Is it possible to stay sane as a full-time writer?
An hour-by-hour breakdown of my workday
I was very afraid in the weeks leading up to leaving my job as a Creative Director to write a fantasy book. The last time I had a loosely-defined schedule with little accountability, I was in my early 20s. I became very very very depressed. I doom-scrolled, I napped for (this is not an exaggeration) sometimes 6+ hours a day, I had panic attacks, I lied to my friends about how much I was getting done, sometimes 10 hours would pass and I hadn’t even moved the laundry to the dryer.
This time it had to be different, but that last wave of depression felt so out of my hands, like it happened to me. I certainly didn’t choose to feel that way. Sure, I’ve been in a lot of therapy since then. And sure, I’ve felt stable and empowered and self-actualized since then. But what if… what if that’s all thanks to my routines: reporting into a team, managing employees, having real deadlines for my creative work?
If any of you have these same fears, I want to tell you something very wonderful — self-guided creative projects are not only possible, but you may find yourself happier and more fulfilled than ever.
Is there a formula for a “successful” creative day?
I just wanted someone to tell me the exact right way to be a full-time creative. Here are some of my Google searches from the weeks leading up to my writing sabbatical:
How many hours a day do authors write?
How many words should I write per day?
Writing coaches in San Francisco
What is the best time of day to write?
How long should I spend outlining my book?
Hour-by-hour writing schedules for authors
Here’s the thing… I was not getting the results I wanted. It turns out (duh), it’s different for everyone. But what I really wanted was for a writer I trusted to share what worked for them in excruciating detail. I’m tired of the vague advice: “the writing process is different for everyone”, and “don’t overthink your word count”, and “stop typing when you reach the point of diminishing returns”.
Can someone just tell me how they fill a 40+ hour work week with their creative pursuit? So… I’m going to do that here for you today.
The perfect day:
7am: Wake up
This is simple, but I have one note. Since so much of the creative process is a mental and spiritual game, I try to start with these thoughts: It’s going to be a good day, followed closely by I can’t believe I get to spend time creating things.
7:30-8:30am: The morning routine
I wear the things I want to write in. Usually, that means comfortable clothes (no “hard-pants”). Sometimes, it’s a black oversized hoodie because it’s going to be a broody writing day. Often, it’s a strange accessory like my cat beanie or moon boots. (I highly recommend all artists attach themselves to strange garb to enhance your lore and practice not caring how you’re perceived).
Then, I walk. I walk in Golden Gate Park or somewhere on the beach. I walk with my dog, Indy, and usually my husband, Paul, too. The walk is critical for two reasons: moving the body and appreciating beautiful things. Beautiful things can be nice views, sunshine, bird sounds, the smell of eucalyptus trees, or even other humans. Today, it was a grey heron in a sea of dandelions.
8:30-9:30am: Coffee
Cortados are a legal drug with side effects like hypomania, time travel, and communing with the dead. I love cortados.
But the real reason I go out for coffee is to interact with other humans. I’m an introvert and I can happily hole up all day and write. But I find I’m less ‘feral animal’ and more ‘well-adjusted human’ when I talk to a few friends or strangers before buckling down.
9:30am-12:30pm: Writing time
This is when I go to my lair. I’m awake, dressed, walked, caffeinated, socialized. There’s nothing left to do but create.
Monday: Revisit my book outline, reread my latest chapter, and forge ahead on my fantasy novel.
Tuesday: Continue with my fantasy novel, and sometimes break off on side-quests like character studies, research, or scene construction. Lately I’ve been referring to Story by Robert McKee for pacing help, and The Egyptian Book of the Dead for designing a new religion lol.
Wednesday: Send out Fantasy Camp™ newsletter in the morning, engage with other writers on Substack. Then, back to the book—preparing a portion to share with my writing partner.
Thursday: Meet with my friend and writing partner. We read and share and talk about our novel progress (and beyond!). This is a long call, often 6+ hours.
Friday: Whew! My brain is fried. I make Tiktoks and write my next Substack newsletter. I also save Fridays for freelance design projects too.
What am I listening to while I write? Lately, it’s Brian Eno + Fred again…
12:30pm-1:30pm: Lunch
My ideal lunch: two eggs over medium, drop ‘em on a base of spinach or wrap ‘em in an avocado wrap with Fly By Jing chili crisp. Always an Aura Bora sparkling water. And usually a Youtube video from JCS Criminal Psychology or Fundie Fridays. I also could go for Emma Chamberlain or Primitive Technology. Don’t try to put me in a box.
1:30pm-4:00pm: Writing time
These are not my most productive hours. The cortado is wearing off and my loved ones won’t let me get an IV and drip bag. I look over my work, I practice praising myself and feeling proud, I make small edits or keep writing if I feel inspired.
If I have managed to write 500+ net-new words for the day, I’m delighted.
If I’ve managed to write 1500+ net-new words for the day, I’m shocked.
2000? Unprecedented.
Anything more than that, call an ambulance.
4:00pm-6:00pm: Bothering Paul
This is when I emerge from my lair, slither down the stairs, and start trying to ruin Paul’s life. I loiter around his desk, read aloud some sentences I’m very proud of, show him my saved Tiktoks, Irish step-dance (I am untrained), and try to get him to abandon work and venture out of the house (with varying results).
Typically, this charade ends in a nature walk, a looong trek to our favorite pizza shop across the park, or a defeated Madeleine (me) going out with Indy and listening to an audiobook. (Currently, the Red Rising series.)
6:00pm-10:00pm: Screenager Hour
I can’t be quiteeeee as specific here. Some nights, we cook at home. Others, we’re out with friends or watching the sunset by the beach. Some nights, I’m so engrossed in my writing I keep plugging away with a movie on in the background (we call 2+ screens at once “screenager-ing”).
If I’ve spent all the prior hours as laid out above, I go to bed with a deep sense of joy and gratitude and fulfillment, like I’m doing everything I can to design the life I want for myself. One day, I hope all this time spent creating will grow me into a full-time writer, without the need to supplement my income with other projects.
That’s the dream.
I hope this has been helpful for you artists out there. I know this day-in-the-life is specific to writing, but it transfers well to every creative medium. And I’d love to hear if you have other practices that enrich your days.
If you’re thinking of devoting more time to your practice, but not sure how to make it work for you, I’m always happy to connect. I know the feeling.
Much love,
Madeleine
Loving this life for you. As someone who is in a (loose) 9-5 lifestyle, this is the schedule I’m trying to imagine for myself!! Huge kudos to you for making the jump to full time writer!!