alarm clock on writing desk - find time for writing

Struggling to figure out how to find time for writing? You’re not alone! For those of us with creative writing aspirations, it can seem like our responsibilities and endless to do lists make it impossible to carve out time for ourselves. But here’s the good news: with the right strategies, you can make writing a consistent, joyful part of your life—even with a packed schedule.

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Why Finding Time to Write Matters

Writing isn’t just about finishing a novel or perfecting a short story; it’s a journey of self-expression, creativity, and growth. Finding time for writing helps you develop your craft, reduce stress, and connect with your imagination. Plus, writing consistently builds momentum — every word you write brings you closer to your goals.

And here’s the truth: while certain writing tasks require bigger blocks of time than others, you don’t need hours of uninterrupted time to make progress. You don’t even have to write every day; you just need to find the time for writing that work best for you and show up consistently. Even small, intentional moments can fuel your creativity and turn writing into a habit you look forward to.

Here are the basic steps to identify and take advantage of time that can be used for your writing. If you’d like to follow along in our free downloadable guide and workbook for beginners, you can sign up for that here!

“The time for action is now. It’s never too late to do something.”

— Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

How to Find Time for Writing With a Busy Schedule

  1. Look at your schedule and consider your commitments (work, school, family duties, and other obligations). 
  2. Identify when you have free time that could be used for writing. 
  3. Look for ways you can create even more time by moving your schedule around or creating efficiencies.
    1. Multitasking – What activities or responsibilities can be done simultaneously? While splitting your attention is inefficient and not recommended, consider places where task timelines can overlap. This might mean combining writing with another task (such as bringing your notebook with you on the bus or using a voice recorder to brainstorm story ideas while out on a walk), or it might mean combining two tasks to free up more time for writing later (for example, instead of separate time for reading and chores, listen to your book on audio while you do the dishes.)
    2. Automating – Can you make your regular, repetitive tasks more efficient, with less effort required on your part? (For example, using programmable appliances like an automatic coffee maker to simplify your morning routine, or having your groceries delivered.)
    3. Delegating – Who can share the burden of your task list? (Perhaps your kid is old enough to take on a bit more responsibility at home, or your partner can take on some of your tasks. If parenthood makes uninterrupted creative time difficult, consider seeking help with childcare from a friend, relative or babysitter.)
    4. Eliminating – Which tasks or responsibilities can you get rid of? (Be picky about what you say yes to! Really scrutinize your commitments and question if they are a valuable use of your time, especially in relation to your creative dreams. Do you really have to serve on that committee, or is it something you got roped into? Do you really have to spend hours in the yard to achieve an impeccable lawn, or do you just feel like it’s something you should do and that the neighbors expect? There are no right or wrong answers. Maybe you take great pride in being a committee member and believe in the work you do, despite the time commitment. Maybe a beautiful lawn is part of the joy of homeownership for you. But whatever your personal list of commitments, keep an eye out for the things that take up time but are not personally fulfilling or bring value to your life.)
  4. Consider your personal peak times of day when you have the best energy and focus. (Are you a morning person, a night owl, or something else entirely?) 
  5. Pencil in your chosen writing time and keep trying things until you settle on a routine that works for you! (Our troubleshooting tool, which is included in our free workbook, can be a great way to take note of what works and what doesn’t as you narrow down your own personal best writing times.)

Embrace Flexibility

Life is unpredictable, and your writing schedule should adapt to it.

“But you don’t understand, I’m a parent/entrepreneur/someone with an extremely chaotic and completely unpredictable schedule!” If this is you, and you are struggling to find time for writing, then consider these tips and alternatives to traditional scheduling methods:

  • If you find it difficult to keep a time-based routine (for example, every day at 6am), consider a circumstance-based trigger (every time my kid naps, or after dinner on nights my partner does the dishes). 
  • If long term planning or regular commitments feel impossible, simply stick to planning possibilities for your next few sessions. (For example, you may not know what will happen in the long run, but you know you can find time for writing in the evening on Tuesday and you’re going to give a lunch session at work a try.) Whether or not you are able to complete your proposed session times, when those time slots pass it’s your trigger to schedule your next few possibilities for the future. 
  • If you feel like you should have the time but never seem to, start tracking your time. A week is a good chunk to work with to get a good idea of where your time goes. Use a time tracker and consider setting an alarm every few hours to record what you’ve been doing. (If you wait until the end of the day, it can be hard to record accurately – our perception of time often does not match reality.) Any daily planner with hourly scheduling will work fine. We love the Passion Planner for this purpose!
  • Although some writing activities really benefit from a larger block of devoted time, don’t underestimate the power of small pockets for certain writing tasks, even if you have less than 15 minutes (on the train, waiting for your coffee to brew, a quick moment over lunch). The key here is to prepare a bit ahead of time so when opportunity knocks, you already have a task you know you can take action on.
  • Lastly, if at first you don’t succeed with your schedule, try try again – and don’t take it personally! Rather than berate yourself for a missed session, take a curious and experimental approach. Ask, “Why didn’t that work out and what can I try differently next time?” The Challenges worksheet or Routine Troubleshooter included in our workbook can be handy tools, if needed. 

