Hey, SE Readers. Joan with you today. This post is going to be short and (hopefully) sweet. Many writers and would-be authors around the world are knee-deep in NaNoWriMo.
While I chose not to take part this year, I have done it in the past. It’s not something you just decide to do. No matter if you’re a plotter or a panster, to succeed at this 50K word challenge, you have to plan and find the right balance to succeed.

NaNo aside, writers have to make time to write. Many of us hold full-time jobs. We have families. There are social events to attend. And unless you’re independently wealthy and can afford a house full of servants, there are a variety of household chores to do. Somewhere in all that, we need time to sleep. Is it any wonder we’re often lucky to have three or four hours per week at the most to write?
Even during our writing time, other things are involved. Most of us also blog. We enjoy supporting other authors by visiting and commenting on their blogs. We share things on social media. We respond to comments on our own blogs. And you know what happens to even the best-laid plans…
We want be balanced like this.

But more often feel like this

No one enjoys living on the edge. (Okay, maybe some people do.) So how do we manage? Here are a few helpful tips.
- Set aside a specific time to write. Don’t waver (except for emergencies). Stay away from social media. If staying off the internet is a problem, consider an internet blocking software.
- Don’t spend time with endless research. Do that ahead of time. It’s too easy to go down a rabbit trail.
- Turn off notices on your phone. These can distract because you’re often tempted to respond.
- Don’t read. This includes blogs and books.
- Turn off the television. This isn’t a problem for me as I’m not a TV person, but for some watching their favorite show is tempting. If you feel you “must” watch, rearrange your writing time or record the show to watch later.
- Write in sprints. Thirty minutes at a time can work wonders. If you work outside the home, use your lunch time to write.
- Turn off the internal editor. Easier said than done for some of us, but if you’re facing a deadline, it’s important to get the words written. Deal with the edits later.
- I haven’t tried this one, but use dictation software or buy a small recorder. Dictate as you drive. I have a friend who uses her iPhone to dictate words while she’s on the treadmill.
What are some tips you would add? Please share in the comments.
Your content is inspiring me.
Thanks for sharing.
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These are some very good Ideas here! I was wondering if you guys could check out my site! I’m new here and I’m trying to get it more known I just don’t really know how lol
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The best advice I can give you is to find and follow blogs similar to yours. Interacting with others is a good way to build friendships and gain followers.
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I’m always glad to know that I am not alone in this balancing act of blogging, writing and everything else in life, Joan. Thanks for these excellent tips.
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You’re not alone at all, Robbie. Your answers on (I think it was Teri’s Bad Moon Rising guest spot) about how you manage to do so many things is inspiring!
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Thank you, Joan. I do keep busy.
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Reblogged this on B +Ve !!.
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Thanks for sharing.
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Welcome.
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Great post!
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Thank you!
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Welcome
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Really useful tips! I often find myself procrastinating or spending way too long on a post, I like the idea of using the phone to dictate, I’ll definitely give these a try!
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I an “expert” procrastinator. 🙂 So glad you found these tips useful.
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Good advice, Joan. It IS all about balance. I’m gradually cutting down on the distractions and displacement and for a couple of minutes I’m a wobbly ballerina. I do feel that I’m coming out of a long boggy tunnel and wish I’d been more sensible during the first lockdown and actually used the time to do some uninterrupted writing. Then again, I think the whole Covid nightmare has made it difficult for lots of us to adapt and settle. I do feel spurred on by this blog. Thanks!
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Glad it motivated you, Alex. This has been a rough year in many aspects.
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Great tips, Joan. For me, in general, setting a time aside for an activity tends to work, and in my case, early morning (first thing is possible) is the best, as not only do I get it done, but I also feel better knowing that I can carry on with the rest of the day and have already achieved some of my goals for the day. (I’m not pursuing my writing at the moment, but I try to exercise and meditate every morning, and start the day on a positive note). Good luck to everybody with their writing and keep safe.
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I would love to be able to write first thing in the morning, but I leave my house every day by six-thirty. I like the idea of you using that time for exerice and meditation when not writing.
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Reblogged this on The Write Stuff and commented:
Slipping in under the wire here to share Joan Hall’s great post on Story Empire today, all about “Finding Balance.” Tricky for anyone, but somehow, even more so for many writers. Check out Joan’s helpful tips for ways to balance your job and personal life with your writing time. I’m sure you’ll find some ideas that will be of help you with that. I did! And don’t forget (as always) to pass this one along on your social media so others can benefit as well. Thanks, and thanks to Joan for some super ideas! 🙂
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Thanks for sharing, Marcia.
