How to Balance Your Life and Your Creative Writing

We’ve all sat there wondering if we can fit our writing into our busy lives. It’s a common problem that many creatives struggle with; I know I do. Thousands are worried about the same thing. It;s hard to balance life and writing. Let;s look at some strategies to help you avoid feeling like you have to choose between your creativity and your life.

Work Out a Schedule That Works For You

A writing schedule is essential to any writer's day-to-day life, but it’s important to remember that everyone’s plan will be different. Some people need to write first thing in the morning, while others prefer late at night. Still, others have children or jobs that require they write wherever they can squeeze it in. Whatever your situation, find what works best for you and stick with it!

Be Honest With Yourself and Protect Your Time

As a creative writer, you can choose what projects you take on. You can accept every opportunity or choose just the ones that are right for you. You might think it’s impossible to say no to a writing project, but it’s not. Be honest with yourself about the writing you can handle, know what types of projects are best for you, and learn how to say no.

Don’t try forcing yourself into a routine just because someone else says they’ve done it successfully; remember, you have to assess your time and create the schedule that fits your needs. Once you have, protect that time and do what is best for you.

Attend Writer’s Workshops and Classes, and Get a Writing Group

Writing can be a lonely business. You must pursue your craft on your terms, but that doesn’t mean you should do it alone. Try to attend writer’s workshops or classes as often as possible, such as the ones provided at Writing Quarter which are some of the best writing courses in Australia. These will help keep you focused on your craft and give fresh perspectives on the industry. Plus, there are always other writers in attendance who can help keep you accountable for making progress toward your goals and share the strategies that work best for them– you never know, they just might work for you too.

Also, if you don’t already have one, consider getting together with a few friends or colleagues who also want to write and start a writing group. This is a great way to brainstorm, and with programs like Zoom, Google Meet, or Facetime, you don’t need to live close by; they’ll keep you connected.

It is possible to Balance Your Life and Your Creative Writing

Remember: no matter how busy you are or how crazy things get, life is not a race. You will never be able to finish your novel in one sitting, nor should you try. The same goes for any project you tackle in life; there are no shortcuts, only work and adventure. That said, don’t be too hard on yourself; be present in your life, incorporate some of these tactics, and keep writing!