How in the world do you actually find time to write your book?

With the demands of everyday life, sometimes it feels nearly impossible.

When I wrote my first book, I didn't know how I was going to ever get the book written. I found being at home didn't work. So, I ended up in a local coffee show with just my laptop and a cup of tea. Coffee buzzed me out to much to get my mind calm enough to let the words flow.

When the process started, I made a 90 day commitment, and was done with my first draft in only 79 days. I found the coffee shop was place were I could write easily, uninterrupted. And each day had a time limit of only two hours. This edge keeps the fires of your passion burning brightly. It gives you a decided advantage over the authors who preceded you because it helps you avoid their mistakes and build upon their successes.  

As a non-fiction author juggling a career, family responsibilities, and the demanding task of writing a book, time management can feel like an elusive and ever-challenging pursuit.

The constant tug-of-war between competing priorities can leave you feeling overwhelmed, drained, and prone to burnout. However, by implementing effective strategies and cultivating a mindset of intentionality, you can master the art of time management and strike a harmonious balance between your writing goals and the other facets of your life.

Prioritize and Protect Your Writing Time.

The first step in mastering time management is to treat your writing time with the same importance as any other professional or personal commitment. Schedule dedicated writing sessions in your calendar, and guard those blocks of time fiercely. Communicate your writing schedule to your loved ones, colleagues, and clients, and establish boundaries to minimize distractions during these sacred hours.

Leverage the Power of Time Blocking

Time blocking is a powerful technique that involves dividing your day into focused, dedicated blocks for specific tasks or activities. Rather than attempting to multitask or switch between tasks constantly, time blocking allows you to fully immerse yourself in the task at hand, boosting productivity and minimizing distractions.

Embrace Batch Processing

Batch processing is the practice of grouping similar tasks together and tackling them in a concentrated effort. For example, you could dedicate specific days or blocks of time to research, writing, editing, or marketing activities. This approach minimizes the mental switching costs associated with constantly shifting between different types of tasks, allowing you to maintain focus and momentum.

Outsource and Automate When Possible 

As a non-fiction author, your most valuable resource is your time and creative energy. Consider outsourcing or automating tasks that drain your time and attention but do not directly contribute to your writing or professional goals. Delegate administrative tasks, leverage productivity tools and apps, or hire professionals to handle tasks such as editing, formatting, or marketing.

Cultivate a Supportive Environment

Your physical and emotional environment can significantly impact your ability to manage your time effectively. Create a dedicated workspace that minimizes distractions and fosters a sense of focus and creativity. Additionally, enlist the support of your loved ones, colleagues, and peers to help you maintain accountability and balance.

Practice Self-Care and Mindfulness

Ultimately, sustainable time management is not merely about cramming more tasks into your day; it's about purposeful living and prioritizing what truly matters. Make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine, whether it's exercise, meditation, or simply taking breaks to recharge. Cultivate mindfulness practices that help you stay present and focused, enabling you to make intentional choices about how you spend your time.

By implementing these time management strategies and cultivating a mindset of intentionality, you can successfully navigate the demands of writing, career, and family.

Thus, achieving a harmonious balance that allows you to thrive in all aspects of your life and get your book done!

Happy writing!  

Discover how to write your first book with our free writing 1.0 program.

by Michael Harris
Bestselling Author & Literary Scout

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