Time Management Tips for Full-Time Romance Authors

Let’s be real: being a full-time romance author ain’t for the week.

My writing days are often a balancing act of creating swoon-worthy scenes, tackling the endless admin of running my own business, and keeping up with the not-so-glamorous side of life—like laundry or remembering to eat (which is something I never remember to do). Throw in the added challenge of managing your energy and focus, and suddenly, even the best-laid schedules can feel like a house of cards. It’s easy to feel stuck between wanting to maximize your productivity and avoiding the burnout that can come with pushing yourself too hard. And if you’ve ever tried and failed to stick to a rigid schedule or found that traditional productivity tools like the Pomodoro technique just don’t work for you, you’re not alone.  

This is where non-arbitrary timers come in—a flexible, ADHD-friendly approach to time management that isn’t about self-imposed deadlines but about anchoring your tasks to real-world events. It’s a tool that’s as creative and adaptable as the stories you write, helping you build sustainable rituals and routines without the pressure of perfection. Whether you’re revising your latest draft or simply trying to squeeze in a quick email sprint before your coffee cools, this method might just become your new favorite writing hack. 

What Are Non-Arbitrary Timers?

This particular hack has been a game-changer for my productivity as a writer. I’ve found they work beautifully alongside the Pomodoro method, creating a balance between focused, structured time and moments that feel more fluid and aligned with my current mood or energy level.

That hack is non-arbitrary timers.

Okay, let’s back up a bit. If you’re not familiar, the Pomodoro method breaks work into focused intervals (usually 25 minutes) with short breaks in between. It’s great for staying on task, but sometimes, especially when my creative energy feels unpredictable, I need something less rigid that works with my day’s natural flow. That’s where non-arbitrary timers come in. Non-arbitrary timers use real-world events with built-in time limits as your guide. Instead of setting a countdown yourself, you rely on cues from your environment—like the time it takes for a kettle to boil, a microwave to beep, or a laundry cycle to finish. These natural endpoints create structure without feeling forced, giving me a way to be productive even when traditional timers don’t fit my energy level.

Here’s an example: I might start my writing session with a Pomodoro sprint to draft a scene, giving me focused time to dive into the work. But after that, if I’m feeling restless or a little drained, I’ll switch to a non-arbitrary timer. Maybe I’ll brainstorm dialogue while waiting for my coffee to brew or edit a paragraph while my lunch reheats. The built-in urgency of these real-world timers keeps me moving, but it feels less like “work” and more like sneaking in creative bursts around my day.

This combination of methods gives me flexibility while still maintaining momentum. The Pomodoro method helps me tackle tasks that need focused attention, like drafting or outlining, while non-arbitrary timers let me shift gears and stay productive when my energy or mood changes. Together, they create a system that feels adaptable but still keeps me on track—something every writer juggling creativity and deadlines can appreciate.

This approach can be a lifesaver for busy full-time authors. Writing often involves a mix of long, focused sessions and shorter, more spontaneous bursts of creativity. By pairing Pomodoro sessions with non-arbitrary timers, you can lean into both the discipline of structured time and the freedom of working in sync with your energy. Whether you’re working on a novel, revising a tricky scene, or brainstorming your next big idea, this combination can help you stay productive in a way that feels natural and sustainable.

Here’s how it works: you choose an activity—writing, editing, brainstorming, or even self-care—and tie it to an event that has a clear beginning and end. Think of it as letting your daily rhythms help you create productive moments, whether you’re tackling a specific writing goal or simply clearing your head.

Here are some ways you can use non-arbitrary timers to your advantage:

Writing a scene or brainstorming character arcs while your coffee brews. The sound of your kettle bubbling or the hum of your coffee maker can serve as your gentle countdown. It’s enough time to jot down ideas for your protagonist’s big romantic gesture or map out how your love triangle is going to unfold. I make my coffee in a French press, which requires time for the kettle to boil and the coffee to steep. That’s a good 10 minutes I can dedicate to fleshing out my character’s backstory.

Editing a chapter or outlining during a set playlist or podcast episode. Pick something with a clear duration, like a 30-minute podcast or your favorite album, and dedicate that time to tightening dialogue or sketching out the beats of your next book. When the last song or episode ends, you’re done—and you can feel good about the progress you made. In my late 40s, I try to be a passenger princess whenever possible. I often use this time to review what I’ve written for the day/week.

Tidying your workspace while waiting for your lunch to heat up. Got leftovers in the microwave? Use those few minutes to clear off the stack of books on your desk or organize your notes. A clutter-free space can make it so much easier to dive into your writing when you’re ready. I’m not a huge stickler for having an immaculate desktop. I work best when I don’t have to get up to fetch a book or tarot cards because getting up and searching my bookshelves often breaks flow for me.

Answering emails or social media comments during the time it takes for a file to upload or export. Instead of staring at a progress bar, knock out a few quick admin tasks. Whether it’s replying to your editor or connecting with readers on Instagram, these small moments can add up.

What makes this approach so effective is the natural accountability it creates. The timer isn’t something you set and can ignore; it’s tied to an event that will happen whether you’re ready or not. It’s a little nudge to focus, but without the pressure of an alarm blaring at you.

For full time authors who are juggling creativity and business, non-arbitrary timers offer a way to stay productive while staying in tune with your energy. Whether you’re weaving together a steamy slow burn, tackling edits, or managing your book launch, this method can help you carve out moments of focus that fit seamlessly into your day. It’s about making progress in a way that feels achievable and sustainable—because let’s be real, we have enough deadlines to deal with already.

