“My dream is to write a book one day.”

I hear this a lot from students, colleagues, neighbors, people at the grocery store.  After graduating with my undergraduate degree in English, I used to say the same thing.

But like lots of people, I had a busy schedule.  I had my job as a corporate communicator, graduate school (twice), a family and church commitments.

Working full-time and being a writer can be tough.  The idea that all writers have lots of time to sit in coffee shops all day and write books is a myth.  Don’t get me wrong; I know some professional writers run successful writing businesses. 

But the people I’m referring to have full-time jobs doing something other than writing. They’re mothers who run a busy household or entrepreneurs trying to get their business off the ground. No matter what their job is, they all ask the same question:  “How can I write a book with my busy schedule?”

Today’s post kicks off a series of posts on how to write your first nonfiction book with a busy schedule.  I offer a few tips I used to publish my books, but I would love to hear any advice you have to offer in the comment section.

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using the links.

1. Figure out what you want to achieve with your nonfiction book

Before you start trying to write the first chapter, you need to know why you’re going on this journey in the first place.  Since you have a busy schedule with many commitments, it’s important to figure out your book’s direction before you start writing.

Start with the end first, then make a list of questions to answer about your nonfiction book like:  

• What’s it about?
• What’s it called?
• Who is the reader?
• How long will it be?
• What’s the book’s structure?
• Do I have to write every day?
• Where will I write?
• How long will I write?
• How can I create a consistent writing practice?
• How do I carve out time in my schedule regularly?
• How should I structure my days to make time for writing?
• What key information can I include that will make the book unique, educational, or amazing?

Whether you’re writing on a topic you’re passionate about or you’ve chosen to tell someone’s story, getting clear on your overall end goal is an excellent place to start. When you know what you want to achieve with your nonfiction book, it becomes easier for everything else to fall into place.

2.  Design an action plan you can visualize

Once you’re clear on where you want to take your nonfiction book, the next step is creating a book-writing action plan. 

An action plan is a checklist outlining the tasks needed to complete a project.   Your book-writing action plan should also include:

• The goal for writing your nonfiction book
• The steps you need to take to reach your goal
• A list of people you need to meet or interview throughout the writing process
• Deadlines and milestones you need to reach
• Resources you need along the way.
• Healthy breaks to ensure self-care
• Measures to assess your progress

To bring your action plan to life, use an Excel spreadsheet, flowchart, Gantt chart, or table.  You can also use a web-based, Kanban-style tool like Trello or a task management tool like MeisterTask.

3.  Create a consistent but flexible writing schedule

No matter how much you love writing, there will always be other things you may need or want to do. Things like hanging out with family and friends, or staying late at work, will likely disrupt your writing life at some point. It’s important to create a consistent but flexible writing schedule.

Creating a schedule means dedicating time to write your nonfiction book. First, look at your calendar and determine what time and on which days you can write.  Next, decide how long you can write during each writing session.  Don’t plan to write for three hours every day if you only have 30 minutes to write on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  Set reasonable goals.  

Scheduling time means “setting time aside,” it may not be a perfect time, but it’s a start. Writing on a part-time schedule may not always go as planned. But despite your sometimes hectic circumstances, it’s important to stick to your writing schedule.

“But you don’t need the perfect setup to do the work.  For example, I’ve written five of my books completely on airplanes.”  Seth Godin

4.  Make the most of small bits of time

So what about the days when your schedule gets thrown off track?  If you work full-time or have other responsibilities such as family or school, you know that sometimes unexpected things happen.  On those days, be flexible but determined about making time to write.  Take advantage of the 5, 10, or 15 minutes you have waiting at the doctor’s office or sitting in the carpool line. 

There’s a lot you can do during these small windows. While it may not be actual writing, non-writing activities are just as important.  Use your small bits of time to work on your book’s finer details like the introduction or acknowledgment pages.  Compile additional research that can enhance your book.

Keep a notebook or journal with you at all times to record your writing.  Once you return to your laptop, add the information you added to your notebook or journal.

5.  Commit to giving up a few things while you write your book

Writing a nonfiction book is time-consuming.  The harsh reality is that something has to give. If you used to spend hours binge-watching the latest episodes of your favorite show, give this up. Spending countless hours scrolling through social media won’t help either. Come to terms with the fact that you will need to give up a few things while writing your nonfiction book (see also ‘What Is Narrative Nonfiction?‘).

You may also need to say no to a few requests.  When I was writing my books, I made a point to cook dinner for my family, go on dates with my husband, and support my son at swim meets.  I also made time for God by reading my Bible,  never skipping church, or neglecting my volunteer assignments (see also ‘7 Easy Tips On How To Improve Your Bible Study Skills‘).  But sometimes, I said no to taking on extra volunteer assignments when other parents didn’t show up at the swim meet.  Instead of cooking for the pot-luck dinner at school, I ordered from the Olive Garden (and that decision made lots of hungry people happy).

Don’t be afraid to give up some things or say no to a few requests.

Ready to start writing your nonfiction book?

Who knows where you could be this time next year if you start writing your nonfiction book today?  Writing a nonfiction book on a part-time schedule is possible. Busy writers the world over have developed the discipline necessary to write, and you can too. By following the steps outlined, you’re well on your way to making your dream of completing your first nonfiction book a reality.