Hey writers! Welcome back to Better Writing in 5—your go-to spot for actionable writing tips! We know, life’s a whirlwind when you’re juggling a full-time job and writing goals. You’re busy, you’re tired, and let’s be real—some days, you just can’t imagine squeezing in 30 minutes to write. But guess what? You can!
Here are 5 foolproof ways to find writing time—even if you’re swamped at work:
1. Morning time
Let’s face it: no one wants to wake up earlier. But you know who’s secretly winning? Morning people. They’re getting things done while we’re still snoozing. Here’s the thing: waking up just 30 minutes earlier gives you quiet, uninterrupted time to create before emails and Slack messages take over. The earlier you start, the less guilt you’ll feel for not writing.
2. Lunchtime
Your lunch hour isn’t just for scarfing down sandwiches and scrolling through social media. No, no—this is your secret writing retreat. Find a quiet corner, grab your notebook (or open your laptop), and you’ve got 30 minutes of writing time—no meetings, no distractions, just pure creative energy. And if your office has a café? Even better. You’ll get a productivity boost from that overpriced coffee while you get your words down.
3. Waiting time
Use idle time to brainstorm, plan, or dictate your thoughts (using an app, of course). Those random, in-between moments—whether it’s waiting for your Zoom meeting to start or sitting at a red light—are perfect for writing. You’re already waiting, so why not use that time to brainstorm your next scene or draft a quick paragraph? You’ll be amazed at how quickly those “wasted” moments add up. (And please, don’t write while driving—unless you’re dictating!)
4. Scheduled time
Would you cancel an important meeting with your boss? Of course not. So why cancel your writing time? Block out time on your calendar every day to write and treat it like a priority. Set reminders and let everyone (including yourself) know: this is your time to work. Whether it’s first thing in the morning, during lunch, or after work, this is non-negotiable!
5. Anytime
You don’t need a huge chunk of time to get words down. Think of yourself as a stealthy writing ninja. If you can’t find 30 minutes, break it up into smaller 10- or 15-minute sessions. Write in between meetings, while waiting for your lunch, or even during your commute. Small, consistent sessions add up!
Conclusion
Finding 30 minutes a day to write isn’t impossible—it’s about prioritizing and sneaking in those small moments. By the end of the month, you’ll be amazed at how much you’ve written, and who knows? You might even start feeling like a real author one coffee break at a time.