As authors, our work thrives on imagination and flexibility, but that can make it tricky to stay focused.

Non-arbitrary timers offer a gentle framework by anchoring your tasks to the real-world—like the time it takes for your coffee to brew or your favorite podcast episode to play. These natural cues guide your workflow without interrupting your creative flow. It’s like having a friend casually remind you to get back to work but without the passive-aggressive side-eye.

Then there’s decision fatigue, a real struggle for anyone whose to-do list includes both writing 2,000 words and figuring out what’s for dinner. Non-arbitrary timers take some of the mental load off by removing the need to decide when or how long to work. Instead, you’re responding to moments already built into your day—like tidying up while the oven preheats or brainstorming dialogue during your commute. It’s one less thing to think about, which means you can reserve more brainpower for, say, plotting the perfect third-act twist.

And let’s not underestimate how effective these timers are at reducing procrastination. Traditional alarms or timers can feel easy to ignore because they’re self-imposed—there’s no real consequence if you don’t start writing when the timer goes off. But when your timer is tied to something like the microwave dinging or the end of a playlist, it creates a natural sense of urgency. You know that when the kettle boils, it’s time to wrap up your notes and get to work. This subtle nudge makes it harder to delay, and it gets you into action without the usual mental tug-of-war.

Non-arbitrary timers also embed productivity into your everyday rituals, which is key for building momentum. If your creative tasks are paired with moments that already exist in your routine, you’re making it easier to stay consistent. Over time, this method helps you develop sustainable habits without feeling like you’re forcing productivity out of thin air.

In my opinion, it’s the perfect balance of flexibility and focus. Whether you’re drafting the next great romance or tackling edits, these timers help you work with your energy and creativity instead of against it. They’re a reminder that sometimes, a little structure is all you need to get the words flowing. These timers are all about finding small, natural pockets of time in your day to tackle manageable tasks. The best part? They keep things feeling fluid and organic instead of rigid or overwhelming.

And don’t just stop at creative tasks—non-arbitrary timers work wonders for the business side of being an author, too. Need to draft a newsletter? Do it during the time it takes for your laundry cycle to finish. Got a stack of emails staring you down? Tackle them while waiting for your lunch to heat up. This approach turns those small, in-between moments into productivity gold.

Here are a few ways to use non-arbitrary timers for different aspects of your writing life:

Creative work

Drafting: Write the opening lines of a new chapter while your coffee brews.

Plotting: Outline a subplot during a playlist or podcast episode.

Character development: Use the time it takes for a file to upload to brainstorm a character’s backstory.

Business work

Scheduling posts: Plan your social media content while a video file exports.

Responding to emails: Clear out your inbox during the time it takes for your oven to preheat.

Tracking expenses: Review your monthly finances while you’re waiting for a Zoom meeting to start.

The key is to keep it simple and realistic. You’re not trying to conquer your entire to-do list in one go—you’re using these moments to chip away at it steadily. Over time, these small wins will add up, creating a routine that feels both productive and sustainable.

Here’s a few more ideas to help you broaden the scope of this method:

• Research settings or tropes while dinner cooks. Waiting for your pasta to boil or your veggies to roast? Use that window to dig into articles, documentaries, or Pinterest boards that bring your story’s setting or themes to life. You’ll get inspiration and dinner on the table.

• Plan your next book launch during your morning coffee ritual. As you sip your first (or third) cup, jot down ideas for your release strategy. Maybe you sketch out a rough timeline, brainstorm social media posts, or list possible influencers to collaborate with. Morning caffeine plus creative vibes? That’s a win-win.

• Organize your digital files while waiting for a delivery. Whether it’s groceries, Amazon packages, or that impulsive late-night sticker order (no judgment), those few minutes can be productive. Use the time to tidy up your story notes, rename drafts, or back up files you’ve been meaning to save.

The beauty of this approach is that it feels less like work and more like flow. You’re not adding new tasks to your day—you’re simply making better use of the natural pauses that already exist. It’s an easy, low-pressure way to tackle the admin side of writing without letting it take over your creative energy.

Non-arbitrary timers might seem like a simple concept, but they pack a punch when it comes to helping fulltime authors manage their time, stay productive, and, most importantly, protect our creative energy. 

Incorporating everyday events with specific tasks, you can structure your day in a way that feels natural and supportive rather than overwhelming.Whether you’re brainstorming dialogue while waiting for your tea to steep, editing during a podcast, or tackling admin work in sync with your morning coffee, this method is all about building habits that work for you. It’s not about rigid schedules or perfection—it’s about creating a rhythm that keeps you moving forward without unnecessary pressure.

The best part? You don’t have to overhaul your process overnight. Experiment with non-arbitrary timers in small, manageable ways. Try using them to carve out time for writing sprints, develop pre-writing rituals, or make progress on the business side of your career. Over time, these little moments of focus can add up to big wins, both creatively and professionally.

And remember, time management isn’t one-size-fits-all. What works for one author might not fit your flow—and that’s okay. The beauty of non-arbitrary timers is their flexibility. They’re here to adapt to your unique process, not force you into a box.

So give it a shot. Play around with the idea, find what clicks, and let this method become part of your toolkit for balancing productivity and creativity. You’ve got stories to tell, and the right habits can help you tell them with more ease and joy.

xo, Tasha