3 Easy Steps to Create a Killer Writing Schedule (That You’ll Actually Follow!)

Your head is filled with the ideas you’ve been brainstorming for what seems like forever. However, something is keeping you from getting those words out of your head and on paper.

Maybe you’ve been swamped with your full-time job. Or perhaps you’ve lost motivation. Or maybe writer’s block suddenly took over.

Finding some free time and the discipline to form a regular writing habit can be hard. But it’s not impossible. You can create a writing schedule that fits into the schedule you already have and sets you on the path to writing your novel. Keep reading to learn how.

Benefits of Having a Writing Schedule

A writing schedule is a personalized plan that sets aside dedicated time for you to write regularly. It’s like a map for your writing journey, helping you navigate between creative bursts and overcome challenges like writer’s block and procrastination.

Some benefits of creating a schedule include:

• Conquers writer’s block: By carving out regular writing time, you eliminate the pressure of finding “the perfect moment” to write. The act of showing up consistently can jumpstart your creativity.
• Boosts productivity: Scheduling helps you prioritize writing and avoid distractions. 
• Reduces stress: Breaking down your writing journey into manageable chunks makes the process less intimidating. You’ll feel calmer and more confident knowing you’re making steady progress.
• Improves consistency and quality: Regular practice improves your writing skills and leads to a smoother, more polished style.
• Maintains work-life balance: It allows you to dedicate time to your passion without sacrificing other responsibilities. Finding this balance will keep you motivated and prevent burnout.
• Increases accountability: Setting a schedule creates a sense of commitment and makes your writing goals well-defined.
• Stops procrastination: Having a schedule in place will help you stop procrastinating and start writing.
• Builds momentum and motivation: Seeing your progress daily creates a sense of momentum and accomplishment. You’ll feel all the time more motivated to keep writing and eventually finish your manuscript.

3 Steps to Creating a Writing Schedule You’ll Stick To

Step 1: Identify your why.

Writing is hard! There will be days when you will be tired or won’t feel inspired. Or you’ll worry about falling short of other obligations, especially if you have a full-time job, a house, or a family to take care of (or all three!).

It’s important to remind yourself why prioritizing your writing time is so important when those days arrive.

If your goal is to finish your cozy mystery in three years, keep digging and asking yourself questions until you get to the real meaning of why you’re writing in the first place.

Here are some reasons people write fiction books:

• To achieve a dream
• To create a source of income
• Just for fun
• To tell a truth that can’t otherwise be told with the same effect
• To be able to touch people’s hearts in a way they will always remember
• To be themselves
• To get rich and famous!

When you know why you’re writing, write your answer down on a piece of paper or a sticky note and pin it to your bulletin board or tape it to your wall.

Step 2: Create SMART goals.

Goals help you recognize what you want and create a plan to get it. Outlining the steps you need to take to achieve your writing plan will help you stay on track.

SMART goals are a framework for setting effective and achievable goals. The acronym stands for:

• Specific: Clearly define what you want to achieve. Avoid vagueness and make your goals as detailed as possible.  
  • Example: “I want to write 1,000 words every day for my cozy mystery novel.”
• Measurable: Create goals that will allow you to track your progress and measure your success. This could involve using units like word count, deadlines, or specific accomplishments.
  • Example: Using a calendar to track your daily word count.
• Accountable: Share your writing goals with others so that you are more likely to achieve your goals. If you’re the only one who knows about your writing goal, then the stakes for failure aren’t very high.
  • Example: Tell your friends, family, or your online writing community about your goals, or post them on social media.
• Realistic: Create goals you know are realistic to you. You should be able to achieve your goal reasonably with your level of experience and your talents.
  • Example: “I will write for 30 minutes a day.”
• Time-bound: Assign your goal a specific deadline. This creates a sense of urgency and helps you stay focused on making progress. Give yourself a reasonable deadline for when you want your first draft to be finished.
  • Example: “I want to finish my first draft in six months.”

Step 3: Start scheduling.

Now that you know why you’re writing, what your smaller goals are, and your timeline, it’s time to start scheduling it all into a calendar.

Here are 10 great tips that can help you create a writing schedule that you can stick to and that will help you make progress on your writing goals:

1. Consider your chronotype. Are you a morning person or a night owl? When are you most productive and focused? Schedule your writing time for when you’re naturally at your best.
2. Be realistic. Don’t try to cram too much writing into your schedule. If you’re just starting out, aim for 15-30 minutes of writing time per day. You can always increase your time later as you get used to it.
3. Be consistent. It’s more important to write regularly than to write in long bursts. Try to write at the same time each day, even if it’s just for a short period. This will help you develop a writing habit and make it easier to get into the flow.
4. Break your goals down into smaller tasks. If you’re working on a long project, such as a novel, break it down into smaller, more manageable tasks. This will make it feel less intimidating and help you stay motivated.
5. Use a calendar or planner. Using a calendar or planner to outline your writing schedule and track your progress will help you stay organized and motivated. (TIP: An editorial calendar is a great way to make sure that you meet all deadlines so you can finish your book instead of pushing it aside.)
6. Schedule breaks. Don’t forget to take breaks! Get up and move around, stretch, get outside for a minute or two, or do something else that will refresh you. Taking breaks will help you stay focused and avoid burnout.
7. Track your progress. Keep track of your word count or the number of pages you write each day. This will help you see how far you’ve come and stay motivated.
8. Make it fun! Writing should be enjoyable! If you’re not having fun, you’re less likely to stick with it. Find ways to make your writing time enjoyable, such as listening to music, setting a timer for a “Pomodoro session,” or writing in your favorite location.
9. Be accountable. Find a writing buddy or group to share your writing goals with. Be sure to check in regularly. Having someone to write with or talk to about your writing can help you stay accountable and motivated.
10. Reward yourself. When you reach your goals, reward yourself with something you enjoy. This will help you stay motivated and keep coming back for more.

Remember: The best way to establish a writing schedule for a fiction writer is to choose the way that works best for you.

Find more writing tips here:

• How to Create Central Conflict in Your Novel
• How to Create a Captivating Story Setting
• Unmasking the Hidden Gems of Plot Points in Fiction Writing

Books I recommend:

• Writing Planner: Monthly Undated Planner and Notebook for Writers and Authors
• Release Strategies: Plan your self-publishing schedule for maximum benefit
• Thriving Scribes Planner: Productivity Workbook and Planner For Authors: Plan. Write. Thrive.

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