In a recent comment, Barbara H. posed a great question about finding time to write. She said: I’d love to hear about writers’ schedules, how they make time for writing. Once when I heard Elisabeth Elliot speak and had a book signed by her afterward, the only question I could think to ask was, “How do you find time to write all these books?” She replied, “I don’t find time, I make time.” I know writers have to navigate around real life to make time to write, and I’d love to hear how.
Let me start by saying, sometimes there are seasons where we just can’t write. I put writing aside for seven years after my twins were born. I was so exhausted and busy that I literally could not write a single word, not even to journal.
But, for most of us, those seasons don’t last forever. Once we’re through the dry season, then we face the challenge of integrating writing (or other hobbies) into regular life which is often filled to overflowing with all kinds of other responsibilities.
Here are a few simple truths that help me navigate around real life to find time to write:
1. We can’t put off our writing simply because we’re busy. Let’s 
face it, we’re always going to be busy. Once we’re done with our current busy stage of life, we’ll start the next busy one. We’ll find different things to do, places to go, and activities that will fill our time.
I’m learning that I can’t wait until I cross off everything else on my to-do list before I start my writing time every day. Because honestly, my to-do list is never-ending. Instead, I have to choose to ignore it for a little while each day.
2. Schedule writing time. We need to pencil into our daily planner our writing time the same way we schedule appointments into our calendar. I block out time in the morning, my most productive time of the day, and I reserve my best energy for my writing.
3. When we sit down to write, we have to use that time wisely. This is something I struggle with constantly. During my scheduled writing time, I have to battle against the urge to check email or twitter or facebook.
It’s all too easy to tell ourselves, we’re only going to read a couple of blogs before we start working on our WIPs. And the next thing we know, twenty minutes out of our coveted hour of writing time is gone.
Whether we have 30 minutes or an hour or a day, we have to make a conscious choice to turn off the distractions, tune out the noise, and focus on the page that lies before us.
4. Finally, we have to show up at the screen, even when we don’t feel like it. Ever notice how young children get excited about new activities?
Before my youngest daughter started piano lessons, she was waiting anxiously for the day when she would finally get to play the piano like her siblings. But now that she’s been doing it a while, the newness has worn off and there are days when she would much rather do something else than sit down and practice.
And the same is true of most writers. We all feel that initial excitement when we start writing or when we begin a new book. But eventually the thrill wears off under the daily pressure to write something.
If we write only on the days we feel like it, we either won’t finish our book or it will take forever. The only way to complete a book is to write on the days we feel like it AND to force ourselves to write on the days we absolutely don’t want to.
What about you? Do you find yourself too busy to make time for the things you love to do? Writers, let’s hear from you! How do you navigate around real life to make time to write?
Jody Hedlund
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Good tips. It got easier when children left and I retired. Still, I battle other distractions. I’ve set aside a time as you suggest. Now learning not to get involved in email or Face Book.
Hi Meredith, I’m glad to hear you say it gets easier some day! I look forward to that phase! But as you say, the distractions are always there. It still takes self-discipline to be able to sit down and write!
So true! Like you, Jody, I took seven years off writing to take care of my babies. I heard God steer me away from writing during that season.
My favorite way to work is to schedule my writing time into my calendar, the way you suggest. I prefer to structure my daily/weekly goals around the number of hours I spend writing. For me, page count or word count goals can make my job feel like a chore. But the hour goal lifts the pressure to produce and — happily — the production end takes care of itself thanks to all those hours I’ve put in.
Hi Becky,
I think we do have to be sensitive to God’s leading us in different seasons of our lives I’m really glad I had the time away. It really enriched me and helped me to grow so that when I came back to my writing I had more depth and maturity. 🙂
And yes, I think the important thing about writing is making sure to schedule that time in and then stick to it. Whether you set word counts, page/chapter goals, or even just work for a set time, we just need to show up and write, right? 🙂
Boy, Jody. The writing even when you don’t feel like it is the one I have found making the biggest difference for me. Amazingly, though, once I get past the blah feeling and make myself start writing, I usually get caught back up in the story. Sometimes it’s just having the will power to force yourself to sit at the computer and open the document that is the biggest hurdle.
