How to manage time Well as an author

(Hint: It’s Not Actually About Time!)

If you’ve ever felt like there just aren’t enough hours in the day to write your book, you’re not alone. Many people ask how to manage time well as an author, but here’s the truth: you can’t actually manage time. No one can.

What we call “time management” is really managing our energy, attention, and priorities. No one can add more hours to the day, but you can learn to work smarter instead of harder by focusing on when and how you do your best work.

This post will walk you through practical strategies for structuring your writing time around your natural energy cycles, minimizing distractions, and making real progress on your book.

Why Time Management is a Misnomer

The term “time management” or asking how to manage time well as an author suggests that we can somehow control time, when it marches on no matter what we do. Here’s what we’re really managing:

Energy: Match your writing sessions to your highest-energy times.
Attention: Minimize distractions and stay focused on deep work.
Prioritization & Focus: Choose the most important tasks instead of trying to do everything at once.

Instead of saying, “I need learn how to manage time well as an author,” say, “I need to protect my best hours for writing.” This shift in mindset makes a world of difference.

Step 1: Identify your peak writing hours.

Every author has times of day when they naturally feel more alert, creative, and focused. Instead of forcing yourself to write during a time that doesn’t suit you, figure out when you work best. Schedule your writing accordingly.

How to Find Your Best Writing Hours

Track your energy levels for a week.
Notice when you feel most alert and focused.
Reserve those hours for deep writing sessions instead of admin tasks.

If you feel sharpest in the morning, write first. Save emails or social media for later. If you’re a night owl, don’t force yourself into a 5 AM writing session—lean into your natural rhythm instead.

📌 Helpful Resource: Use our Energy Audit to chart when you’re most productive.

Step 2: Prioritize what matters most.

Not every task is equally important. Instead of trying to do everything, focus on the biggest-impact activities that move your book forward.

Using the 80/20 Rule:

Knowing that no more than 20% of your actions create 80% or more of your results, focus on what truly creates progress.
Ask: What’s the one thing I can do today that will bring me closer to finishing my book?

Instead of tweaking your website for hours, finish a chapter draft—because writing is what actually gets your book done.

Step 3: Manage your energy and attention.

You’re not a machine—some days you’ll have more energy than others. Learn to listen to your body and brain so you don’t burn out.

Optimize energy for writing:

Schedule deep work when you’re mentally fresh.
Take intentional breaks (movement, fresh air, hydration).
Avoid caffeine crashes—opt for sustained energy from good food and hydration.
Get enough sleep because your creativity depends on it.

If you’re mentally drained by mid-afternoon, schedule a 15-minute walk before writing more.

📌 Helpful Resource: Our Energy Audit Starter Guide can help map out when you’re most alert.

Step 4: Minimize distractions.

One of the biggest threats to productive writing is constant interruptions. The more you protect your attention, the more you’ll get done in less time—up to a point. No one can write 30,000 words in an hour, no matter how focused they are.

Tips for Avoiding Distractions

Silence notifications on your phone and computer.
Use website blockers to prevent mindless scrolling.
Tell your family/housemates when you’re in “Do Not Disturb” writing mode.
Have a dedicated writing space and a ritual to trigger focus.

Set up a “Writing Cave” routine—put on noise-canceling headphones and grab a cup of tea, it signals uninterrupted writing time. For decades now, Jennifer has used scented candles for focus, and as soon as she lights them, her brain lights up, and the words start flowing.

📌 Helpful Resource: Consider using Freedom App or Cold Turkey to block digital distractions.

Step 5: Use time blocks and S.P.R.I.N.T. sessions.

Time block. Once you’ve identified your peak writing hours, use time blocking to schedule focused writing sessions.

Batch your writing. Dedicate a full session to one specific writing task, such as outlining or editing, rather than jumping between activities.

Use the Pomodoro Technique: Write for 25 to 45 minutes, then take a short break.

Use the S.P.R.I.N.T. Method:

S = Select one task.
P – Plan the 45-minute block.
R = Refuse to be distracted.
I = Indicate your progress.
N = Note achievements.
T = Treat yourself with a reward.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

🚫 Trying to do everything at once might be tempting, but multitasking kills productivity. Focus on one task at a time.

🚫 Scheduling writing at the wrong time won’t work well. If you’re not a morning person, don’t force yourself into 5 AM writing sessions.

🚫 Ignoring self-care is a sure recipe for burnout. That will set you back more than taking a 15-minute break ever will.

Both of those can stem from listening to the wrong people, impostor syndrome, and perfectionism.

📌 Helpful Resource: **

FAQs About How to Manage Time Well as an Author

Q: How do I find time to write when I have a busy schedule?
A: Look at your day, and carve out and protect pockets of time (even 20 minutes) for writing.

Q: What if I feel too tired to write after work?
A: If possible, schedule your writing time for when you feel freshest. If you can’t, and you can only write one sentence a day, do it. Some is better than none.

Q: Should I write every day?
A: It depends! Some authors thrive on daily writing, while others work better in longer, focused sessions once or twice a week.

Final Thoughts

The secret of how to manage time well as an author isn’t about controlling time—it’s about managing your energy and attention and prioritizing your work.

By writing during your peak creative hours, eliminating distractions, and working in focused S.P.R.I.N.T.s, you’ll maximize productivity without burning out.

TL;DR:

How to manage time well as an author is really about energy management, focused attention, and prioritization. Instead of trying to control time, optimize your energy and eliminate distractions.

Call to Action

✅ Want a structured approach? Try our Printable Writing Planner along with our Energy Audit.

✅ Need accountability? Join the TaskBuddy Club at Level 1 (accountability through text messages) for $10/month, or at Level 2 (texts plus the SPRINT sessions) for $20/month) to stay on track with your writing.

✅ Desire even more than that? Sign up for coaching with Jennifer to refine your writing habits and productivity strategies.

Joel Harshman

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