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My pleasure, Joan. 🙂
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All good tips. I don’t use it when writing, but the dictation program built into the Office 365 version of Word (perhaps others, but that’s what I use) is quite good.
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I’ve used that for a few things as well (not for writing). I’ve also tried the reader (in hopes of catching mistakes) but it’s rather monotone.
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I don’t like the reader, but it would seem useful for catching mistakes.
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All great advice Joan. NaNo has forced me to commite to writing a certain amount almost daily. I find its doable, even if I don’t push the story ahead one day I get to know the characters better. Although outside of NaNo I’d attempt less eords a day. I haven’t tried recording my ideas either. It would be great for long drives.
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The only dictation I’ve done is speaking into my notes app if I have an idea while driving. Believe me, although it only takes about thirty minutes for me to drive to work, I’d forget something by the time I got there. 🙂
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Great tips, Joan. Finding balance is definitely a must. I carve out time in the morning when my mind is awake and thoughts are fresh, on most days of the week. Weekend schedules are different depending on social plans. Your photos are great, and yes, we can’t neglect chores and sleep. 🙂 Happy writing, Lauren 💕
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Glad you found them useful, Lauren. I love writing in the early mornings, but don’t always have the time. Most days I leave the house by 6:30. That leaves evenings for me. Happy writing to you as well.
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These are great tips. I think we all have to find our own way, but some of these work for me. I’ve become more of a lurker on social media than a participant. I’ve been sharing everything, but don’t often go there to share any of my things. It has bought me time and tends to keep me calmer.
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I’m terrible with social media. Like you, I usually share for others rather than post anything of my own.
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A sensible and balanced post, Joan – complete opposite to how I approach writing at the moment. It’s my excuse for hiding away.
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Judith, I need to put these into practice for myself. I haven’t had a productive year. (Can I blame it on 2020?) 🙂
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Yes, Joan, I think this is yet another problem we can blame on 2020. But isn’t it lovely that we an all support one another in this way. ❤
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So true! Got to look for the positives.
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It’s all about choices and give and take, isn’t it? Some things are more tempting than others, but I can almost always decide to write when I’m supposed to clean the house or weed the flower beds:) When a kid or friend calls, though, well…what can I say? Discipline might not be my strong point.
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I understand completely, Judi. And yes, it’s much easier to write than do those household chores. 🙂
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Super post, Joan. This is one of the biggest things authors have to do is find balance. The other is to maintain motivation. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
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Good point, John. Without motivation, none of these tips will do us any good.
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The point of my post on Wednesday. Motivation.
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Well, we timed these post right. (Without consulting one another.)
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Yeah. How does that happen? Great minds I guess,
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You bet!
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Hahaha
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Finding balance in this crazy writer’s life is not an easy task, Joan. I most often fit the scenario of the house tipping off the edge of the cliff. I try to do it all and ALL is impossible. So, something has to go. I am not a TV person, so that’s not an issue for me. Social media is my biggest time suck, but as marketers of our work, we have to be present or folks forget about you in a flash. So, I try. And I try. And I tip off the edge more often than not. Thank you for sharing the tips. Have a great Monday!
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I’m not a bit TV person either, Jan. Unless my husband is home, I rarely turn it on. I need to do better with social media. It’s all about finding the balance.
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I keep meaning to try the dictation route, but – looking at the way I write – it would be mostly errs, ums, silences and multiple rewordings of the same sentence.
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That would be me as well, Cathy.
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Great tips, Joan. Like the others, I often feel like that house on the precipice. Actually, it’s rare when I don’t, LOL!
I have a dedicated time for writing and try to stick with that schedule, but it’s become more difficult lately. Definitely freeing up time from social media is a huge plus.
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I’m usually like the house when I’d love to be like the ballerina. Social media can definitely be a huge time trap.
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Excellent tips, Joan. I think that’s the biggest challenge for writers: balance. It’s not easy to juggle a gazillion things, but it goes with the gig. Awhile back I revamped a new schedule and it works beautifully as long as I stick with it. If I veer away from it (like last Friday when I missed a StoryEmpire post), my whole day gets thrown off schedule. Can’t think of any tips to add, except social media management tools. They help to keep our audience engaged while we’re busy writing.
