Blog by Toby Welch

<< back to article list

Time Management Tips for Writers



A decade as a full-time freelance writer has taught me a thing or two about managing your time in order to meet (and exceed!) your writing goals and deadlines. These are my top tips:

Turn off the bloody TV.

Sometimes you get more done when you take a break from writing.

Only surf for specific things on the Internet; mindless surfing is a waste of time.

Stopping to smell the roses and look up from your keyboard from time to time makes you a better writer.

Read while doing the dishes or folding laundry - a well-made book holder is invaluable for this. Constant reading makes you a better writer.

Having a stack of ready-to-eat pre-made meals in the freezer and cut up fruits and vegetables in the fridge are invaluable when you need to hunker in and focus on your writing.

Consider dust bunnies a sign of a creative mind instead of a chore that needs to be tended to immediately.

“Training” children to occupy themselves is time consuming but it will save you so much time in the long run.

Make use of the “dead time” in your world as a lot can get accomplished in small chunks of time. When standing in line at the bank or grocery store or waiting for your doctor or your lunch date, jot down words.

Learn how to say 'no' and mean it. Don’t commit to anything you don’t want to do in order to keep the focus on your writing. 
Happy Writing!