One of the most challenging parts of finishing your first book is finding the time to write. Many authors have full-time jobs and family obligations, which often puts writing a manuscript at the bottom of the priority list. If you want to complete your manuscript, you must be intentional about making time to write. If you’re struggling with finding the time to work on your manuscript, the following tips can help you carve out time during your busy schedule so you can complete your work.
Set manageable goals
First, consider how much time you have to finish your manuscript, then work backward. Set goals to write so many words per day or week, or write for a specified amount of time per day. Setting manageable goals helps keep you on track and gives you some guidelines on how to fit writing time into your schedule.
Replace writing with other tasks
If you want to complete your work within a reasonable timeline, you may have to forgo some of your preferred hobbies. While it’s important not to completely lose yourself in a writing project, replacing some of your leisure time with writing can help you reach your goals. Clear up your schedule by removing unnecessary tasks and prioritizing writing over your hobbies.
Ask for help
Most authors have other obligations that prevent them from writing as much as they would like. It’s nearly impossible to spend all your free hours of the day writing. However, you can seek help from others in your household to free up some time for writing. Your spouse or children may be able to pick up the slack with chores and household tasks, so you can use your time to write.
Writing your first book can seem like an impossible task when you don’t have a lot of free time. Most authors have jobs, families, and other obligations that keep them from spending much of their time on writing. Try to make writing a priority by setting reasonable goals, focusing on writing above other hobbies, and asking for help. These strategies can help you stay on track so you can complete your work.
