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Can You Write a Novel While Working Full-Time?
Writing a novel with a full-time job can be challenging, especially if you’re in the early stages of drafting your book. Many writers find they simply don’t have enough hours in the day to get everything done, let alone make progress on their books.
However, there are many strategies you can implement to stay productive and finally achieve your dream of becoming an author. Keep reading to learn how!
Determine When You Write the Best
When you’re busy writing a book, consider whether you’re a morning or evening person.
Knowing when you write best will help you create a productive writing schedule. There’s no point in forcing yourself to write at other times of the day.
Choose when you work best and stick to that schedule as much as possible. Next, block off an hour or two on your schedule, and calendar it! Make sure to block out enough time to get your tasks done.
Some days you’ll be tempted to put off writing altogether but think about how much progress you’ll make one hour at a time. Find the best time for you, schedule your time, and write.
More on Creating a Writing Schedule
Writing a novel with a full-time job means getting pulled in a million directions, which is why a writing schedule is a must.
Creating a writing schedule is as simple as deciding to write every day from 6:00 am to 7:00 am and then doing it.
Your goal is to create a habit of writing every day at the same time. If you’re super busy, start with one hour of writing time each day. You can accomplish a lot in one hour.
Feel free to experiment with different schedules. Writing from 6:00 am to 7:00 am might not work. You may need more wiggle room in the morning to get ready for work.
Instead, try writing from 5:00 am to 6:00 am. Check out The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma if you need motivation to rise early. I’ve often been surprised by what I accomplish in the early hours of the day.
After setting a schedule, find a workplace where you can be productive. Set up a writing space at home or, if you prefer, find a quiet location in a library or coffee shop.
Also, consider writing during your lunch break. Bring your lunch, and then work for 30 to 40 minutes. When I’m short on time,l tackle small tasks like reading a chapter from a good writing book or summarizing the next scene I plan to draft.
Create a Pre-Writing Routine
We are creatures of habit, and it’s much easier to do something we’ve done before.
A pre-writing routine is a series of steps before writing each day. Some people find it helpful to meditate, make coffee, light a candle, or play music. Others need a quick walk or jog in the morning to clear their head before writing.
A pre-writing routine will make you more focused and productive during your writing sessions. A pre-writing routine cues your mind that it’s time to write and jumpstarts your creativity. Many writers and authors implement a pre-writing routine to make writing sessions more efficient.
Creating a writing routine will make sitting down and writing daily easier. It will also help boost your creativity.
Implement Productivity Hacks
Writing a novel while working full-time is much easier if you implement productivity hacks.
We’ve already covered how to find time in your busy schedule to write. Now you want to implement hacks to make your time productive.
Implementing productivity hacks is powerful.
Just ask Jessica Brody, who writes four books a year writing only two to three hours.
Create a Comfortable and Decluttered Writing Space
Before you start any writing session, you must have an organized space where you can work. A tidy, decluttered environment is vital to getting the creative juices flowing.
Start by picking a clean and well-lit spot in your home. Declutter your space by removing any items not directly related to your writing project. Only keep things that help you stay focused.
Once you have a decluttered space, it’s time to organize it. Put items you often use in easy-to-reach places, and store things you don’t use in drawers or cabinets.
Gather all the tools you need for your writing sessions, such as your laptop, a pen, a notebook, and other writing materials. This will ensure you are ready to go when it’s time to draft. You should also find a comfortable chair and ample lighting. Add some plants or artwork to make your space more inviting.
Avoid Writing Distractions
Staying productive can be challenging in this modern age of distractions. To help you avoid distractions and have a productive writing session turn off any notifications on your phone and computer and try to eliminate any other noise or visual distractions.
Turning off notifications will help you focus on the task and avoid the urge to multitask.
Another way to avoid distractions is to set a timer. Have you heard of the Pomodoro Technique? It’s a time management strategy where you work in 25 minutes intervals followed by short breaks.
Your job is to keep writing until the time is up. When time is up, take a break, and feel free to check your email, texts, or anything else that would have distracted your writing. Then set another timer, and repeat the process until you are done for the day. The Pomodoro technique is great for staying focused and avoiding burnout.
Set Goals and Create a Plan
Goals and a plan will help you get the most out of each writing session. Your plan will depend on what stage of the writing process you’re in. Are you in the drafting stage, developing the plot, characters, or setting? Or are you in the middle of writing the draft?
If you’re drafting, a goal could be to write your main character’s backstory. The following writing session can focus on outlining your character’s personality, motives, strengths, weaknesses, and beliefs.
If you’re drafting, a goal could be to write a specific scene and reach a certain word count. You can prepare a summary of your scene to have a blueprint for what you intend to write.
When you have a goal and a plan to reach it, you set the stage for a productive and efficient writing session.
Check out my post, where I share my goal-setting process that will help you write a novel in no time.
Protect Your Writing Time
Protect your writing time and make it sacred. No matter how busy you are, make sure you carve out time daily to do what matters most – write.
Make your writing time non-negotiable. Schedule it, prioritize it over everything else, and stick to your schedule like you keep doctor and dentist appointments. The appointment you make with yourself is just as important.
You’re writing dreams deserve to come true, so don’t put yourself second!
Final Thoughts
Writing a novel with a full-time job is possible if you prioritize it, but it requires discipline and patience. It can be challenging, but it can be done if you desire to write and are passionate about your story!
Find the schedule that works best for you and commit 100%. Every day may not go as planned, but don’t give up! Be patient and focus on taking one step at a time.
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