Writing is a craft that requires dedication, passion and creativity. To do it well it’s a full-time job. But for those of us with other commitments, such as a full-time day job and family, it can be difficult to find the time and energy to devote to our writing. The demands of these obligations can make it hard to stay focused and motivated to write, but it’s possible to be successful and strive to meet our goals.
The first step in overcoming these challenges is to set realistic expectations. I’ll never be able to write as much as if I had the luxury of devoting myself to writing full-time. That doesn’t mean that I can’t write, but it does mean that I need to temper my expectations and be realistic about the amount of time and energy I can devote to my “side full time job.”
I find it helpful to set specific goals and create a schedule – although I’m terrible at keeping them both. If I know I only have one or two hours to write, I mentally block those hours off and try to complete one specific goal during that time. This helps me stay focused and motivated, and it enables me to see progress even if it’s only a small amount.
Another obstacle is self care. Writing is a very solitary pursuit, and COVID only made it worse. One of my best friends is an author who lives near me. Both our kids got COVID at the same time and we were lamenting we can’t hang out, go for a walk, get lunch, work together, or much of anything else. (Well, we could, but we’re trying to be responsible people and limit how much contact with have with others until we’re sure we’re not contagious.) There is also the issue of exercise and getting enough rest. Both are hard to fit into my schedule and I’ve found that for exercise at least, I needed a personal trainer to ensure I actually showed up. He expects to get paid so even if I don’t feel like going, I drag myself away from my desk and go. This helps me maintain energy and focus, and staying healthy is the only way I can work full time, be a parent and spouse, and find time to write.
Writing while having a full-time job and a family is a challenge, but it’s possible. I’ll be the first to admit, it’s not ideal. I want to write more and go to the day job less, but life is about balance. Taking care of my family is job one. Until I can do that with my writing, it will continue to be my side hustle instead of my full time job. I keep myself content by reminding myself I get to do both. It would be a hollow dream if I had to sacrifice either for the sake of one.
One more way to keep going is to celebrate little victories along the way. Yesterday I finished the second book in Mages and Mates – It Spells Trouble. It’s off to the beta reader, and the editing schedule has been set. If you haven’t read the prequel, Spell it Out or book 1 Break the Spell, now would be a great time to check them out. Links are under my bio.
Until next month, stay well, stay safe, stay happy.
Ciao
~Andy
Andy Gallo:
Andy prefers mountains over the beach, coffee over tea, and regardless if you shake it or stir it, he isn’t drinking a martini. He remembers his “good old days” as filled with mullets, disco music, too-short shorts, and too-high socks. Thanks to good shredders and a lack of social media, there is no proof he ever descended into any of those evils.
Andy does not write about personal experiences and no living or deceased ex-boyfriends appear on the pages of his stories. He might subconsciously infuse his characters with some of their less noble qualities, but that is entirely coincidental even if their names are the same.
Married and living his own happy every after, Andy helps others find their happy endings in the pages of his stories. He and his husband of more than twenty years spend their days raising their daughter and rubbing elbows with other parents. Embracing his status as the gay dad, Andy sometimes has to remind others that one does want a hint of color even when chasing after their child.
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Book 2: It Spells Trouble – Coming May 23, 2023
Website: www.andygallo.com
Email: andy@andygallo.com
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A great article about managing writing time. Thanks so much.