How To (Actually) Make Time To Write Your Book
You’ve got a story to share or a passion that you know needs to make its way into the pages of a book. You’ve dreamed of the front cover and even sketched out a few chapters. But now you are holding the desire to write your book with the reality of a cram-packed schedule and demanding responsibilities.
I’ve been there. I know what it’s like to wonder how in the world you will ever find time to complete your half-written project. I am going to share my tried-and-true tips to hopefully help you make progress and start moving toward the goal of a completed manuscript.
1. Find a fringe hour of the day, and claim it to write. For me, it’s the early morning before the rest of my house wakes up. I tiptoe to the coffee maker and grab my laptop. Your quiet moment might be during a lunch break in your car or late at night when your mind won’t stop. But I promise you have time that could be spent writing rather than mindlessly binge-watching a show or scrolling social media.
2. Work on your book daily, even if only a few words. While not every day is ideal for writing an entire chapter or several paragraphs, you can write something every day. Utilize the Notes app on your phone. Have a journal in your bag. When a thought crosses your mind about something that might work in your book, write it down right away. If you can’t develop it due to a lack of focused time, jot down a few words to jog your memory when you have time to devote to developing the idea.
3. Only work on one portion of your book at a time. Set a goal to complete a rough draft for that portion. When we try to look at the entire book and think about writing it as a whole, it becomes overwhelming and seemingly impossible. When you break it down into smaller chunks and consider focusing on one part, suddenly it’s doable. Maybe you can’t complete 12 chapters in a month, but you could probably complete one chapter. Make yourself a realistic goal, and go for it as hard as you can. And when you reach it, celebrate and set your next goal.
Your book idea doesn’t have to sit untouched and incomplete for months and years. Take advantage of the fringe hours, and work toward your goal every day, focusing on one part at a time. Before you know it, your book will be coming together, and the progress you’ve only dreamed of will begin to become reality. You can do this! Stop thinking about it. Stop making excuses. Just write.
Blessings,
Micah Maddox
Which tip will you start with today so you can make progress on the book you’ve always dreamed of writing? We’d love to know!
Karen Larrabee
Thank you, Micah Maddox, for your encouraging support for those of us just starting this adventure. I was so excited to see your name amongst the blog writers. You have encouraged many with your story, especially our ladies at Ramoth Baptist Church, Stafford, VA.
God has given me the vision to write a devotional, to include many participants, that either have encouraged myself, or how I have (humbly) encouraged others. A hope for the hopeless.
Your tip on “Finding” or should I say “making” time and claiming it daily has been my struggle. Thank you for going before us as one who leads a busy life, and yet, beautifully, fulfills the calling God has placed on your heart.
Blessings to you and your family. Karen
The tip I’m honing in on is making time to write my book every single day.
Loved these tips on how to find time to write! Especially the one about writing even a few words, sentences or paragraphs a day. Takes off the stress and pressure of feeling like I have to have the entire book written in one day. Gives space to take the time to write intentionally, not just hurriedly. So that what I write is something of true value and not just rushed words jotted down on the page to say “I’ve completed this task, or this book, or writing assignment.”
And it reminds me that even small steps of obedience can lead to great things done for and with the Lord! ??
Hannah, Your last line reminded me of Zechariah 4:10 “ Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand.”
That’s such a great reminder! Thank you!
Hannah, I was trying to respond to your comment. I’m not sure if it posted but, the last line you wrote about how even small steps of obedience can lead to great things reminded me of Zechariah 4:10 “ Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand.”
Wow!! That is so great, as when I was writing that part of my comment, that was the EXACT VERSE that had come to mind!! Love how the LORD works in those ways. ???
What a beautiful confirmation! ?