That’s SO true Karen! There are plenty of days when I have to force myself to start writing even though it’s the hardest thing to get started. But as you said, once I actually get started, the words usually start to flow. 🙂
Hi Jody! I can only post as a Reader in response to your Post but what you’ve posted, is such sound advice it can be used in all facets of life. I can identify with you so well on “making time”.
I find it quite a challenge to fit everything in, especially with family commitments.
Each of our grandchildren like to have us watch their sporting activities, drama, ballet etc. so somehow we spread ourselves around 9 times. Then there is my 97 year old Mum who likes to be involved with certain activities, the most recent being her attendance at the historical Queen Adelaide Society’s birthday anniversary of Queen Adelaide. ( easy to see how our city derived it’s name) hosted by the Lord Mayor. Mum is in her element at any function the Queen Adelaide Society holds, particularly as she is a Foundation Member. We also joined the QA Society so that we can participate with her. Time consuming ?….Yes…. but it is worth the effort when you see how much it means to her.
So dear Jody, when you don’t feel like writing, think of the pleasure that you give us, as your Readers. I can honestly say, “Thank You” to you because my little bit of R & R, gives me the opportunity to enjoy your novels.:)
Hi Rosie! You are one busy lady with all of your family and activities! You are blessing your family! And thanks for the sweet words about enjoying my novels! Hearing from readers makes it all worth while! 🙂
I recently had Loree Lough tell me that I am a writer. I was stunned. She told me that I needed to add a few facts to what I’d written and it would be a story. I’d written poems and prose when I was younger and won prizes and been published. Decades later and I don”t feel anything like a writer. Not somebody successful enough to be published like you and my favourite authors. I can’t even remember how to write a sentence correctly! Having said that, there is still a part of me that would love to write again. As a child, I used to love writing and illustrating my own books whilst my parents slept in on the weekends. I guess fear is what holds me back, and lack of discipline. I have enough trouble keeping going with a journal, let alone a whole book!
If and when I feel God telling me that I need to get my head stuck in a book, writing my own book, I’ll have to pencil in some time with Him so I know where my stories will be heading and so that I can honour and exalt Him in my book.
Please pray for me that I will know his direction, and that I will be able to express in words what He wants me to say.
Hi Trish, yes we really do need to rely on God’s leading. I’ll be praying for you that God makes it very clear what his plans are for you.
Enjoyed your blog post, Jody. Glad you find time to write books ’cause I love finding time to read them! It is so easy to get distracted during the day when I want to accomplish so much. As a reader, my goal is to finish my projects so I can sit on the deck and read at the end of the day, some days, yes, some days, no! Guess that’s just life. Just wanted to jot a note to tell you I appreciate you and to have a great weekend! Linda
Great post, Jody! 🙂
I completely agree about making yourself write even if you don’t feel like it.
To me, it’s a matter of discipline. And some days I’m more disciplined than others. 😉
Hugs, Patti Jo
Thanks so much, Jody! I enjoyed reading your response as well as the comments. It just occurred to me that I put many of those principles in practice one week of each month when I work on a ladies’ newsletter for church: I just need to follow the same practices – making it a priority, setting aside the time, writing even if I don’t feel like it – if I am ever going to pursue any other kind of writing. I’ve heard some writers speak of writing in bits and pieces of time during their day, but I think I’d do better with blocks of time. But I can see that once you know where you’re going, you might be able to work on certain scenes in odd bits of time.
Thanks again!
Thank you for this interesting post, Jody!! I love learning more about the writing process of my fave authors!! Thanks for “making the time” to write those wonderful books to inspire us!! May God bless you richly for heeding His call!!
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This was a great blog post Jody. I loved getting a peak into your life. I’ve only managed to read one of your books so far, The Preacher’s Bride. I absolutely loved it and have put the rest of your books on my TBR pile/list. Thank you so much for “making the time” to write.