Between a demanding full-time job, moving into a new home, and keeping up with life’s insatiable needs, finding time for writing has been daunting. Currently, I get about 15 minutes of creative thinking time, between laying myself in bed and falling asleep. Magic ideas happen then, which I whisper to my Alexa and hope get transcribed intelligently. But those fleeting moments, as valuable as they are, aren’t enough. My writing deserves more than a hurried note before I drift off. My writing deserves space.
The Struggle to Find Space
I know I’m not alone in this challenge. Most writers struggle to balance personal commitments with their creative work. We have jobs, families, and grocery lists. The hours fly by, full of cleaning and clocking in, and at night I wonder why I left myself a measly 15 minutes for creativity. I’m well aware that if I keep treating writing like something I’d do “when I have time,” it will never happen. I have to carve out space intentionally—just like I’m defining spaces in my new house. My writing deserves a spot, just like anything else in my life. Maybe more.
How Structure Creates Space
I need a more structured approach to my writing. Enter the Writing Cohort. Twice a week, I block off two hours for dedicated writing time, a space on the calendar that my creativity deserves. Knowing others will be there too helps me show up. We begin with a 15-minute chat to check in with each other and set our intentions. Then, we dive into 45 minutes of silent writing. No distractions, no excuses—just writing. Afterward, we repeat the process. These sessions are productive for me because they’re intentional and focused. I’m not just hoping for creative sparks at the end of the day—I’m creating space for my writing to thrive.
Writing with Others: Finding Space Together
Writing with a group brings a whole new level of accountability and motivation. When I’m on Zoom with the cohort, I’m helping others create space too. There’s something powerful about showing up together, knowing we’re all working toward our own creative goals. We’re a community, exploring words in beautiful silence.
I’m tricking myself into making time for myself by promising others I will show up. I run the call, but I need the structure, the accountability, and the shared energy just as much as anyone.
Tips for Writers Struggling to Find Time
I’ve found that I need to focus first on prioritization. I have to believe that my writing deserves space. I matter! My creativity matters! Laundry will always be there. Writing time won’t, unless I judge it equally (or more) important.
Second, I had to find a solution that works for me. Accountability through the cohort ticks all my boxes. Maybe it’s the same for you, or maybe you need to schedule time in a different way. The key is finding what works and sticking to it.
My Writing Deserves Space—And So Does Yours
I can’t write a book 15 minutes at a time, before I fall asleep, hoping Alexa is recording my great ideas correctly. If you can, you’re a better writer than I!
If my cohort solution sounds like one you’d like to try, I encourage you to join us. It’s a free, flexible, supportive space where writers at all stages are welcome. Whether you’re just starting or you’ve been at it for years, your writing deserves space too.
Whatever works for you, I wish your writing the space it deserves.
