Life is busy—that’s a universal truth. Between work, family, and countless other obligations, it can feel impossible to find time to write. But if you’re serious about writing, and trust me, your story is serious about you, it’s time to ask yourself: What are you doing except writing?

Finding time to write isn’t about magically having fewer responsibilities; it’s about making choices and, sometimes, sacrifices. It’s about saying no to things you don’t want to do, but also—and this can be harder—saying no to things you do want to do. Writing requires commitment, and that often means prioritizing it over other activities, even enjoyable ones.

Elizabeth Gilbert puts it perfectly: 

“What are you willing to give up, in order to have what you really want?” 

Writing often demands a trade-off, and finding time to write means making deliberate choices about your priorities.

Here are some strategies that have worked for me:

Here are some strategies that have worked for me:

1. Identify Non-Negotiable Time

Take a close look at your schedule. Identify the hours when writing is simply not possible: work hours, the time you need for sleep, family meals, or other essential commitments. These are your non-negotiables.

Once you’ve marked those times, look at what’s left. It might be small pockets of time between tasks or a larger chunk in the evening. Whatever it is, treat that time as your potential writing window.

2. Use Short Periods Wisely

Yes, you can write in very short periods of time. Even 10-15 minutes can add up over the course of a week. But consider challenging yourself to carve out a full hour. Where can you fit it in? If you’re struggling to find that time, consider letting go of one activity, even if it’s something you enjoy, to make room for writing.

3. Create a Dedicated Writing Space

When my life was especially busy, I used to book a study room at the public library during my lunch break. I’d meet a friend there, walk to the library, and write for about 40 minutes before heading back to work. It wasn’t glamorous or leisurely, but it worked.

The key is to find or create a space where writing is your only focus, even if it’s just for a little while.

4. Adapt to Life’s Changes

Life doesn’t stay the same, and neither does your schedule. Every four months, my teaching schedule at the college changes completely. Each time, I reevaluate my availability and carve out new writing time. Your writing practice doesn’t have to look the same year-round. Be flexible and willing to adjust as life changes.

5. Find a Writing Community

Writing can be a lonely endeavor, but it doesn’t have to be. Finding a writing community can provide you with accountability, a sharing of ideas, and a space to express frustrations. It’s also an opportunity to get valuable feedback on your work. Whether it’s an in-person group or an online community, connecting with other writers can help you stay motivated and committed to your craft.

Ultimately, finding time to write comes down to making a commitment to yourself and your story. If you’re serious about writing, you need to treat it like a priority. That means planning for it, sticking to it, and sometimes making difficult choices to ensure it happens.

Remember, this doesn’t have to be forever. Your schedule and circumstances will evolve. But in the here and now, your story deserves your time and attention. So, what are you doing except writing? And where can you find the time to give your story the care it needs?

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 Erica Richmond, the founder of Open Sky Stories believes that words have the power to provide connection & healing. She offers a variety of writing workshops and 1:1 mentoring. Erica has published three books: Pixie and the Fox, Pixie and the Bees and The Mail Art Stories Project: Mail Art in the Time of Covid-19.

She lives in Peterborough, Canada finding adventures in everyday life.

Follow Erica on Instagram for daily writing inspiration and real-life stories.