Can you believe it’s already the end of February 2025? Time is flying, isn’t it? And if we’re not careful, it just might leave us in the dust!
As authors, we’re constantly juggling deadlines, and responsibilities. As such, it’s easy to get sucked into the vortex of overcommitting and burnout. But today, we’re going to talk about a crucial aspect of maintaining our sanity and productivity: setting boundaries.
As authors, we’re often juggling multiple roles. Maybe you’re a parent, a spouse, a friend, or even working another job while pursuing your passion for writing. And almost all, we’re often expected to be available 24/7.
We’re bombarded with requests for interviews, guest posts, and speaking engagements. Our inboxes are sometimes flooded with messages from readers, agents, editors and publishers. And let’s not forget the constant pressure to produce new content, engage on social media, and promote our work. It’s exhausting just thinking about it! And when you’re stretched thin, it’s easy to let your writing fall to the wayside.
But here’s the thing: we can’t pour from an empty cup. We need to protect our time and energy to ensure we can continue creating our best work. Time won’t wait for you to catch up. Those book ideas? They’re not going to write themselves.
That’s where boundaries come in.
So, here’s the secret: You need to set clear boundaries around your writing time.
1. Guard Your Writing Schedule Like a Knight Protecting the Castle
If you’ve set aside time to write, don’t let anyone or anything take it away. That includes well-meaning family members, friends, or coworkers who suddenly want to chat about something “very important”—but not as important as the novel you’re working on. Politely but firmly let them know you’re unavailable. A simple, “I’m writing right now, can we catch up later?” goes a long way. You don’t have to be rude, but you do have to be assertive.
2. Learn the Power of the Word ‘No’
Ah, the beautiful art of saying no! You see, we often feel like we need to say yes to every opportunity, every invitation, and every request for our time. But here’s the thing: If you say yes to everything, you’ll have nothing left to give to your writing. So, say no without guilt. No, you can’t attend that two-hour Zoom call when you’re on a deadline. No, you can’t pick up the extra project that’s going to eat into your precious writing hours. Saying no is not selfish—it’s self-care. It’s commitment to your most important goals and deadlines.
3. Set Boundaries with Social Media (It’s a Trap!)
Oh, social media – you sly little time thief! One minute you’re scrolling for “just five minutes,” and the next thing you know, it’s two hours later and you’ve watched every cat video under the sun and checked your following 15 times.
Social media can be a wonderful tool for connecting with readers and fellow authors, but it can also be a massive productivity killer. Set clear boundaries for how much time you’ll spend on these platforms. Use tools like timers or apps that limit your social media usage during designated writing hours. You’ll be amazed at how much more writing you’ll get done when you’re not constantly distracted by notifications.
4. Don’t Forget to Set Boundaries with Yourself
You are your own biggest critic, right? So why not set some boundaries with your inner perfectionist? You don’t need to write the perfect sentence on the first try. The world won’t collapse if you don’t write 5,000 words every day. Set realistic expectations for yourself, and recognize when you need a break. Writing is a marathon, not a sprint, and sometimes stepping away to recharge is exactly what you need to come back stronger.
Why It’s Worth It
Here’s the thing about boundaries: while they may feel uncomfortable at first—especially if you’re not used to putting yourself and your needs first—they’re essential for preserving your energy. When you protect your time, you’re creating the space to focus on what truly matters to you. For authors, that’s writing and nurturing your creative process.
Boundaries also create clarity. They help you decide what deserves your attention and what doesn’t. They allow you to stop spinning your wheels, and instead make intentional choices that will bring you closer to your goals.
Motivation for the Road Ahead
As we head into the third month of 2025 (can you believe it?!), remember this: You are worthy of your time. Your creative energy is valuable, and the world needs your stories. So don’t let anything stand in the way of that.
Setting boundaries is an act of self-respect, and it’s something you must prioritize if you want to flourish as an author. By protecting your time and energy, you’ll be able to write more, create better, and ultimately, enjoy the journey without feeling burned out.
So go ahead—put those boundaries in place. You’ve got this.
And as a little parting note: There are two blogs you should definitely see to help maximize your writing time: How long should you spend writing your book and 3 Common mistakes Authors make that you must avoid.
Writing can be tough, but if you know the rules and can find joy in the process, it’ll make those boundaries feel a lot more empowering than restricting.
Cheers to writing, to setting boundaries, and to making 2025 the year you thrive with your authorship dream!