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Good idea about the social media management tools. I know what you mean about a schedule. The least little thing can throw my whole day out of sorts.
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Reblogged this on Legends of Windemere and commented:
Some great suggestions for finding author/other life balance here.
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Thanks for the reblog, Charles.
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You’re welcome.
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Great tips, Joan. Staying off the internet is a sure way for me to get in my word count. I’ve been suffering with terrible tendonitis in both wrists, so dictating into my phone has been a must. Yep, I often feel like that house! 🙂
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I feel for you. I’m pretty sure I have a touch of arthritis in both hands. Cold weather doesn’t help. Take care of yourself, Jill.
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That teetering house made me chuckle. These are all great pieces of advice that I will eventually take. 😉
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I feel just like that house most of the time.
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I always feel like that house. Great tips, Joan, NaNo or not.
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While I’d love to feel like the ballerina, I’m more often like the house. I need to apply these tips to my own writing life. 🙂
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Reblogged this on Anita Dawes & Jaye Marie ~ Authors.
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Thanks so much for the reblog.
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I have spent most of this year fighting to write against some horrendous personal setbacks. Currently in denial (again) I am concentrating on my new characters arcs, but it’s not looking hopeful…
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I know you’ve had a rough year. Fingers crossed that you’re able to get focused on writing. And many warm thoughts for both of you, Jaye and Anita.
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So kind of you, Joan…
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I love your recommendations, Joan. Much too often, I do the opposite and regret it later. You’ve inspired me to harness my unruly characters and stay the course. Thank you!
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Gwen, I do the opposite as well. I really needed this post today as I haven’t written more than a couple hundred words on my WIP in the past week.
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Laughing at myself here … I don’t like dictation, and I can’t imagine not reading for a while! lols. All great tips, Joan. I would add not to share those early words / that first draft with anyone, no matter how excited you feel. Your baby book is way too fragile at this stage. Thanks for sharing, Joan 🙂
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I’m not fond of dictation either. I have in the past, dictated a thought or two while driving so that I won’t forget later. (Believe me, that’s happened to me too many times to count.)
I agree with not sharing those first words. Especially when writing fast like for NaNo. My stories need at least three or four self edits before I need to share with anyone. And then I still find mistakes. 🙂
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Harmony, I think Joan meant don’t read books during the hours you’ve set aside for writing. Am I right, Joan?
Like Harmony, I love to devour books!
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Correct. Don’t read during the times you’ve set aside for writing. I also couldn’t imagine not reading.
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Ah! Makes a lot more sense 😂
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That’s what I get for reading your comment before I’ve had my daily dose of caffiene. 🙂
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What a good idea to dictate while doing something else. I’d not thought of that.
I decided not to do NaNo this year, although I’ve done it for the past few years. Last year I found so many things came up that stopped me fulfilling my daily word count. Now, though, with Covid-19 and our 2nd lockdown in England, I suspect I could have managed it. We’re not going out nor visiting family. Just to the shops for food and medication and exercise.
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Except for work, I haven’t really gone anywhere this year. But at the same time, I’ve felt less like writing. It’s been a crazy year, that’s for sure. You take care across the pond. Cases are surging again here in the U.S.
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It’s definitely not good over there. Keep away from other people and stay safe.
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Thanks and you too!
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Your comparison between ballerina (how we want to balance) and house on the edge is super. 🙂
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Thank you! Too often, I feel like the house. 🙂
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Some good tips and tricks here. I’d never thought about using my iPhone for dictating before! I block out the time in my diary – once it’s in there it has to be treated like any other appointment. I must admit that it’s been looking a little empty of writing of late as I deal with that stuff called ‘life’. Work really gets in the way of a lot of things!!
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I like the idea of setting an appointment. My writing time this year has sucked. I worked from home for five weeks in the spring and I thought saving the commute time would give me more time to write. While it did, I found that the drive home helped me unwind from the day and thus be energized for writing. Thanks so much for stopping by, Sarah.
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My writing has fallen by the wayside in recent weeks. The somewhat erratic nature of my work doesn’t always help, but now things are settling into more of a routine I’m hopeful that I can book in some writing! Good luck with your projects!
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Thanks and good luck to you as well.
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