Living the Author Lifestyle While Balancing a Full-Time Job or a Busy Mum Life

As Muslimah authors, many of us dream of embracing the ‘author lifestyle’ — spending our days writing in peaceful spaces, sipping tea, and watching our words flow onto the page. But the reality often looks very different. Whether you’re balancing a demanding full-time job or navigating the beautifully chaotic world of motherhood, finding time to write can feel almost impossible. 

But here’s the good news: it is possible to live the author lifestyle — even with a packed schedule. It just takes a little planning, a lot of patience, and a firm belief in your creative calling. Let’s explore how you can nurture your passion for writing while staying true to your responsibilities. 

1. Define Your Author Lifestyle

The author lifestyle isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s not about quitting your job or spending hours in a sunlit study (though that does sound lovely). It’s about carving out space for your writing in a way that fits your life.

Ask yourself:

• What does my ideal author lifestyle look like? 
• How much time can I realistically dedicate to writing each week? 
• What small, consistent habits can help me feel like a writer every day? 

For some, it might mean writing daily before the kids wake up. For others, it could be squeezing in 20-minute writing sprints on lunch breaks. The key is consistency and intention. 

2. Schedule Writing Time Like an Appointment

When life gets busy, writing often becomes the first thing we push aside. But if you treat your writing time as a non-negotiable appointment — like a meeting at work or a child’s school event — you’re more likely to stick to it. 

• Block out writing time in your calendar. 
• Let your family know when you’ll be unavailable. 
• Start small: even 15-30 minutes a day adds up. 

If you struggle with distractions, try joining a virtual co-writing session or a quiet accountability group (like AMWASA’s Monthly Review Days!) for extra focus. 

3. Embrace Pockets of Time

Writing doesn’t always require long, uninterrupted hours. Make the most of those small moments in your day: 

• Jot down story ideas while waiting in the school pick-up line. 
• Outline a chapter while cooking dinner. 
• Dictate dialogue into your phone while folding laundry. 

The more you train your mind to think like a writer throughout the day, the easier it becomes to slip into writing mode when you finally sit down. 

4. Create a Writing-Friendly Environment

Even if you don’t have a dedicated writing space, you can create an environment that signals it’s time to write: 

• Keep your notebook or laptop easily accessible. 
• Use headphones to block out noise and play focus-friendly audio. 
• Set up a ‘writing corner’ — even if it’s just a chair and a cup of tea. 

Having small rituals — like lighting a candle or making a dua before you start — can help shift your mindset into creative mode. 

5. Set Realistic Writing Goals

It’s easy to feel discouraged when you compare your progress to full-time authors. But remember: slow progress is still progress. Set goals that fit your life: 

• Daily: Write 300 words or brainstorm a new scene. 
• Weekly: Finish a chapter or edit a section. 
• Monthly: Submit a piece or share an update with your writing community. 

Be kind to yourself on the weeks when life takes over. The important thing is to keep coming back. 

6. Involve Your Family in Your Journey

Help your loved ones understand your writing dreams so they can support you: 

• Share your goals with your spouse or children. 
• Explain why writing matters to you. 
• Ask for their help in creating uninterrupted writing time. 

When your family sees the passion you have for storytelling, they’ll be more likely to cheer you on. 

7. Connect with Other Writers

Writing can feel lonely — especially when your everyday life is filled with non-writers. Seek out spaces where you can connect, learn, and grow:

• Join AMWASA’s Author Groups for community and support. 
• Set up or attend virtual write-ins or workshops (AMWASA is happy to support your writing group!)
• Follow Muslim authors on social media for inspiration. 

A supportive community can keep you motivated when self-doubt creeps in. 

8. Trust in Your Journey

As a Muslimah, remember that your writing is part of your rizq — your provision from Allah (SWT). Every word you write with sincere intention can be an act of ibadah: 

• Write with the intention of benefitting others. 
• Seek barakah in your time by beginning with Bismillah. 
• Make dua for ease and inspiration. 

Trust that Allah (SWT) will bless your efforts, even if the progress feels slow. Don’t compare your journey with others’!

Final Thoughts

Living the author lifestyle while holding down a full-time job or managing a busy home isn’t about waiting for perfect circumstances — it’s about working with what you have, bit by bit. By building sustainable habits, involving your loved ones, and nurturing your creative spirit, you can honour both your responsibilities and your writing dreams. 

So take that first step today — even if it’s just a sentence scribbled on the back of a shopping list. Every word counts. 

Are you balancing writing with a busy life? Share your favourite tips in the comments — let’s support each other on this journey!