How to (Actually) Make Time to Write Your Book

by Micah Maddox

You’ve got a story to share or a passion that you know needs to make its way into the pages of a book. You’ve dreamed of the front cover and even sketched out a few chapters. But now you are holding the desire to write your book with the reality of a cram-packed schedule and demanding responsibilities. 

I’ve been there. I know what it’s like to wonder how in the world you will ever find time to complete your half-written project. I am going to share my tried and true tips to hopefully help you make progress and start moving toward the goal of a completed manuscript. 

1. Find a fringe hour of the day and claim it to write. For me, it’s the early morning before the rest of my house wakes up. I tiptoe to the coffee maker and grab my laptop. Your quiet moment might be during a lunch break in your car or late at night when your mind won’t stop. But I promise you have time that could be spent writing rather than mindlessly binge watching a show or scrolling social media.
2. Work on your book every day even if it is only a few words. While not every day is ideal for writing an entire chapter or several paragraphs, you can write something every day. Utilize the notes app in your phone. Have a journal in your bag. When a thought crosses your mind about something that might work in your book, write it down right away. If you can’t develop it due to a lack of focused time, jot down a few words to jog your memory when you have time to devote to developing the idea.
3. Only work on one portion of your book at a time. Set a goal to complete a rough draft for that portion. When we try to look at the entire book and think about writing it as a whole, it becomes overwhelming and seemingly impossible. When you break it down into smaller chunks and consider focusing on one part, suddenly it’s doable. Maybe you can’t complete twelve chapters in a month, but you could probably complete one chapter. Make yourself a realistic goal and go for it as hard as you can. And when you reach it, celebrate, and set your next goal.

Your book idea doesn’t have to sit untouched and incomplete for months and years. Take advantage of the fringe hours, and work toward your goal every day, focusing on one part at a time. Before you know it, your book will be coming together, and the progress you’ve only dreamed of will begin to become reality. You can do this! Stop thinking about it. Stop making excuses. Just write. 

Blessings,

Micah Maddox

Which tip will you start with today so you can make progress on the book you’ve always dreamed of writing? Share in the comments below!

Micah Maddox

Micah Maddox is a women’s event speaker, Bible teacher, and author of Anchored In: Experience a Power-Full Life in a Problem-Filled World. She is passionate about helping women find purpose, peace and calm in our chaotic world. Micah is on the Proverbs 31 Ministries’ First 5 writing team. As a pastor’s wife and mother of four, she contributes her time to her family and local church, serving as a women’s ministry leader. Micah loves to give a voice to hurting hearts, and she writes and speaks to the one who needs encouragement. You can connect with her at micahmaddox.com.

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