Carving Out Creative Space in a Busy World

Finding time to write can indeed be a challenge. The daily demands of school, work, parenting, and household chores often leave little room for creative pursuits. However, if you’re passionate about your writing, it’s not an impossible feat. With the right strategies and mindset, you can carve out creative space in a busy world to put your thoughts on paper.

I often come across the frustrations and stresses authors experience due to not being able to dedicate as much time as they’d like to their writing projects. It’s important to recognize that life itself is a project, and before anxiety and exasperation completely derail you, there are a few things you can do to help you stay mentally and emotionally on track.

First and foremost, it’s crucial to define your creative goals. For writers like us, these goals might include a certain daily word count, completing a chapter, or submitting your work for the first time. Goals serve as essential tools to motivate and propel us forward, as long as we don’t let those objectives become rigid obstical (see: Authors Trapped by Word Count. Get the Fuck Out of Your Own Way!) Setting reasonable goals can provide direction in the chaos of life. Make them specific, break them into steps and stay flexible. Sharing your ambition with a trusted friend or a writing group can help you stay accountable and provide the motivation to stay on track.

Try to establish a writing schedule that aligns with your family’s routine. Talk to your loved ones about your writing goals and the importance of having dedicated writing time. Encourage their support and understanding—when Mom or Dad win, the whole family wins! When my littles were in grade school and I had my own private healing practice, I’d set my alarm and begin writing at 4:00 a.m. I was able to get three solid, uninterrupted hours im before I had to get the kids up and rallied for school at 7:30. Three uninterrupted hours, five days a week. Of course, this may not work for everyone, but if you can discipline yourself to do it, the payoff is huge!

Embracing short bursts of time can also be a game-changer for your writing journey. Try to grab those brief moments during coffee breaks to jot down ideas, or utilize your lunch break to craft a few paragraphs. In my private practice I was able to squeeze in fifteen minutes between patients. Of course, this was just enough time to make a few artistic notes, but it was certainly no time wasted. Additionally, make commuting time on public transport more productive by brainstorming ideas or outlining your next writing project.

Just as raising a child requires a whole village, it takes the whole family to write a book. Delegate non-essential tasks or responsibilities that can be shared, or temporarily put on hold, allowing you to concentrate on what truly matters during your dedicated writing time. Accept that you may not have long hours for writing. Be realistic about what you can accomplish in the time you have available. Our busy days are filled with opportunities for creative progress; it’s your job to recognize and seize them.

Sometimes it takes a few moments to switch gears from the hectic day. I found this transition easier when I designated a specific area in the house where I could write without distraction. A quiet corner in the loft was my perfect place. Your writing sanctuary can be anywhere, even changing daily. Maybe it’s an empty room today, a heated garage space tomorrow; even the backseat of your car can provide the quietude needed to craft a few words.

Inspiration can strike at any moment, so be sure to use technology to your advantage. Equip yourself to catch those stimulating butterflies whenever they flutter by. Ensure you never miss a creative moment by always carrying a notebook. Leverage writing apps on your smartphone or tablet to quickly capture ideas or draft paragraphs while on the move.

In the pursuit of finding time to write in a busy world, one crucial principle applies, but it can be applied to all adults regardless their endeavors: mastering the art of saying ‘no’ when necessary. Setting boundaries and declining additional commitments that might encroach upon your writing time is essential. While it’s important to acknowledge the needs and wants of others, remember that your own goals matter too. By establishing healthy boundaries that prioritize your writing journey, you not only protect your creative space but also set an example for others to do the same for their pursuits. Putting yourself first isn’t selfish; it allows you to recharge and take care of your own needs, which ultimately enables you to be more available and supportive to others in the long run.

Navigating life with a family can often be unpredictable. It’s crucial to maintain flexibility in your schedule and be prepared to adapt when unexpected events arise. This adaptability is not just about accommodating your family’s needs but also recognizing that life, in general, can throw curveballs at any moment. Flexibility doesn’t mean sacrificing your writing goals, but finding creative ways to integrate them into your dynamic family life. It might involve rescheduling your writing time, finding shorter but focused moments to write during breaks, or even seeking support from family members to create pockets of uninterrupted writing time.

When you find yourself in a creative rut or facing time constraints, utilizing writing prompts can also be a valuable strategy to jumpstart your imagination and produce short pieces of writing. Prompts can provide a structured starting point, sparking your creativity and guiding your thoughts when you might feel stuck or pressed for time. Writing prompts can range from simple words or phrases, to more complex scenarios or themes, but they’re a great way to hit the ground running when you get a stolen moment.

At the end of the day, it’s imperative to prioritize your physical and mental well-being. Maintaining a healthy balance in your life will ultimately make you more productive when you do find the time to write. By taking care of yourself, you not only safeguard your creative energy but you also enhance your overall quality of life, enabling you to approach your writing endeavors with renewed vigor and clarity when those precious moments for writing do come your way.

Remember, finding time to write with a family may require some adjustments and sacrifices, but it’s possible with determination and a well-thought-out plan. Adapt these suggestions to your specific situation and needs to make the most of your writing time.

~Dani

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I’ll also be adding short stories, character profiles, and other fun tidbits.

Happy wordsmithing!