When I first had the idea for my novel, Soul Collector, it was a mix of excitement and overwhelm. I had this story swirling around in my mind—a blend of fantasy, suspense, and some deep themes I was eager to explore. But there was just one problem: I needed to sit down and actually write it. Like many writers, I struggled with finding the right balance between inspiration and discipline. I knew if I didn’t set up a solid writing schedule, my book might never make it past a few scattered notes. So, I committed to creating a writing plan and stuck with it for four months, and by the end, I had a finished first draft. Here’s how I did it.
Why a Writing Schedule?
Let’s be real: writing is hard work. Having a schedule isn’t just a way to stay organized; it’s a tool for accountability and momentum. I knew that if I left things up to chance, I’d write when inspiration struck—and, let’s face it, inspiration can be fickle. I needed consistency. I wanted to create a schedule that was achievable but also challenging enough to keep me pushing forward. This wasn’t just about finishing a novel but about creating a routine that made me a more disciplined writer in the long run.
Step 1: Setting a Specific Time to Write
The first step in my plan was choosing a time of day to write and sticking with it. I experimented a bit to see what worked best. Mornings were too hectic for me, and late evenings left me exhausted, so I settled on early afternoons. This turned out to be a sweet spot where I could write without feeling rushed or tired. I blocked off two hours each day for writing, making it my “non-negotiable” time. I told myself that, for those two hours, I would write—no excuses.
Once I decided on my time slot, I protected it fiercely. If a friend wanted to meet up or if an errand popped up, I would schedule it for after my writing time. Treating these hours like an unbreakable appointment was crucial to my progress. My family and friends soon understood that my writing hours were off-limits, which helped them support my goal rather than accidentally disrupt it.
Step 2: Setting Daily Goals – Chapter by Chapter
Having a time frame was great, but I needed specific goals to make the most of it. So, I decided to set a goal for each writing session: to complete one chapter, or at the very least, write until I reached my time limit. In each session, my focus would be entirely on completing that chapter, no matter how short or long it ended up being.
This “chapter-per-session” approach worked wonders because it was manageable yet challenging. Some chapters flowed quickly, while others took every minute of those two hours, but each day I felt a sense of accomplishment. Breaking down the entire book into these smaller, manageable chunks kept me from feeling overwhelmed by the scope of the story. Instead, I could focus on one chapter at a time, knowing that each session would move me closer to the final draft.
Step 3: Balancing Flexibility with Structure
Of course, not every writing session went perfectly. Some days, inspiration didn’t hit, and others, life got in the way. But having both a time goal and a chapter goal made my schedule flexible enough that I could still feel productive. If I couldn’t finish a chapter in two hours, I wouldn’t beat myself up—I’d tell myself that I’d pick it up the next day. Or, if I finished early, I could choose to move on or use the extra time for some light editing.
This approach kept me from feeling boxed in. I didn’t have to write the perfect chapter, just a chapter. Allowing myself the grace to write imperfectly on tough days was actually freeing and let me focus on quantity without sacrificing quality in the long run. I trusted that I could edit later, and this “get it down” mindset was a huge boost to my productivity.
Step 4: Tracking My Progress and Staying Motivated
To stay motivated, I tracked my progress each day. I marked down each completed chapter in a notebook and even jotted down a few reflections on how the session went. Seeing a visual representation of my progress made a big difference. Watching those chapters add up was incredibly motivating and reminded me that each session was building toward the finished novel.
I also set small milestones for myself. Every time I reached five completed chapters, I’d reward myself—sometimes with a special coffee, sometimes with a day off. These small rewards added a sense of celebration to the process and gave me something to look forward to. Writing a novel is a marathon, not a sprint, so finding ways to celebrate the smaller wins kept me energized and excited.
Step 5: Staying Consistent Even When Motivation Faded
Motivation is powerful, but it’s not always reliable. There were days when I questioned everything about my story, days when my inner critic was louder than usual. On those days, my writing schedule was a lifeline. By sticking to my plan, I could push through the self-doubt and show up for the story I wanted to tell.
Consistency was my superpower. Even on days when my writing felt lackluster, I reminded myself that showing up was half the battle. Each day I showed up, I strengthened the habit and built momentum, which made it easier to keep going. That commitment carried me through the tough spots and kept me moving forward.
The Results: Four Months to a Finished Draft
After four months of this schedule, I had a complete first draft of Soul Collector. It wasn’t perfect, and there were plenty of parts that needed polishing, but the story was there—from start to finish. Seeing my completed draft was incredibly rewarding, and it proved to me that a well-planned schedule really works.
Looking back, I know that having a time-bound, goal-oriented schedule was essential. I didn’t wait for the perfect moment or an elusive burst of inspiration. Instead, I created a process that helped me make steady, reliable progress. There’s something deeply satisfying about finishing a novel, and I wouldn’t have reached that point without the discipline of a writing schedule.
Tips for Setting Up Your Own Writing Schedule
Tips for Setting Up Your Own Writing Schedule
If you’re thinking about setting a schedule to finish your novel, here are a few tips that worked for me:
- Choose a Specific Time to Write: Pick a time that works for your lifestyle, and treat it like an unbreakable appointment.
- Set Manageable Daily Goals: Aim to complete one chapter per session or set a realistic time goal. This keeps you moving forward without overwhelming you.
- Track Your Progress: Find a way to document each session so you can see how much you’re achieving over time.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Give yourself rewards at different milestones. This will keep you motivated and add some fun to the process.
- Show Up Consistently: Stick with it, even on the tough days. Writing is about showing up, and consistency will get you to the finish line.
Final Thoughts
Creating a writing schedule transformed my approach to finishing a novel. It brought structure, discipline, and a steady sense of progress. Whether you’re writing your first book or your fifth, having a schedule you can stick to is an invaluable tool in seeing your story through to the end.
So if you’re struggling to get started, give yourself the gift of a writing schedule. Set your time, define your goals, and remember that each session is a step closer to the novel you’re meant to write. You’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish when you show up for your story every day.
