How to Write a Book While Working Full-Time

We all have daily commitments like full-time jobs, families, friends, volunteering, and more. With careful planning and time management, it’s possible to incorporate writing time into your busy schedule and even meet your personal writing goals.

It’s important to remember that writing is a process and your progress won’t always be linear. Some days you may feel like your thoughts are overflowing with creativity while other days you may struggle to get words onto paper. Be gentle with yourself and don’t give up when the going gets tough. Keep showing up at your designated writing time and trust that the process will lead you where you need to go.

Here are three tips to help you write a book when you work a full-time job.

1. Prioritize Writing

One of the most important things you can do to start writing a book is to make your writing a priority. This is often easier said than done. It can be difficult to find the time and motivation to write, especially when life is full of other commitments.

To make writing a priority, it’s important to set aside dedicated time for it. Schedule it in. Even if you devote as little as 15 minutes a day, you’ll be surprised by how much writing you can get done. The key is to make your writing time consistent and non-negotiable. Treat this time as sacred and make it clear to your friends and family that you are not available during your writing sessions.

2. Increase Your Productivity

To maximize your scheduled writing time, there are several ways to increase productivity, including scheduled breaks, exercise, and more.

First off, try to avoid perfection with your first draft—it’ll slow you down. Book writing is a multi-step process. In later revisions and drafts, you’ll have time to go through your work and look at it through the eyes of an editor. For your first draft, however, don’t self-edit what you put on paper—just keep writing.

If you set aside time at night to write, take regular breaks throughout your work day to recharge your energy levels and maintain focus. A 2019 American Psychological Association article states that taking breaks can improve focus and increase productivity, so step away from your work a few times a day for several minutes to stretch, take a walk, or watch some cute animal videos.

Another helpful tip is to incorporate exercise into your daily routine. Exercise improves physical health, but it can also boost mental clarity and creativity, according to a recent study. This can lead to more productive writing sessions.

Additionally, consider using technology to your advantage. There are apps and programs available that can help you stay organized and focused, such as time-tracking apps like Toggl or distraction-blocking software like StayFocused. Experiment with different tools and find the ones that work best for you.

3. Break It Down

One of the most helpful ways to see results in your writing progress is to break big goals down into smaller ones. Instead of trying to write a chapter in one sitting, set a goal to write a specific number of words per writing session. Start with as little as 500 words to see how you do and then you can gradually increase your word count goal for each block of writing time.

This approach has several benefits. First, it allows you to make steady progress on your book even if you only have a limited amount of writing time each day. Second, it can help you to avoid feeling overwhelmed by the task of writing a book, which is a common cause of writer’s block.

By breaking tasks down into smaller, more manageable goals, you can stay motivated and focused on the task at hand. Finally, it can help you to develop good writing habits, which will serve you well in the long run.

Final Thoughts

Finding time to write a book when you work a full-time job may feel challenging at times, but it’s possible. By prioritizing writing, using time management techniques, and breaking your goals down into smaller tasks, you can make steady progress on your book. Remember, the key is to be consistent and make writing a priority in your life.