07. How to Find Time to Write: Practical Tips & Mindset Shifts
Today, we're tackling a topic I hear many people who want to write struggle with — TIME.
Or, more accurately, the lack of time they claim they have when it comes to writing.
If you're laughing because you think you don't have time to write, or maybe you haven't even started because of that "time" excuse, you might want to make the time to listen( 🤣 I had to!)
Let's be real ... when do you have massive chunks of free time?
We tend to think "more time" will magically appear later — when we finish the big client project, wrap up hockey season, or when our business is finally at that sustainable growth phase.
Time doesn't magically appear later. We know this.
Here's what I propose: start writing now, even when you're busy — especially when you're busy.
I know it's possible because I've made time for my writing projects since 2015. First, when I wrote a 50-page mini-book while working a full-time corporate job, commuting three hours a day, and raising young kids. It wasn't easy, but I made it happen. I got up at 5:00 a.m., wrote for at least 30 minutes, and squeezed in writing during my train commute or at coffee shops on weekends.
I finished that 20,000-word book in just three months by fitting writing into the "cracks" of my day. Thirty minutes here, an hour there — you'd be surprised how quickly it all adds up.
Later, I tackled a 50,000-word draft of what would become Unfussy Life during a NaNoWriMo challenge by writing 1,667 words daily. It was certainly intense, and I learned that forcing that kind of output every single day simply isn't sustainable for me (and for most women – which is why I created the How Women Write podcast).
Now, I flow with nature — my rhythm and the moon phases. These days, I begin new writing projects around the new moon and edit in phases after the full moon. I write about what feels important to me in the moment, not what I think I should write.
Ultimately, I've started challenging my relationship with time and explored what would be possible when we let go of fake time constraints. It turns out — A LOT.
What you'll discover today:
Why I recommend everyone start writing now, especially if you're busy
How to weave writing into the "cracks" of your day — even 15 minutes counts
The importance of separating your surrendered first drafts from editing for faster writing and more flow
Practical ways to protect your writing time like it matters — because it does — and put it first
Writing prompts to challenge your relationship with time to invite in more flow
Links:
Writing Community & Finding Flow – The Intuitive Writing Collective
NaNoWriMo & Camp NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month): Organization and website
Episode 06. Intuitive Editing Tips: Create Your Unique Voice One Word at a Time
Toggl: Time tracking tool
Pomodoro Timer: Productivity tool
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction: The Trouble with Finding Writing Time
01:16 Making Time for Writing
02:59 Creating Time for Writing in a Life's Busy Season
06:32 Practical Tips to Prioritize Time for Writing
08:43 How Writing Challenges Can Backfire
20:08 The Power of Community in Writing
29:02 Exploring Timelessness and Writing
36:57 Conclusion: Embracing the Flow
