When Life Disrupts Your Writing Schedule (And How To Get Back on Track)

Writing takes a backseat when life gets hectic.

Just as you’re prepared to squeeze in those sacred morning hours, or in the middle of a “write every day” streak, summertime arrives. You’re suddenly met with the kids being home 24/7, your wife requiring more assistance, or feeling sapped of strength due to the heat, stress, or just life. Writing takes a hit not because you don’t care, but because you have a limit to how much of yourself you’re able to give out.

All of this may sound familiar to you. This is how it happens, and what you can do to get back on the page.

When life disrupts your writing

Why Writing Gets Derailed

1. Summertime ‘relaxation’ tends to throw structure out the window.

2. With school out, the quiet hours you relied on vanish. Even if you’re not taking care of young children, summer’s often associated with vacations, a change in schedule, and a more lively spirit in general.

3. Responsibility becomes more hectic.

4. Whether aiding elderly family members or dealing with family health concerns, the notion of caregiving can feel like a full-time job, often arising out of nowhere. It is a mentally exhausting and physically strenuous process, leaving minimal room for creativity.

5. Your own body and priorities shift.

   
   

Creative rhythms often align with the seasons of life as we experience them as well as their associated hormonal shifts, health-related phenomena, or even a more leisurely tempo. This is perfectly fine. But in some cases, that also means that the rhythm of your writing needs to adapt.

This is when the pangs of creative guilt emerge.

You are motivated to write, but your attention is needed in many different places. You end up feeling alienated, behind, and somewhat defeated.

How to Get Back into a Writing Routine

Get Back Into A Productive Writing Habit

Don’t leave for a perfect day as no such thing exists. Even the simplest of tasks like writing a sentence or developing a scene outline in the pickup line for your child could set the ball rolling. Open your work in progress (WIP) and it’s fine even if you don’t add any words.

Attainable Writing Targets

During busier seasons in life, focus on short, motivational writing targets such as a single sentence or a horde of 100 words. In 10 minutes, you could achieve that. These goals besides to build momentum and bolster confidence help in proving to you that you're a writer in a chaotic life.

Estimate Time Blocks Accurately

Can you swap a single evening show for writing? How about waking up half an hour early once a week? Even small time intervals add up.

As your lifeline, consider using the notes application or maintaining a journal.

Jot down snippets of dialogue and fleeting scene concepts or any random thoughts that come to mind. You may not have a full chapter to write, but you can always stoke the fires of creativity.

Engage your community.

Communicate to your family that you need a small chunk of solo time, even if it is a little. Solicit aid. Defend your time, every minute matters.

Give yourself the gift of forgiveness.

There are natural ebbs and flows to the writing process, and pausing does not equate to quitting. Everyone is entitled to breaks.

You’re Still a Writer

Balancing writing with the demands of life resembles a spiral instead of a straight line. Expect periods of action and stillness, and embrace that rhythm.

Staying in touch with your creative self is essential, even in tiny ways. Writing does not always translate to completed chapters. At times, it may involve honoring your limits and returning to the task at hand when truly ready.

Life’s interruptions can enrich your tales and deepen them too.

When it is time to write again, you will.