Organizing Schedules So You Can Find More Time to Write

As writers it’s easy to make excuses not to write, but add a busy family and back to school schedules, and it seems like squeezing in writing time is impossible. The key to finding writing time is getting organized and intentional about your “free time” no matter how much or little you have. But first it’s important to figure out when you have that free time.

For me, each season is unique with its own set of scheduling challenges, but hopefully I’ve learned a thing or two over the years. Here are some ways I try and organize my schedule so I can find more time to write.

Finding the Perfect Calendar

Gone are the days when I can store all appointments and activities in my head. With four kids and multiple activities, I’ve forgotten an appointment or two especially when something missed getting on my calendar. In years past I’ve tried online calendars, but found them too small when I tried to print them out, very visually limiting, and inconvenient since my computer isn’t always with me. Some swear by their phone calendars or apps, and I can see the value of setting an alarm to go off for an important appointment on a busy day, but I prefer a calendar where I can see the week’s activities at a glance!

In the past, a simple dollar store week-at-a glance calendar was sufficient, but this year I considered those huge planners you see really well organized moms walking around with. After glancing at the price tag (anywhere from $20 – $60) and considering the back problems I would have hefting that thing around, I found a $10 academic 8 x10 calendar, slim enough to fit in my purse and pretty enough to impress! And the best thing…it was half price this week only!

Color Coding Kids and Activities

When my kids were little I color coded their sippie cups, clothes and towels, so why not use the same code to keep track of their activities? Since I’m using a good old fashioned calendar, I stocked up on colored pens and highlighters, grabbed the football, dance, cello, school, and show choir calendars and started recording. Amazing how the stress seemed to disappear once I got everything on the calendar.

Calendar Messaging Central

It’s always been a struggle to keep the family informed about all their activities. I’ve tried three ring notebooks to keep their schedules in, but found they preferred to ask mom when their lessons or games were instead of looking in the notebook. I tried whiteboard calendars, but that was time consuming and had to be updated every month. (I rarely kept it up more than two months.) So what’s worked for me is a combo cork board white board messaging center by the garage door.

Since all their activities come with calendars, I simple tack their schedules to the board and when they ask what time their game or lesson is, I have them check the schedule instead of me pulling out my appointment book. Not only does it save me time, but it helps keep me focused and sane.

Whether you homeschool or send your kids packing, back to school schedules are here and the sooner you get organized the better you’ll be to handle the up coming crazy weeks.

Scheduling Time to Write

With my calendar all organized and kids in school full time, it was clear to me that I had several hours on M/W/F I could devote to writing. I also noted times I’d be waiting for a kid’s lesson to end. A perfect time slot for me to do some quick blogging updates.

So now the question for me is not when will I have time to write, but will I write when I have time. How about you?

Let’s talk! How do you organize your back to school schedules, and where do you find time to write?

And to help you get organized and find more time to write, I will pick at random, one winner from the comment section to receive a similar calendar as the one I use.