Finding Time to Write in a Life Full of Chaos

As an aspiring novelist eager to leave my mark on the literary scene, I don’t have the credibility of a well-established, published author to guarantee financial stability. Like many others in my shoes, I balance a day job with my writing dreams. This necessity pushes me to cultivate a disciplined writing routine, enabling me to carve out the precious time needed to write my novels while navigating the demands of everyday life.

In my day job, I juggle multiple initiatives simultaneously, leaving little room for writing during the day. So, to make progress on my writing projects, I rely on discipline, strong time management skills, and an unwavering determination.  In saying that, I have learnt that prioritising self-care is crucial and ensuring I have downtime is as essential as said discipline, time management and determination. As someone who thrives on routine, sticking to my schedule and achieving daily goals keeps me grounded and focused.

Now, don’t get me wrong. There are certainly days when procrastination takes over, or I simply lack the motivation to write, and that’s perfectly okay. Those moments serve a purpose for the soul; they’re often my mind and body nudging me to pause and recharge. “Take a beat, Jay… let’s pick up later.”

Ideally, I’d love to have a timetable with regular writing blocks, but balancing family commitments and my work makes that tricky. This is where what I call flexible discipline comes in. I carve out two to three hours each day, four to five days a week for writing. Typically, I dive into my writing in one go as once I’m on a roll, the ideas and story flow and breaking my focus can be difficult. At times, I find myself needing to research my topics and I relish the shift between the various tasks required to carry this out. Then there are those days when I require frequent breaks, and my writing can span an entire day to achieve just two hours of writing. It all hinges on the creative juices and motivation. Then there are the days when I revisit what I wrote the previous day, question my mindset, leading me to promptly delete everything and begin anew.

I also don’t have the luxury of writing at the same time every day, so my fondness for routine doesn’t mean I settle down to write at seven o’clock sharp every night. Flexibility is crucial. As long as I commit myself to writing four to five days a week, that is all that matters.

My writing spaces aren’t regimented either. I might find inspiration in my study, gazing out over the garden, or nestled in the lounge, surrounded by my treasured books. Sometimes, I retreat to my bedroom, cocooned in bed under a warm doona in Winter. Other times, I head to the local coffee shop, taking inspiration from watching life unfold around me. Ultimately, it all depends on what strikes my fancy or what I want to achieve that day.

In 1957, Allen Saunders wrote an article for Reader’s Digest and famously wrote, "Life is what happens to us while we are busy making other plans.” This sentiment has since echoed through the lyrics of artists and the pages of writers. This quote will remain a timeless truth. We can map out our lives, but life often hurls unexpected cow paddies at us with the speed of a clay target soaring through the air. Throughout my journey of writing my first novel, I’ve encountered numerous interruptions that have derailed my progress. From attending my children's school performances and dance recitals to navigating illnesses in the family, dealing with losses, and juggling work commitments that seem to stretch endlessly, each moment demanding my attention. Even when I feel the urge to chastise myself for not writing or for shifting my focus elsewhere, I remind myself that I’m only human. My family, friends, and responsibilities will always take precedence over my writing pursuits.

One of the biggest hurdles I’m currently facing is rewriting my first novel while also making strides on my second. Finding the time to juggle both can be quite a challenge. To address this, I have two approaches. When inspiration strikes and I have a brilliant idea for either project, I dive right in and write the ideas down. I refuse to stifle my creativity for one novel simply because I feel obligated to focus on the other. Sometimes, I have an idea for one of the novels that pops into my head, but I'm unsure how to develop it further. In such cases, I capture the essence of the thought by writing down random points related to it. At times, I'll sit quietly with that idea, allowing it to marinate and take shape in my mind, and then craft it. If I find myself stuck and unable to work through an idea, I'll shift my attention to my other project to keep it progressing.

Every writer knows the mantra: ‘write, write every day.’ Yet, sticking to this can be a real challenge. As I have noted earlier, we all experience those days of procrastination when we can’t find our mojo, and then there are times when unexpected obstacles fall in our path. For me, writing daily doesn’t strictly mean churning out pages of my novel. It could involve drafting a work report or crafting a short story. On tougher days, when words feel elusive, I might pen a letter to a friend or family member instead. It is about keeping my writing brain engaged, and by broadening my definition of what writing entails, I continue to hone my craft and ultimately make greater strides in moving my books forward.

When it comes to background noise while I’m writing, I usually prefer silence. I am more of a work-in-silence type of gal. Something is soothing in hearing the nothingness of the room I’m in. As a writer, I immerse myself in my characters’ worlds as if I’m right there beside them. I revel in the atmosphere of a bustling pub, inhaling the rich scent of beer and absorbing the sounds of an old cover band belting out 1980s hits, mingling with the hum of conversations swirling around me. That sense of being transported to another place is magical. Distractions from television or music creep in while I'm writing, and they can pull me away from the universe I'm creating in my book.

One aspect that I, as a prospective writer, hold important is holding myself accountable. My husband might inquire if I’ve managed to write today or comment on how I'm engrossed in a television show instead of working on my book, but what would that really accomplish? If I want my novel to flourish, I must dedicate myself to the craft and carve out time for it. Not everyone begins as a great writer; we grow, adapt, and learn along the way. Believe me, this decade long writing journey of mine is testament to that sentiment. Yet, despite the invaluable guidance from classes and mentors, if I don’t actively engage with my writing and commit wholeheartedly, success will remain elusive. Ultimately, the only person responsible for that outcome is me.

The other side of this responsibility coin is to avoid being too hard on myself when I don’t write. Piling on guilt won’t achieve anything, and eventually if I allow the guilt to overwhelm me, I could lose the joy of writing. When I'm stunted and unable to write, I try to understand what is holding me back. Am I simply procrastinating, or have I hit a wall with where the story needs to go next? Perhaps an unexpected life event has thrown my creative rhythm off-kilter. In these moments or I have received horrific feedback on what I have written. Whatever the issue is, I remind myself of Dorothy Fields’ wise words, which my mother always said to me: ‘Take a deep breath, pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start all over again.’