The truth about being an independent author is that we’re not just writers; we are entrepreneurs, marketers, and service providers. For me, that means balancing the demands of running a business—which includes providing digital marketing for local clients and offering proofreading and editing services for reports, essays, and manuscripts—with the focused creative energy needed to write a novel. It’s a constant battle for attention, where every spare moment feels like it should be devoted to client deadlines or promotional campaigns. The key isn’t simply finding time in an already crammed schedule, but fiercely protecting that time and prioritising it.
The Architect of the Schedule: Protecting the Time
The first step in achieving this balance is to treat your writing time exactly as you would a non-negotiable client commitment. It needs to be defined, scheduled, and absolutely sacred. I find it crucial to block out specific hours in my diary, often early in the morning before the stream of client emails begins, or late in the evening once the day’s labour on client reports is quiet. This intentional scheduling makes the writing a genuine commitment, not just a hobby you’ll get around to if time allows.
Equally important is meticulously analysing the business tasks for efficiency. I look for ways to streamline and batch the administrative labour—setting aside one dedicated morning for all client reporting and digital marketing updates, or batching proofreading and editing client documents into one large block. The more effective and efficient I am at managing the business side, the more precious, guilt-free time I create to devote to the creative work of my novel.
The Mindset Shift: From Business Brain to Creative Brain
Switching mental gears from ‘boss mode’ to ‘author mode’ can be jarring, but the creative work demands a complete focus. This is where setting rituals comes into play. I use small, deliberate actions—like putting on a specific ambient music playlist, making a particular type of coffee, or moving to a different desk—to signal to my brain that the time for accounts and client strategy is over, and it’s time to build a world. This intentional transition helps eliminate the lingering anxiety of the business day and allows for creative immersion.
Finally, focus on the power of small, consistent wins. The pressure to carve out a massive block of four hours to write is often paralysing when you know you have client work waiting. Instead, I prioritise achievable, daily word count goals—even just 500 words. Showing up every day and making steady progress prevents the project from stalling and reduces the overall mental stress. It’s far better to write 500 words consistently than to wait for the mythical “perfect day” that never arrives.
A. R. Hurst 