As a mom of three busy boys and a business owner, I can tell you firsthand how easy it is to push your dreams aside. With the stress and chaos of the day-to-day and never-ending to-do list, it’s easy to forget what makes you happy. It’s so comfortable to push aside something you desire. To do the things your family asks you or to keep up with responsibilities of adulting. And day by day, that dream slips by you.  

No matter what that dream is, I’m here to tell you to go after it—and go after it with all you have! I know many people who dream of writing a book, but they tell themselves they’ll do it one day and often that day never comes. I hear this too many times to count when someone asks what I do for a living and I tell them I’m an editor—it seems like everyone wants to write a book.

Forbes Magazine reported in March 2024 that 80% of Americans say they want to write a book. According to that study of 2,000 aspiring writers, more than half claimed to have a good idea for a novel, yet only 15% have started writing.

Carve Time to Write Your Book

I’m here to tell you that you can embrace that dream of someday being a published author if you can promise yourself some time each day to write.

It will not be easy, but if you learn to make yourself a priority, even if it’s for fifteen minutes a day, you are working toward your goal.

Carve out time for yourself, whether it’s before the chaos of the morning or during your lunch break or even when you’re starting to settle down for the night. Set a word count—it can be one thousand words, but if you multiply that by five days a week for twelve weeks, then you will have a book of sixty thousand words. Every new word counts and is another step toward achieving your goal.

Make Use of the Bits of Time Throughout Your Day

Sneaky ways to get your word count or writing time in:

• Set realistic and attainable goals and write them in your planner and/or put them in your calendar. These writing “dates” should be taken seriously and kept just like you’d keep your appointment with your hair salon or chiropractor.
• Carry a small notebook and pen in your purse or bag to sneak a few minutes of writing just about anywhere.
• Keep a notebook and pen beside your bed in case you wake up with a great idea or inspiration.
• Download either a plotting or writing app on your phone. This can come in handy at lunch or when you have a few spare minutes. It’s also great when you’re stuck in line at a grocery store and you suddenly have a character talk to you.
• Set your alarm 10 to 15 minutes earlier than usual (and with that handy notebook and pen beside your bed) then you’re ready to rock the word count.

• Use the notebook and pen beside your bed to write before bed before drifting into dreamland.
• Sneak in some writing time over your lunch break with the handy notebook and pen in your purse or plotting/writing apps on your phone.
• Look for a writing partner, accountability partner, or writing coach to check-in regularly to help you stay consistent. They’re here to give you a pat on the back and toss the confetti when you achieve your goals or a pat on the back to inspire and motivate you if you weren’t able to and help come up with ways on how to win next time.  

Take the Next Step Toward Your Book

So what’s standing in your way?

Let’s get off the sidelines and start taking the steps (even baby steps!) to achieving YOUR dream. I’m here to help you if you need that extra push. Contact me or look at my writing services, and we can get started on your writing process.