Set Realistic Writing Goals

A Note About Time-Bound Goals and Writing Schedules

When it comes to advice on how to find time for writing, there is an overwhelming amount of popular advice advertising things such as “how to write a novel in 30 days” or “how to finish a novel in 15 minutes a day.” While these timelines might be possible for some, there’s something that’s not often talked about – that these timelines are most likely to be achievable if you have already gone through the writing process at least once before and are not a beginner working your way over a learning curve.

Also, these timelines are so motivating because they describe the most optimistic version of what is possible – much like a flight schedule created for a day with perfect weather, everything running perfectly smoothly and exactly on time, and no unexpected problems whatsoever. But in real life, how often do flights end up delayed? And how often will a beginner attempting their first novel (or any writer, for that matter) have a flawless, perfectly scheduled experience?

In addition, part of the joy of the creative experience is its surprises and the way your creations unfold in front of you. What if your schedule only gave you one week to develop your main character, but on day 7 you have a wave of inspiration that completely changes something fundamental about them? Do you follow this train of thought and continue working on your character, or do you forge ahead with the next step instead for the sake of the schedule?

Road maps and how-to advice can be extremely helpful – but predetermined schedules, particularly ambitious ones, can introduce a certain amount of tension and decision-making stress that would not exist otherwise. For some, falling behind on a schedule can trigger self doubt or feelings of inadequacy or failure.

You know yourself best. If you already have some experience and such advice is a helpful and doable road map for you, or you are emotionally resilient about derailed plans and find this kind of material motivational and helpful, then by all means use them!

Start With Small, Achievable Writing Goals

What motivates you to write? (If you want to explore this question more deeply, check out this post about How to Discover Your Creative Writing Motivation and Purpose!) For many, it’s easy to get swept up in the dream of writing a novel — and why wouldn’t you? It’s a fantastic goal that drives so many aspiring writers. However, a novel is a long-term project, and marking milestones along the way can feel ambiguous when things are still a work in progress. That’s why it’s so important to set goals that celebrate smaller checkpoints as well as effort and time spent on writing. Instead of focusing solely on the end product, shift your focus to the process of writing.

Start by setting goals that are small, achievable, and directly tied to your writing habits. For example, instead of saying, “I’m going to write a novel in six months,” try goals like:

  • “I’ll find time for writing 15 minutes three times this week.”
  • “I’ll complete two writing sessions this weekend.”
  • “I’ll log 10 hours of writing time this week.”
  • “I’ll draft a 500-word character backstory.”
  • “I’ll write a short scene based on a prompt.”
  • “I’ll contribute something to my writing sketchbook day this week.”

These goals are clear and actionable, and they allow you to make steady progress without the weight of trying to complete something massive all at once. Even writing snippets, like a single sentence describing a character’s mood or a setting detail you want to include, is a valuable contribution to your writing life.

The beauty of smaller goals is that they’re more flexible and easier to adapt to your unique schedule and energy levels. By focusing on the act of writing — rather than measuring your worth by the number of completed chapters — you’ll find it easier to build momentum and avoid burnout. Plus, you’ll have more opportunities to feel a sense of accomplishment and keep yourself motivated.

Optimize Your Writing Environment

It’s easier to find time for writing and take action if you have a welcoming, comfortable workspace set up for yourself. A productive writing space doesn’t have to be fancy, but it should minimize distractions and inspire creativity. (If you want to learn more, be sure to read How to Set Up Your Ideal Writing Space: A Guide for Aspiring Writers!)

Set Up Your Space:

  • Declutter: A clean desk helps you focus.
  • Add Inspiration: Decorate with art, quotes, or mood boards that spark your imagination.
  • Comfort Matters: Think cozy seating, good lighting, and your favorite writing tools.

For Writers on the Go:

Not everyone can write at home. Consider creating a “writer’s go bag” with essentials like a notebook, pen, tablet, or noise-canceling headphones. Having your tools ready makes it easier to write in coffee shops, libraries, or during commutes.

Overcome Common Challenges

Procrastination:
Struggling to start? Set a timer for 5 minutes and promise yourself you’ll write until it rings. Often, getting started is the hardest part.

Self-Doubt:
Remind yourself that not every word needs to be perfect. Focus on the process, not the product.

Lack of Motivation:
Revisit your “why.” Why do you write? Pin this somewhere visible to reignite your passion when motivation wanes.

“The scariest moment is always just before you start.” – Stephen King

Celebrate Small Wins

Progress deserves recognition—no matter how small. Whether it’s finishing a page or sticking to your schedule for a week, take a moment to celebrate.

Consider keeping a writing journal to track your wins and reflect on how far you’ve come. Positive reinforcement builds momentum and keeps you inspired.

Finding time for writing isn’t about overhauling your life; it’s about weaving creativity into the fabric of your days. Start small, stay flexible, and remember that every word brings you closer to your writing dreams.