. That's why scheduling time to write is important. Give yourself three to four days a week to really focus on your writing, then take the breaks needed so your brain doesn't explode from overload.

4. Think About What You're Going to Write

It is honestly that easy. While you're working or running errands, think about the scene you're going to be working on. Let your mind wander to which characters will be in the scene and then outline it. Jot down all the ideas you have for the scene. See what works, what doesn't work, just make sure you get it all down on paper!

5. Spare Time is Your Friend!

In the end we often find ourselves too busy to find time to write. Some of us writers have kids (not myself, unless you include dogs). Our day to day lives are hectic and even the most meticulous schedules are hard to tweak. Any spare time you can find to write is the best! Maybe it's while the kids are at school - if you're not going out to work. It could also be after they've gone to bed. Wherever that spare time comes from, utilize it! Many authors who've worked 40+ hours a week have done it before us, who's to say we can't?

Need more inspiration to find time? Check out Jenna Moreci's video below!