Finding Balance: Writing When Life Gets Busy

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced as an indie author isn’t the writing itself. It’s finding the time and energy to sit down and do it. The real challenge is balancing your creative energy with real life. There are jobs, families, obligations, and all the unexpected things that pull at our attention.

For a long time I thought I needed totally uninterrupted stretches to write. A quiet weekend. But the truth is, those perfect uninterrupted moments are rare. If I waited for them my stories would never get finished.

Instead, I’ve learned to write in whatever free time I get. It might not feel like much, but small bursts add up. Over time those small moments of work become a chapter then a book.

It also helps to set realistic goals. Some days I do more and some days less, but the consistency keeps me connected to the story.

If you’re struggling to balance writing with the rest of life here are a few things that work for me:

• Keep tools handy like a notes app on your phone. You never know when inspiration will strike.

• Even 15 minutes of work counts.

• Let go of perfection. A messy draft is better than no draft. You can’t edit a blank page.

• Celebrate progress. Finishing a paragraph on a busy day is still a win. Even other progress like making a cover is something off your list.

Writing while life is happening isn’t easy, but it’s completely possible. Your story just needs you to keep showing up even in the smallest ways.