Master the art of simultaneous book writing and job juggling:
Wanna write a book, but thinkin' you gotta be rich or retired to do it? Pish posh! Reality is, most scribes I know don't have a dime to rub together or a cushy day job. If you thinkin' you can't pen a novel while workin' a nine-to-five, you ain't understandin' the game.
Truth is, only two outta all my writer pals got their noses free from day jobs. Most of us are hustlin' like everyone else, and we still make it happen. Writin' ain't some magical thing you need a country house to do - it's just a matter of makin' it a priority.
You might gotta make sacrifices like cuttin' back on some hobbies or easin' up on the Netflix. And when it comes to the essentials, there might be ways to squeeze in some writing. Got a friend who records herself voice memos while doin' chores? Maybe give that a try and type 'em out later. One of my writer pals does that with two kiddos - hey, anything that helps, right?
Now, the most important tools you need to write while workin' full-time? An outline. Sure, some highbrow writers might sniff at the idea, but it saves you time down the line, trust me. Your outline can be whatever you want - a list, a one-pager, or a collection of character arcs. If you don't think outlinin' works for ya, maybe it's just 'cause you ain't found the right method.
I invented the Genius Plotting System that's different from anything else out there if savin' time and write-ups is important to you. But even if my system ain't your style, any method that helps you put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard is a-ok.
Plannin' your story in advance let's you know exactly where it needs to go, so you won't waste time on tangents and you won't get stuck with the drivin' curse of an empty page. It can even help you realize if your heart's not in the story - no one wants to spend weeks or even months on a book they ain't even feelin' it for.
Now, plan when you're gonna write section by section. Granted, life ain't always predictable, but when it is, make the most of it. Write for a few minutes before bed, take faster showers and spend extra time draftin' characters instead of lounge-lining. Got a list of times you can use? Use 'em.
And stick to the plan once you make it. Making decisions takes too much time and energy, so make 'em ahead and stick to 'em when it comes time to write. Life's sometimes a roller coaster, but just pick up where you left off day after day. No need to make it a drama - just do it.
Got a writing buddy? Make a pact, update each other daily, and be responsible to one another. Even if your buddy ain't writin', they could be practice their saxophone or stretchin' to the moon.
Use any tools that help you get more words on the page. Dictate voice notes, scribble ideas in your phone, try different apps like Milanote or Notion - y'all know there's a world of apps out there just waitin' to be explored.
And remember - thinkin' about your story ain't the same as actually writin'. Think of character quirks, plot twists, and exciting dialogue on the go. Whenever you get a chance, jot 'em down so you don't lose 'em.
One final word - set boundaries around your writing time. Don't let family or friends walk all over ya just 'cause you might not make big bucks from write-ups. Tell 'em it's important - you don't have to justify yourself to anyone. And be strict with yourself - write when you should be writin', and put your phone away. Candy crushin' doesn't count as writin'!
Workin' from home? Try write-ups somewhere else. It helps get your brain outta the same ol' zone and into a creative space. Your first draft might even be handwritten - that's what I used to do when my babies were little.
Don't have time for a regular writing routine? Maybe you ain't needin' one - check out this post for more on that. But if the right routine suits you, stick to it.
Remember, writin' ain't a speed race. Rome ain't built in a day, and neither is a book. You got this, so long as you wanna write.
Got questions, need help, or just wanna chat writing? Drop me a line - I'd be happy to hear from ya, no matter how busy I might be. After all, sometimes the best ideas come in unexpected places, even when you ain't lookin' for 'em.
Creative writing can be accomplished while working a full-time job, as most writers are hustling like everyone else. An essential tool for making it happen is an outline, which can help save time, prevent getting stuck with the driving curse of an empty page, and help realize if your heart's not in the story.
Planning your writing time section by section and sticking to the plan can help make the most of life's predictable moments, whether it's writing for a few minutes before bed or drafting characters instead of lounge-lining.
Having a writing buddy and making a pact to update each other daily can help keep each other accountable. Using any tools that help get more words on the page, such as dictating voice notes or trying different apps like Milanote or Notion, can also be helpful.
Lastly, setting boundaries around your writing time is important to ensure that family and friends respect your writing time as much as you do. Don't forget that writing isn't a speed race, and Rome wasn't built in a day, so take your time and enjoy the process.
