creative-writing – Elizabeth Yuen

Being a full-time writer is a dream job for many, but it’s far from lounging around in pajamas and waiting for inspiration to strike. It’s a balancing act between creativity, discipline, and the everyday responsibilities of homemaking. For me, every day is a dance between writing deadlines, caring for my family, and managing a high-energy border collie named Scout. Here’s a look at a typical day in my life as a full-time writer.

4:30 AM – Wake Up Call

The world is still and quiet—a perfect time for creativity. I’m up at 4:30 AM, often before the sun, to carve out time for my writing. It’s not easy to wake up this early, but I’ve found that the peace and stillness of the early morning hours are ideal for getting into a creative flow. I get my pre-workout and bake something to eat for my family later in the day before I sit at my desk and open my laptop.

5:00 AM – Writing Session

By 5:00 AM, I’m fully immersed in my current project. Whether I’m drafting new chapters, editing, or outlining my next book, these two hours are sacred. It’s my most focused time of the day—no interruptions, no emails, just me and the story. This is when I’ve written some of my best work, including large chunks of my books in the Seasonally Spellbound series.

7:00 AM – Get Ready for the Gym

By 7:00 AM, it’s time to switch gears. I get myself and my little one ready to head out the door. This means packing snacks, getting gym clothes on, and making sure we’re both prepared for the morning ahead.

8:00 AM – Workout

At 8:00 AM, I’m at the gym. Movement is essential not just for my body but for my mind. Exercise keeps me energized and sharp for the rest of the day. It’s also a chance to clear my head and let story ideas percolate in the background. I’ve solved more than one plot problem while doing a set of squats.

10:00 AM – Walk Scout

Back home by 10:00 AM, it’s time for Scout’s walk. Our border collie has boundless energy, so this walk is non-negotiable. We stroll around the neighborhood, and I’ll often use this time to brainstorm scenes or listen to audiobooks related to writing or storytelling.

10:30 AM – Morning Snack

After the walk, it’s snack time. A quick, healthy snack gives me a boost before diving into the next phase of my day.

11:00 AM – Clean or Dog Park During Child’s Nap

At 11:00 AM, my child goes down for a nap, and I’m faced with a choice: clean the house or take Scout to the dog park. On cleaning days, I’m tackling laundry, tidying up toys, and doing small household tasks that keep everything running smoothly. On dog park days, it’s a chance for Scout to run off her energy while I get a mental break.

12:00 PM – Writing Session

Once the cleaning or park trip is done, I’m back at my desk for another writing session at 12:00 PM. These early afternoon hours are quieter but often less focused than my 5:00 AM session. I’m juggling ideas and pushing forward on chapters, but I’m also mindful that the day’s responsibilities are piling up.

2:00 PM – Lunch Break

At 2:00 PM, it’s time to pause for lunch. It’s a chance to refuel, check in with my family, and take a breather before the afternoon push.

3:00 PM – Playtime with Scout

After lunch, I’ll spend some time in the backyard with Scout and with my son. We play fetch, chase, or practice training exercises. It’s a chance for us to get some fresh air, and it’s another moment of “active brainstorming” for me—where story ideas come together when I’m not actively thinking about them.

4:00 PM – Writing Session at the Gym (With Childwatch)

At 4:00 PM, it’s time for the second workout session of the day—but for me, it’s less about exercise and more about childcare. While my child is in childwatch at the gym, I’ll find a quiet spot to write. I’ve learned to be adaptable during this window, knowing that interruptions can happen. But having this dedicated block of time helps me stay on track.

6:00 PM – Dinner and Bedtime Routine

By 6:00 PM, it’s dinner time for the whole family. We sit down together to eat, talk about our day, and unwind a bit. After dinner, it’s time to get my child ready for bed—bath, pajamas, bedtime stories, and snuggles. It’s a cherished part of my day, and I’m fully present for it.

7:00 PM – “Closing Hour” Cleaning Session

Once the little one is asleep, it’s time for my “closing hour”—an hour of straight cleaning. I’ll tackle dishes, organize toys, fold laundry, and reset the house for the next day. It’s part of my “clean slate” philosophy: waking up to a tidy home makes it easier to focus on writing in the morning.

8:00 PM – Wind Down

At 8:00 PM, I’m officially done with household tasks. It’s time to decompress. I’ll read a book, watch a show, or simply relax. I’m mindful not to bring any more “work” into this space. This hour is sacred and sets the tone for a good night’s sleep.

8:30 PM – Lights Out

By 8:30 PM, it’s lights out. I’ve learned that to maintain my 4:30 AM wake-up routine, I need to prioritize rest. Sleep is non-negotiable. I’ve also learned that it’s not just about the quantity of sleep but the quality. A full night’s rest ensures I’m ready to do it all again the next day.

Being a full-time writer requires discipline, but it’s also a job filled with joy, creativity, and flexibility. Every day looks a little different, but this schedule keeps me grounded. Balancing writing, homemaking, and family life isn’t easy—but it’s worth every early morning and late-night cleaning session. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to live the life of a full-time writer, know this: it’s a marathon, not a sprint.

