This is a question I get a lot, especially from people who know that writing isn’t my full- time job. Like many writers, I wear multiple hats. I have a demanding career in medicine, family responsibilities, and a life outside the page. So, how do I make time to write?
The truth is, I don’t have the luxury of writing 1,000 words a day, even though that’s the standard advice. You hear it all the time in courses or from other authors: Write a thousand words a day, and you’ll finish a novel in a few months. And they’re right—it adds up quickly. A typical novel is around 80,000 words, so with discipline and consistency, you can absolutely get there.
But life doesn’t always make room for that kind of routine. For me, it’s not about the word count—it’s about showing up!
Right now, with my full-time job and everything else on my plate, I aim for one hour of writing per day. That’s my goal. I don’t track how many words I’ve written. I don’t stress about hitting a specific number. I just commit to that focused hour, wherever I can fit it
in, early in the morning, late at night, or even during a lunch break. It’s not perfect, but it keeps the momentum going.
Publishing today is fast-paced. Algorithms and visibility matter. Writers are encouraged to release one or even two books a year just to stay relevant. And I understand why. There’s so much content out there, and so many voices competing for attention. But I also believe in doing what’s sustainable. Burning out doesn’t serve the story—or the writer.
So for now, it’s one hour a day. That’s the rhythm that works for me. I hope in the future, I’ll have more space to give to writing. But even if I don’t, I’ll keep showing up for that hour, one page at a time.
Because at the end of the day, writing isn’t about fitting into a formula…it’s about committing to your voice, no matter how busy life gets.