Stop Waiting for Time to Write: How Successful Writers Make It Happen

From Edie: Stop waiting for time to write. Learn 15 faith-filled, practical tips to carve out writing time, build discipline, and honor your God-given calling.

Stop Waiting for Time to Write: How Successful Writers Make It Happen

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson 

Every writer says it: “I just can’t find the time to write.”

The truth? We'lll never find time to write — we have to make it.

That simple shift in mindset separates the wannabes from the professionals. Writing doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because you carve out sacred space for it, even when life gets loud.

Whether you’re managing a full-time job, raising kids, or juggling ministry commitments, these practical tips will help you make writing a consistent priority — not an occasional luxury.

1. Schedule Writing Like a Meeting

If it’s not on your calendar, it doesn’t exist.

Block out writing time just like a doctor’s appointment or client meeting — and keep it sacred. You’ll be amazed how much more productive you become when writing becomes non-negotiable.

2. Let Go of the Guilt

Writers often make everyone else’s goals a priority and neglect their own.

But if God placed this calling in your heart, it matters. Honoring that call isn’t selfish — it’s stewardship. Your writing is an act of obedience, not indulgence.

3. Be Ready to Choose

You can’t do it all. Some days, writing will mean saying no to something else — TV, errands, or even extra sleep.

Ask yourself: How important is writing to me? If you can’t imagine life without words, then it’s time to make room for them.

4. Watch the Clock — Especially Online

Sitting down at your computer doesn’t mean you’re writing.

Turn off notifications. Close social media. Reading about writing doesn’t count. Neither does scrolling. Real writing means creating new words on the page.

5. Find Your Tribe

Writing is solitary, but you don’t have to go it alone.

Find a group of working writers who understand your world — people who’ll hold you accountable, cheer your progress, and remind you of your purpose. Community brings clarity and courage.

6. Choose the Right Writing Buddies

Surround yourself with writers who are actually writing.

Avoid endless talkers who dream but never do. Seek peers who understand deadlines, discipline, and the drive to improve. Accountability thrives among doers.

7. Be Courageous

Failure isn’t the enemy — fear is. Every writer faces rejection, discouragement, and messy drafts.

Failure teaches us what works and what doesn’t. The real danger is not writing at all.

8. Write Even When You Don’t Feel Like It

This is the biggest difference between professionals and amateurs.

Pros show up whether they’re inspired or not. Some of the best writing happens on the days you least feel like writing.

9. Be Willing to Write Junk

Not everything you write will be gold — and that’s okay.

You often have to write through the junk to reach the gems. Remember: you can fix a bad page. You can’t fix a blank one.

10. Schedule a Write-In

Make writing social. Set a date, grab a few writer friends, and meet at a local coffee shop.

Accountability (and caffeine) work wonders for productivity and morale.

11. Build in Rewards

Set word-count goals and celebrate when you hit them.

Small rewards — a walk, a latte, a new pen — can motivate you to keep going and make the process more fun.

12. Take Short Breaks

When you’re stuck, get up and move.

A quick walk, a stretch, or even loading the dishwasher resets your brain and sparks new ideas. Physical motion fuels mental motion.

13. Write in the Spaces

Don’t wait for perfect, uninterrupted hours.

A few 15-minute sessions can be just as productive as a long writing day. Small chunks add up faster than you think.

14. Write Regularly

When my kids were young, I couldn’t write during the day. So my husband and I created a schedule: I’d write late at night while he handled mornings. It wasn’t ideal — but it worked.

Consistency beats convenience.

15. Pray First

This is the most important tip of all.

Pray when you plan your schedule, when you sit down to write, and when you feel stuck. Writing isn’t just a task — it’s a collaboration with the Creator.

Quick Takeaway

• You’ll never find time — you must create it.
• Writing is stewardship, not selfishness.
• Schedule it. Protect it. Pray over it.

Final Thought

The perfect writing time doesn’t exist.

What matters is showing up — consistently, prayerfully, and with courage. When you do, God multiplies your minutes and meets you on the page.

Your words matter.

Now go carve out the time to write them.

Don't Forget to Join the Conversation!

Blessings,

Edie

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Stop Waiting for Time to Write: How Successful Writers Make It Happen from @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Edie Melson is a woman of faith with ink-stained fingers observing life through her camera lens. She’s a writer who feels lost without that device & an unexpected speaker who loves to encourage an audience. She also embraces the ultimate contradiction of being an organized creative. She knows the necessity of Soul Care and leads retreats, conferences & workshops around the world on staying connected to God. Her numerous books, including the award-winning Soul Care series & reflect her passion to help others develop the strength of their God-given gifts. Her blog, The Write Conversation has been recognized as one of the top 101 industry resources since 2017. 

She and husband Kirk have been married 43+ years and raised three sons. They live in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and can often be found hiking—with Edie clinging to the edge of a precipice for the perfect camera angle and Kirk patiently carrying her camera bag and tripod. Connect with her on her website, www.EdieMelson.com and through social media.