If you’ve ever said, “I’d write more if I just had the time,” you’re not alone. Time, or the lack thereof, is the perpetual nemesis of writers juggling careers, families, and that mythical concept of “free time.” But here’s a secret: you don’t need hours of uninterrupted bliss to write. Sometimes, the most creative work happens in the margins—those fleeting moments sandwiched between the chaos of life.
Making the most of limited time is an art in itself. It’s about embracing imperfection, finding pockets of opportunity, and redefining what it means to be a writer. Whether you’re balancing a full-time job, raising children, or simply navigating a busy schedule, here’s how you can make every minute count.
1. Rethink What Counts as Writing Time
Many writers fall into the trap of believing they need long, uninterrupted hours to produce anything worthwhile. While an entire morning devoted to writing sounds dreamy, it’s often unrealistic. Writing in the margins means embracing shorter bursts of creativity—ten minutes in the carpool line, twenty minutes on your lunch break, or even five minutes before bed.
These small snippets add up. A single paragraph jotted down on your phone while waiting in line is progress. A scene sketched out during your morning coffee is a step closer to your goal. The key is to stop waiting for the “perfect” time and make use of the time you have.
2. Plan Ahead and Prioritize
When time is scarce, planning becomes your best friend. Before you sit down to write, know what you’re going to tackle. Will you draft a new scene, outline a chapter, or revise what you wrote yesterday? Having a plan eliminates the need to spend precious minutes deciding what to do.
Prioritizing is equally important. Not every task in your writing process needs immediate attention. Focus on the activities that move you forward, like drafting or editing, rather than endlessly tweaking that one opening line.
3. Use Technology to Your Advantage
Living in the digital age has its perks—there’s an app for almost everything, and writing is no exception. Apps like Evernote, Scrivener, and Google Docs make it easy to jot down ideas or edit on the go. Even your phone’s basic Notes app can become a repository for dialogue snippets, plot points, or random bursts of inspiration.
Voice-to-text tools are another lifesaver for busy writers. Dictate scenes during your commute or brainstorm aloud while folding laundry. You’ll be amazed at how much you can accomplish when your hands are busy, but your mind is free.
4. Embrace the Power of Sprints
Writing sprints are a fantastic way to make the most of limited time. Set a timer for ten or fifteen minutes and write as much as you can without stopping to edit or overthink. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress.
You’ll find that these bursts of focused energy can be incredibly productive, even if they feel chaotic in the moment. Later, when you have more time, you can revisit and refine what you’ve written. For now, the point is to keep moving forward.
5. Create a Portable Writing Setup
Flexibility is key when you’re writing in the margins. Having a portable writing setup ensures you’re always ready to seize an opportunity. This might mean keeping a small notebook and pen in your bag, or syncing your work across devices so you can pick up where you left off on your phone or tablet.
Writing doesn’t have to happen at a desk. Coffee shops, park benches, even the front seat of your car can become makeshift creative spaces. The ability to adapt to your surroundings is a powerful tool for making the most of your time.
6. Reframe Your Mindset
It’s easy to feel frustrated when your writing time is limited, but reframing your mindset can make a world of difference. Instead of focusing on what you don’t have—hours of quiet solitude—celebrate what you do accomplish in those stolen moments.
Remember, progress is progress, no matter how small. Each word written, each idea fleshed out, is a step closer to your goal. Writing in the margins isn’t a compromise; it’s a skill—a testament to your dedication and resourcefulness as a writer.
7. Let Go of Perfection
Limited time and perfectionism don’t mix. When you’re writing in short bursts, you have to accept that your work won’t always be polished. That’s okay. First drafts are meant to be messy—they’re the raw material you’ll refine later.
Give yourself permission to write badly, to leave notes in the margins (“fix this later!”), and to embrace the imperfection of the process. The most important thing is to get the words down. Polishing them can come when you have more time.
A Final Thought: Progress in the Margins
Writing in the margins is about making the most of what you have, rather than waiting for what you wish you had. It’s a practice rooted in adaptability and perseverance—qualities every writer needs.
So, grab those ten minutes here, those fifteen minutes there. Write in coffee shops, in waiting rooms, on sticky notes, or in the notes app of your phone. With each small effort, you’re not just filling the margins of your day—you’re creating the story of your life, one word at a time.
Happy writing, even in the margins!