Mastering the craft of authoring a book while maintaining a full-time job: Strategies and tips for staying productive and getting results
Writing books doesn't necessitate wealth or retirement, my friend! Here I am, churning out novels while most of you mortals are working day jobs. Don't be under the impression that everyone with a bestseller has 12 hours daily to devote to writing; it's simply not the case.
You see, the majority of authors out there hold down regular jobs. If you think you can't pen a literary masterpiece while juggling a full-time gig, chances are you're just not up to speed with reality. Writing books these days is about time management, and most newbies often don't grasp this concept.
The idea that the ideal writing time will magically present itself is a fallacy. The authors who finish their books have prioritized their craft – it's not magic. You might have to sacrifice some things, but it's all part of the journey.
Prioritizing writing requires an honest evaluation of your daily activities. What aspects of your life are truly crucial and non-negotiable? When you're not fulfilling these obligations, ask yourself if writing could be a better use of your time. You don't have to abandon all hobbies to write, but you'll likely need to make sacrifices if you're serious about it.
Perhaps you should skip that long phone chat with your best friend this week and limit your Gilmore Girls binge to just one episode instead of six. And when it comes to non-negotiables like work and family commitments, you might find some wiggle room to squeeze in writing. Consider scrapping a few takeout meals each week to devote more time to your writing. Or jot down plot ideas during your lunch break, even if you're a touring nurse with minimal breaks.
The crucial tool for writing a novel while working full-time is a well-structured outline. An outline can help save time in the long run, even if it's just a collection of bullet points, a one-page summary, or a set of character arcs.
Don't be put off by the notion of outlining your story – it works wonders for time management. My Genius Plotting System is unlike any other plotting method you've tried, so if writing stories AND saving time is important to you, give it a shot.
One might scoff at the idea of outlining, but it's simply the truth. Writing a first draft without an outline might seem tempting when short on time, but having a clear idea of where your story is heading will prevent you from wandering off on unnecessary tangents that will need to be edited out later. Plus, outlining provides the added advantage of helping you decide whether you truly want to write that story, allowing you to avoid pouring your heart into a book only to realize it bores you.
To maximize productivity, plan when you'll write, as well as what you'll write. Take advantage of any extra time that pops up during your day. Try to write for fifteen minutes before bed, draft characters during a quick shower, or make a list of all the opportunities you have to write. Life can be chaotic, so don't get too hung up on a daily writing routine – flexibility is key.
Most importantly, once you've made your plans, stick to them. Make decisions ahead of time, and when it's time to write, do it. Don't try to negotiate with yourself; just write. If life throws you a curveball, pick up where you left off the next time around.
To make things easier, consider an accountability buddy – a friend with whom you'll share your progress every day. This will provide a motivational boost, especially if your partner is working on something similar, like practicing guitar or exercising regularly.
When it comes to tools for writing, there's no one-size-fits-all solution. Be creative and use whatever works for you. Dictating voice memos while doing chores, writing notes on your phone, or utilizing apps like Milanote, Notion, or even Kindle Scribe are all valid options.
In moments when writing isn't feasible but your brain can still contribute, consider thinking about your story or brainstorming plot events. Pondering your story doesn't equate to productive writing, but it isn't entirely wasted time. If you're not occupied with mentally-demanding tasks, spend some idle moments contemplating your story, solving problems, or coming up with cool dialogue snippets.
For writers working from home, it may be helpful to write somewhere else, like a coffee shop or coworking space. Getting a $7 latte every day to enjoy some writing time might not be cheap, but sometimes it's necessary to maintain a fresh perspective.
If you're a student balancing schoolwork, part-time jobs, and writing dreams, remember that many of these principles apply to you as well. Just as with work, focus, and creativity can help you write a novel. Embrace unconventional writing environments, use unique writing tools, and lean on support networks to stay motivated.
Last but not least, don't view writing as a speed race. Writing quickly doesn't equate to a better book, and it doesn't necessarily mean your book will be completed more quickly. Remember that editing your story will require a significant amount of time, regardless of your writing speed. So whether writing takes seven years or just a few months, the ultimate goal should be a completed book in your hands.
Staying positive and persistently committed to your writing goals is crucial. If you truly want to write a book, time will pass regardless, and you'll treasure the finished product in your hands when you're done. Just don't forget to take breaks, stay healthy, and lean on your support networks along the way. Good luck on your writing journey!
- Many authors, including those with bestsellers, hold down regular jobs and manage their time efficiently to write books.
- An outline can be a crucial tool for Writers, helping to save time by providing a clear direction for the story, preventing unnecessary tangents, and aiding in decision-making about the story's viability.
- Prioritizing writing requires evaluation of daily activities to identify non-negotiables and assess whether writing could be a better use of time during moments of free time.
- Productivity in writing can be maximized by planning when to write and what to write, using creative tools like apps, voice memos, and utilizing unique writing environments to maintain focus and creativity.
