Debunking the Myth: Do Authors Really Need a Strict Writing Schedule to Succeed?
One of the most persistent myths in the writing world is that to succeed, all authors must adhere to a rigid, unbreakable writing schedule. While consistency is important for progress, the belief that creativity can be constrained to a strict schedule isn’t necessarily true for every writer.
As authors, we are artists of the written word, and art doesn’t always follow a predictable path. Sometimes inspiration hits in the quiet hours of the morning, while other times it arrives during a busy afternoon. The key is to recognize that every writer’s process is different—and that’s okay.
Write When You Want: Embrace the Fluidity of Creativity
For some, a structured routine is a great way to stay on track. If setting a writing schedule works for you, fantastic! I offer plenty of tips on how to organize your time and build a manageable writing routine. But for others, writing is more of an art, with bursts of energy, inspiration, and words arriving in a more erratic form.
Whether you write in daily increments, during creative binges, or whenever inspiration strikes, it’s important to honor your personal ebbs and flows. Your writing schedule doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s. As long as you’re making progress—whether it’s steady or sporadic, that’s what truly matters.
Why Consistency (In Your Own Way) Still Matters
While it’s important to write when you feel compelled, creating some consistency can help keep the momentum going, even if it doesn’t follow a strict timetable. Consider this: writing for just 15 minutes a day may not seem like much, but over time, those small sessions add up.
Writing consistently, even in short bursts, trains your brain to enter that creative mode more quickly and helps you stay connected to your project. But if 15 minutes a day feels too rigid for your process, that’s fine too. You might prefer longer, sporadic writing sessions when inspiration strikes. The most important thing is that you stick to your project, stay committed, and eventually finish it.
Recognize Your Personal Rhythm
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to writing success. Recognize your personal rhythm and understand that your process might look different from someone else’s. You may write in creative spurts, or maybe you thrive on a daily routine. Either way, as long as you’re making progress and honoring your journey, that’s what counts.
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that to be successful, you must follow someone else’s schedule. Writing is a marathon, not a sprint, and celebrating the milestones along the way—however they arrive—will keep you motivated and moving forward.
Pick a Project and Stick to It
One thing all successful authors share is the ability to stick with a project until it’s finished. Whether you’re writing daily or in irregular bursts, choose your project, commit to it, and see it through to completion. The satisfaction of finishing what you started will far outweigh any adherence to an artificial schedule.
The Importance of Time Management for Aspiring Authors
Even though writing doesn’t have to adhere to a strict schedule, learning how to manage your time is still crucial for aspiring authors. Why? Because writing a book is a long-term commitment. Without some form of time management, it’s easy to let weeks or even months pass without making progress, leaving your project stuck in the idea phase.
Time management doesn’t mean forcing yourself into a rigid routine, but it does mean taking intentional steps to prioritize your writing. If you don’t carve out time, other tasks and obligations will inevitably take over. Finding a balance between spontaneity and intentional scheduling is key to moving your project forward while also honoring your creative process.
3 Ways to Find Time to Write
If time management is something you struggle with, here are three ways to carve out more time for writing:
Schedule Writing Time in Small Increments
Instead of waiting for large chunks of time, aim for small, manageable writing sessions. Even just 15 minutes a day can lead to steady progress over time. If daily writing isn’t feasible, try scheduling a few short writing blocks throughout your week. These bite-sized sessions take the pressure off but still help you stay connected to your project.Maximize Your Downtime
Life gets busy, but you might be surprised at how much time you can reclaim from your daily routine. Use small pockets of downtime to write during your lunch break, while commuting (if you’re not driving), or even while waiting for appointments. Keeping a notebook or using a notes app on your phone can help you capture ideas or draft paragraphs in these spare moments.Create a Writing Ritual
Develop a ritual that signals to your brain that it’s time to write. This could be anything from brewing a cup of tea to lighting a candle or simply sitting in a favorite chair. This small act helps you transition into writing mode, even if you only have a short window of time to write. A ritual creates a mental cue that you’re about to do something important and creative.
3 Tips to Make the Most Out of Your Writing Sessions
Once you’ve found the time to write, it’s equally important to make the most out of your writing sessions. Here are some suggestions:
Set a Clear Goal
Before you start writing, set a small, achievable goal for that session. It could be as simple as writing 500 words, finishing a particular scene, or revising one chapter. Having a specific goal in mind helps focus your energy and makes your session more productive.Eliminate Distractions
When you sit down to write, do your best to eliminate distractions. Turn off notifications, set your phone aside, and create a space where you can focus. If you find it hard to concentrate, try using a timer to break your session into manageable chunks, like 25 minutes of writing followed by a 5-minute break.Start with a Freewrite
If you’re struggling to get started, do a quick 5-minute freewrite. Don’t worry about perfection, just let the words flow. This can help clear your mind and get the creative juices flowing. Once you’ve broken the barrier, you may find it easier to dive into your project.Embrace Imperfection
Writing is a process, and not every session will produce perfect work. Give yourself permission to write imperfectly, knowing you can revise later. The goal is progress, not perfection.Celebrate Small Wins
Whether you’ve written 100 words or 1,000, take a moment to celebrate the fact that you showed up for your writing. Small wins build momentum and keep you motivated.
Get Help Organizing Your Time
If you’re looking for tips on how to organize your time or begin a writing routine that works for you, I have resources to help. For many aspiring authors, time management can feel like a major roadblock. Recognizing this challenge is the first step to overcoming it.
To get started, I invite you to check out my Goal Setting Guide, which can help you map out your writing journey, and take my quiz, What’s Your Memoir Writing Roadblock? This quiz is designed to help you identify what might be holding you back—whether it’s time management or another challenge—and offer solutions to keep you moving forward on your writing path.
After you check out the Goal Setting Guide, let me know how it helped you set your writing goals. For just $7, consider it a small investment that pays big dividends for you. Your writing project is worth it. You’re writing because you want to tell a story, and if time doesn’t seem like it’s on your side, let’s flip the script so you’ll be humming Time is on My Side. As the Mick Jagger sang, “Yes, it is!”