As a homemaker, my days are filled with countless responsibilities—caring for my family, managing the home, cooking, cleaning, and everything in between. When you add the dream of writing to the mix, it can feel like an overwhelming balancing act. However, with some strategic planning and a little creativity, it’s absolutely possible to carve out writing time amidst the hustle of homemaking. Here are some strategies that have worked for me, and I hope they can help you too!

1. Time-Blocking for Success

One of the most effective tools for managing both homemaking and writing is time-blocking. This method involves dividing your day into specific chunks of time, each dedicated to a particular task. By assigning blocks of time to homemaking duties, family care, and writing, you can create a balanced schedule that ensures nothing gets neglected.

For example, you might block off the morning for house chores and family activities, reserving the afternoon for a focused writing session while the kids nap or have quiet time. I tend to write while my child naps so I get quiet, uninterrupted time for my writing.

Tip: Start by assessing your daily routine and identifying when you’re most productive. Block off your high-energy hours for writing and schedule homemaking tasks for when your energy dips or when the household is more active.

2. Establish a Routine

Establishing a consistent routine is essential. It provides structure, ensuring that both you and your family are aware of what to expect each day. Set designated times for your writing—whether it’s an hour in the early morning before everyone wakes up or during the kids’ quiet time in the afternoon.

By making writing part of your daily routine, you’re more likely to stick to it and build the habit. Plus, when everyone knows it’s “writing time,” they’ll be more inclined to respect that space. I always write at the same time every day to keep my creativity going.

Tip: Include your family in your routine planning. Let them know when it’s your writing time so they can give you the space you need. Even young children can learn to respect quiet writing moments when it’s part of the daily rhythm.

3. Maximize Small Pockets of Time

Not every writing session needs to be a two-hour marathon. In fact, you can make significant progress by using the small pockets of time scattered throughout your day. Maybe you have 15 minutes while the kids are playing, or 20 minutes while dinner is in the oven—these moments add up.

Instead of waiting for the “perfect” time to write, seize the short bursts of quiet time you have. Keep a notebook or your phone handy so you can jot down ideas, outline chapters, or write a few sentences whenever a free moment arises.

Tip: Try setting a timer for 15-20 minutes during these small pockets and focus on one specific writing task. You’ll be amazed at how much you can accomplish in short, focused bursts.

4. Prioritize Writing Like Any Other Task

As homemakers, we often put everyone else’s needs ahead of our own, but your writing dream is important too. Treat it like any other essential task on your to-do list—whether it’s laundry, cooking, or taking the kids to school. By making your writing a priority, you’ll give yourself permission to take time for it without feeling guilty.

Tip: Write your daily or weekly to-do list and include writing time as one of the top items. By scheduling it alongside other responsibilities, you’re more likely to follow through.

5. Create a Dedicated Writing Space

Creating a dedicated writing space can greatly enhance your focus and productivity. It doesn’t have to be a full home office—just a corner with a comfortable chair, a desk, or even a cozy nook by a window. Sitting in this space signals to your brain that it’s time to write, helping you get into the flow more easily.

Tip: Try to keep this space free of distractions. Set up a cozy environment with your favorite writing tools, and when you sit there, make it your goal to focus solely on your writing.

6. Delegate and Simplify

One of the challenges of homemaking is feeling like you need to do everything yourself. But remember, it’s okay to delegate tasks or simplify your daily chores. Get the family involved—kids can help with age-appropriate chores, and partners can share responsibilities too. The more help you have, the more time you can carve out for your writing.

Tip: Consider meal prepping or choosing simpler recipes on busy days. By lightening your homemaking load, you’ll have more energy and time to dedicate to your creative pursuits.

7. Use Early Mornings or Late Nights

If you’re someone who enjoys the quiet calm of the early morning or late at night, these times can be perfect for uninterrupted writing. Waking up even 30 minutes earlier than usual can give you a solid block of time to write before the day’s demands set in. Similarly, if you’re a night owl, consider dedicating some of your evenings to writing after the household has settled down.

Tip: Experiment with early mornings and late nights to see what works best for your body and energy levels. Choose whichever time feels most productive and peaceful.

8. Be Kind to Yourself

It’s essential to acknowledge that some days will be more difficult than others. There will be times when household tasks take longer than anticipated, or when family needs come before writing. And that’s perfectly fine. The key to balancing writing with homemaking is to stay flexible and be kind to yourself.

Tip: Celebrate the small wins. Even if you only write for 10 minutes or finish a paragraph, it’s still progress. Don’t be hard on yourself if things don’t go perfectly—there will always be another day to try again.

Balancing homemaking with writing is no easy feat, but it’s absolutely possible with the right mindset and planning. By time-blocking, building routines, and maximizing small pockets of time, you can carve out space in your busy days to nurture your writing dreams. The key is to stay flexible, be intentional with your time, and remind yourself that your creative passion is just as important as any other responsibility.

With a little patience and determination, you’ll find the rhythm that works best for you, and your writing will flourish, even amidst the beautiful chaos of homemaking.

Tag: creative-writing

A Day in the Life of a Full-Time Writer