How To Find Time to Write a Romance Novel

How do you find time to write your first book?

This question comes up often! The truth is simple. You find time to write.

I wrote manuscripts long before I realized that was what they were. I had a story to tell, and while I was on the road for business, I’d pen a few hundred words. It wasn’t until much later that I realized I wrote mystery/ thriller novels in my spare time.

Haha!

But that’s not how it normally goes, and when I decided to switch to romance novels and pursue publishing opportunities, I no longer had a job with easy bouts of alone time where I could write without distraction.

I wrote Winters Heat when I had a newborn baby and was working with a family business. If that isn’t clear, I mean that I had zero time. Like, none.

Except I really did. 

Whenever I could grab a few minutes to write, I would. Most of Winters Heat was written by one hand, while I nursed or rocked a little baby, or when I was the (barely) walking definition of sleep deprived. I wanted to tell that story so bad I couldn’t stand it. So I did.

I heard Liliana Hart give an answer to this question once, and it was simple. You just do it.

And that’s the truth! If you want to get the words out, you will. Protect your idle minutes.

• Put away the social media and turn off the television.
• Wake up early and go to bed after everyone else.
• Jot notes while waiting at the grocery store checkout or at the DMV. Never go anywhere without a pen and paper.
• Try dictating! It’s so awkward at first. I’m not sure I believe anyone who says that picked it up the first time. But that can change your commute or exercise time into a time where you produce words.

Before you know it, you will have a rough draft and have met your word count!

Want to read more on my thoughts? Check out what I said on Quora!

Cristin Harber‘s answer to How did you start writing your first romance novel? (What did you do to start writing when you still had another main job?)