Creating a schedule for the ideal week is one of the first things I ask my coaching clients to do.

I don’t have the time to write! I hear this A LOT from women who have an idea for a book, blog, or newsletter but just can’t seem to put pen to paper or fingertips to keyboard. I get it. You’re busy. But here’s some tough love – we’re all busy! Unless you’re amid a major life change, your busy schedule doesn’t make you special. Sorry (not sorry).

Now I’m not denying that you are juggling a lot between work, family, and community commitments. But there is a way to make time for ALL OF THIS and make time for writing. Yes, it is possible to write and have a life! The key is to be intentional and having a model or ideal week schedule can help you do exactly that.

A model week helps you intentionally block out time for what matters most while leaving space for self-care and fun. Ready to create your ideal week? Let’s dive in!

Step 1: Schedule Work Hours

Work obligations are unavoidable, and we’ve all got bills to pay! Block off your working hours first to see where your free time lands. If your work schedule fluctuates, try to build some flexibility into your model week. This will help you stay consistent without feeling overwhelmed. If you write for a living, the writing you do for clients and contracts would be done during work hours. Your scheduled writing time (which we’re discussing next) is your time to work on personal projects or to journal.

Step 2: Block Out Your Writing Time

If writing is important to you, it deserves a prime spot on your calendar. Ask yourself: When am I most creative? Are you a morning person, or does your inspiration peak late at night? Schedule writing sessions during these optimal windows. Aim for at least three to five writing blocks per week, even if it’s just an hour per session. Treat these writing appointments like non-negotiable meetings—you wouldn’t cancel on your boss, right? In your writing life, you’re the boss! So don’t cancel on yourself either. Show up for your writing and for yourself. Keep the promises you make to yourself. This helps to build confidence.

Step 3: Add Family and Community Commitments

Family time is precious, and community events or commitments can bring a sense of connection. Schedule family dinners, school drop-offs, or any regular activities with your loved ones. Do you volunteer, attend church, or participate in local organizations? Be sure to add these to your model week, so you don’t feel rushed or stretched too thin. Prioritizing these will give you peace of mind, knowing your relationships are well-tended. If you feel there’s not enough time for all of your community commitments or if some are more draining than life-giving, consider dropping one or two if possible.

Step 4: Make Time for Fun and Self-Care

It’s easy to feel guilty about downtime, but here’s the thing—fun and self-care make you a better writer! Block off time for hobbies, reading, or simply lounging. Set aside one or two evenings for something fun, whether it’s a night out with friends, a movie night, or a solo Netflix binge. Schedule your self-care too—whether it’s yoga, Pilates, meditation, or a long bath. Your well-being fuels your creativity.

Step 5: Meet with Your Writing Group

If you’re part of a writing group, you know how important these sessions are for feedback and support. Make sure to schedule your writing group meetings in advance. (The See Jane Write Collective meets on Tuesday evenings.) This will keep you accountable and ensure you’re making consistent progress.

 Step 6: Plan Your Week

To keep everything running smoothly, set aside 30 minutes each week to plan ahead. Sunday evenings work well for many writers since it’s a natural transition into the week ahead. I call my planning session the Sunday Slay because it helps me slay my week! Use this time to review your commitments, adjust your model week as necessary, and make sure you’re ready to tackle your goals.

Step 7: Be Flexible

Your model week isn’t set in stone. Life happens—plans change, emergencies arise, and that’s okay! The beauty of a model week is that it provides structure while still allowing for flexibility. If something unexpected comes up, shift things around without guilt. Just aim to maintain your core priorities, especially writing and self-care, whenever possible.

You may also need to revamp your model week schedule based on the time of year. I typically sketch out a new ideal week each quarter or sometimes even each month.

Here’s my Ideal Week for November 2024:

Final Thoughts

Creating a model week schedule is about being intentional with your time. It gives you space for writing, work, family, and self-care, without the overwhelm. Being intentional can also stave off guilt and quiet your inner critic. I schedule EVERYTHING I do. That way, when a nagging voice in my head tries to tell me I should be working on a project for a client instead of an essay for my next book or tells me I should be cleaning the house instead of watching TV, I can tell that voice to SHUT UP by reminding it that there’s scheduled time for those other things but right now is my time to focus on myself.

Use the steps above to outline your model week and tweak it as needed to fit your lifestyle. I use a template by the Day Designer that you can find here. Soon enough, you’ll have a schedule that allows you to thrive as a writer and as a person and you’ll see that you can write and have a life.