A Day in the Life of Full-Time Writers: In Their Own Words

The life of a full-time indie author can be exciting, challenging, and deeply rewarding. While many people might picture authors spending every waking moment writing, the reality is far more diverse. From structured routines to flexible, spontaneous schedules, indie authors manage their writing careers around the complexities of life, whether they’re traveling, managing households, or dealing with other responsibilities.

You can learn more about becoming a full-time writer here.

I was recently browsing a Reddit thread where indie authors shared fascinating insights into their daily routines. As a writer myself, it was eye-opening to see how others structure their time, tackle challenges, and find inspiration. From setting word count goals to balancing writing with promotion and self-care, their experiences highlight both the joys and struggles of pursuing a creative career.

In this article, I’ll dive into some of the most insightful takeaways from that discussion, offering a glimpse into the lives of full-time authors and how they manage their work, inspiration, and even loneliness. Here’s a look at the daily rhythms and challenges that full-time indie authors face, based on real experiences shared by writers in the field.

The Flexible Routine of a Traveling Author

One author shares the freedom and challenges of full-time writing while traveling. Alongside her husband, a professional juggler, they live out of a van, hopping between Airbnbs, hotels, and other accommodations. Her writing schedule is fluid, allowing for creativity to dictate her pace. On a good day, she spends 5-6 hours writing her first drafts, sometimes up to 8-9 hours if she’s particularly inspired. On average, however, her creative work amounts to around 4 hours a day, spread between writing, editing, and handling the business side of self-publishing, such as website updates and cover design.

What stands out about this author’s experience is her refusal to feel guilty about taking breaks. She emphasizes the importance of “refilling the creative well” by allowing time for rest, exercise, and socializing—especially as she juggles ADHD and the demands of a constantly moving lifestyle. Her work week typically adds up to 20-30 hours, which may increase after the launch of her debut cozy mystery novel.

The 2,000-Words-a-Day Commitment

Another indie author swears by a daily word count. “If I do nothing else, I make sure to write 2,000 words,” they share. This steady commitment is the foundation of their writing routine, whether they are working on a new draft or going through the editing process. The days leading up to a book release are often filled with non-writing tasks, such as formatting, designing covers, and creating promotional graphics.

They admit that balancing writing with marketing and promotion can become overwhelming, which sometimes leads them to take breaks from everything except writing. But at the end of the day, the author holds firm to their daily writing goal, keeping the creative momentum alive.

Balancing Family, Medical Recovery, and Writing

One author recounts her experience of writing full-time while on medical leave. During this period, she published two full-length romance novels and established a clear routine. Mondays were dedicated to social media content and newsletters, while the rest of the week focused on writing and editing from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., allowing for flexibility around her daughter’s school schedule. Medical appointments often interrupted this ideal schedule, but she adapted, using phone reminders to help stay on track.

Now returning to part-time work, she aims to continue her writing schedule while balancing her recovery from medical treatment. Her story highlights the importance of adaptability in managing both personal health and a budding writing career.

The Joy of Writing Every Night

For some indie authors, the creative drive is so strong that they write every night. One such author, who works full-time in healthcare, devoted Monday through Wednesday evenings to writing their first novel, a schedule that took 18 months to complete. Now, with a newfound passion for their current project, they write every evening, hoping to finish their first draft in just three months.

Their story underscores the balancing act between full-time jobs and writing careers. Even though their writing journey started with nonfiction, fiction demanded more time to find their voice and style. Despite the time constraints, the author’s love for storytelling keeps them writing every night.

The Challenges of Chronic Illness

Chronic illness presents unique challenges for one writer, whose health dictates their writing productivity. On good days, they wake early, send their kids to school, and retreat to their office for a day of writing, editing, and handling beta reads. They aim for 2,000 words a day, but their output can rise to 5,000 words when they’re in good health.

On days when their illness flares up, writing takes a back seat to rest and audiobooks. Loneliness is a common struggle, particularly when their spouse is traveling, but online communities and occasional meet-ups with friends help combat isolation. This author’s story demonstrates the resilience needed to maintain a creative career while navigating health challenges.

The Reality of Indie Author Life

Finally, many authors express that writing is just one aspect of their career. A significant portion of their day is dedicated to administrative tasks—whether it’s managing social media, updating tax spreadsheets, or corresponding with cover designers. One author describes her day as half-writing, half-business. Her writing sessions typically last 3-4 hours, producing 1,500 to 2,000 words per day, with the rest of her time spent on the “business side” of being an indie author.

This structured approach means she finishes a book in three to four months, but it also reveals the reality that indie authors are entrepreneurs. Writing might be the heart of the job, but handling the logistics of self-publishing is equally crucial to their success.

Conclusion

The life of a full-time indie author is as varied as the writers themselves. Some authors thrive on strict schedules and daily word counts, while others embrace flexibility and spontaneity. Many juggle other jobs, health issues, or family responsibilities alongside their writing. Yet, despite the different approaches, these authors share a common passion for storytelling and the pursuit of a writing career. Their journeys reflect not only the joys of creativity but also the discipline and resilience required to succeed as an indie author.

If you are an indie author, I would love to hear what your day to day writing schedule is like. Leave me a comment below. If you are looking to break into the writing industry, but don’t know how to get started, check out the Barefoot Writing Club.