My Writing Schedule As A Debut Author, (And Why It Rarely Goes As Planned)

Let’s just be honest…writing a book is HARD.

Yes, you read that right, and I said what I said.

The Rollercoaster of the Writing Process

I’ve spent countless hours finishing my first draft, diving into edits (there are many), and re-reading my own pages – sometimes thinking, “Wow, I wrote that?”, and other times, “Who on earth would read this mess?”

I can hear your next question…so, why do you do it?

The answer is simple.

Because I LOVE it.

Not just a little bit either.

My book, my characters, the story line, it’s always on my mind. Sometimes I think I’ll go crazy if I don’t put my fingers to the keyboard to write out what’s going on in my head.

It’s therapeutic, creative, challenging and exhausting all at the same time. But the joy I feel when the words all come together to create something that makes me smile on the inside...there’s not much that compares to that!

So, what’s the deal with my writing schedule?

What My Writing Schedule Should Look Like

I like to consider myself a disciplined person. Sort of.

I create goals and do my best to accomplish each and every one. And I’m hard on myself when I don’t.

It’s no different when it comes to writing.

Here’s the plan: I block out the first three hours of my morning to focus solely on my book.

Whether I’m writing the first draft, working on developmental editing, or trying to decide if my villain is “villain-y” enough, a writing schedule holds me accountable.

This works for me.

(It might work differently for you.)

Distractions, Sourdough, and Real Life

But then the doorbell rings and the sweet neighbor up the street brought me a loaf of sourdough bread and wants to chat. (Who can say no to that?!)

Or a family member calls.

Or the washer dings that the towels are ready for the dryer.

And all of sudden...those three hours actually dwindle down to about an hour and a half of actual writing time.

It frustrates me—but I’ve learned it’s part of the process.

Grace for the Off Days

I’ve learned to quit beating myself up over this.

To celebrate the work I did complete that day and to look forward to getting to do it again tomorrow.

Then there are days when my three hours turn into four and a half and I get solid writing and editing done.

Those days?

I’m feeling elated and accomplished.

They more than make up for the others.

Loving the Process More Than the Plan

Yes, I know, the writing won’t happen unless I make it happen. But at the end of the day—I love writing. And I want it to stay that way.

So to get upset when a day doesn’t go as planned or mentally berate myself for not ignoring everything else in life for those three hours, I’ve decided I’m not going to do it anymore.

It might take me slightly longer to write my book than the next person.

But I don’t want to diminish my love for the craft or make it just another chore that I have to do.

I don’t think the same book would come out of me if I forced it.

Writing Is My Joy—Not My Obligation

We all have things we love to do. Things that bring us joy and contentment and stretch us as a person.

To turn those things into just another item on our to-do list seems to cheapen them somehow.

And I don’t ever want to do that with writing.

It is my favorite outlet of expression and creativity.

I don’t paint, build, sew, design or cook very well.

Those things don’t bring me much joy. (Especially cooking!)

But writing does. And I pray it will always be that way.

So yes, I do have a writing schedule, and no, I don’t follow it like it’s the gospel truth. Honestly? That works for me!

Let’s Talk

What about you?

What is something you absolutely love to do, but know that if you became a task master over it, it would begin to lose its appeal?

I’d love to know!

Use the form on the “contact me” page and let me know...I read every one!