Time Management for Authors: 13 Suggestions from a Bestselling Amazon Novelist

Ha! You wanna write a damn book, but life's got you by the nuts, huh? I feel ya, pal. I'm a published author, got a regular gig, and I've got a couple rugrats runnin' wild. You think I don't know about jugglin'? Well, here's the deal - you can do it too, if you gotta that fire in your soul. So, here's how to juggle your life as you write your masterpiece.

First things first, you gotta really want it. Writing a book ain't a stroll in the park. It's hard, man, and a lot of people give up before they even get started. But if you really want it, nothing canstop ya. Not your job, not your kids, not Nobody. You gotta look at writing like it's a priority, just like work or family. And don't be fooled if yo' peers start laughin' - you know, the ones who say they wanna write but never start. They ain't got the fire in their belly.

Alright, now that we've got that outta the way, let's talk about findin' time. It's all about figurin' out them magic hours, my friend. Are you a morning person, or a night owl? Identify those golden hours when your creativity is runnin' wild, and protect 'em like a mama bear guardin' her cubs. Personally, I'm an early riser - I catch the wisps of inspiration at the crack of dawn when the world ain't make demands on me yet. And if you're not, don't sweat it - energy levels shift as we age, and findin' your rhythm is half the battle.

Now, let's talk about stealin' moments like a skulk. Life ain't gonna always be smooth sailin'. Sometimes life's gonna chuck curveballs at ya, but that don't mean you can't write. Make use of the stolen moments - waitin' for the kiddo to finish swim practice, dippin' into your precious minutes durin' lunch breaks. I wrote my third novel in ten-minute snatches while the little ones were happily playin'. You'd be amazed how quickly those moments add up.

Next up, why not involve them? I know it sounds a bit wild, but hear me out - why not let your kiddos in on your little secret? Teach 'em the magic of storytellin'! If they're old enough, let 'em dream up some stories with you. Or, if they're young, just get 'em to draw pictures while you scribble away. It's a fantastic bondin' experience, and it'll bring a whole new level of inspiration to your work.

Alright, now that we got the basics covered, let's talk the practical stuff. Set yourself realistic goals - don't expect yourself to churn out ten thousand words a day. Instead, aim for a more manageable number that you can consistently achieve. Personally, I shoot for 500 words a day - might not sound like much, but it adds up over time, and it's a helluva lot easier to chew than ten thousand.

Join a writin' group or find yourself a mentor - having some buddies on your side can help provide motivation, a sense of accountability, and valuable insights into your work. And sometimes, you gotta learn to say 'no.' Life's gonna throw social invitations or additional work commitments your way, but don't be afraid to say 'nyet' if it ain't in line with your priorities. And remember to be kind to yourself - life's chaotic, and there's gonna be times when you can't write a single word. Don't beat yourself up about it; just start again tomorrow.

But hey, remember - don't wait for inspiration to strike. You're living a million different experiences every day. Use 'em to feed your imagination. You might just find inspiration in the most unexpected places. Like the time my two-year-old told me she'd forgotten how to fall asleep. Sometimes, reality can be weirder than fiction.

Now, if things get too much, why not take yourself away for a long weekend? A writing retreat can be just what you need to focus on your craft and get your head in the game. And don't be shy about askin' for help - whether it's your partner, mates, or a team of experts, a little support can go a long way.

So, there you have it - my friendly advice for the busy authors out there. Find those magic hours, look for the stolen moments, and remember - don't be afraid to ask for help. And above all - don't forget to enjoy the journey. Happy writin', my friend.

[1] Time management techniques: https://www.inc.com/jamie-friedlander/14-proven-time-management-strategies-for-entrepreneur.html[4] Benjamin Franklin's daily routine: https://www.inc.com/michael-schneider/benjamin-franklins-daily-routine-the-template-every-entrepreneur-needs.html

Balance your writing endeavors with your lifestyle, tending to fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, relationships, pets, travel, cars, education-and-self-development, and personal-growth. Remember, writing is not your entire life, but a valuable part of it.
To write efficiently, focus on finding the optimal hours that ignite your creativity. Maybe you are a morning person or a night owl, but either way, prioritize those hours to work on your manuscript.
In the midst of life's curveballs, make use of every available moment to write. Even if it's just 10 minutes, consider them stolen moments that can add up to significant progress.
Collaborate with your children on the creative process, weaving storytelling into your daily life. This can create a beautiful bonding experience while supplying newfound inspiration for your work.
Strive for a balance between passion and practicality. Set realistic goals for daily word count, and invest in support resources such as writing groups, mentors, and literature to aid you in your writing journey. Don't be afraid to say 'no’ when necessary, learning to prioritize your writing ambitions above social invitations or work commitments. And as always, be kind to yourself – remember that life can be chaotic, and there will be days when your writing energy is low. But don't despair; keep the fire burning within and start again tomorrow.