How I Wrote My First Novel with Kids, Chaos, and Zero Spare Time

When people ask how I wrote my first novel (and the subsequent completed series!) while raising kids, juggling responsibilities, and generally operating on low sleep and high caffeine, my answer isn’t flashy or fast-paced.

I didn’t write 2,000 words a day.
I didn’t lock myself away in a cabin in the woods.
I didn’t wait for the “perfect” time to start.

Instead, I did something much simpler—and much more sustainable:
I made a small, achievable goal and stuck to it as best I could.

My Daily Word Count Goal: Just 350 Words

That’s right—350 words a day.

Not 1,000. Not a full chapter. Just 350.

Why? Because I knew if I set the bar too high, I’d defeat myself before I even opened the document. On days when I was tired or the kids needed more from me (read: most days), the idea of hitting a huge word count was paralyzing. But 350 words? That felt possible.

That’s roughly 20–30 minutes of focused writing time. Some days I wrote more. Some days, I wrote nothing—and that was okay too. I always planned for at least one day off per week. Rest isn’t a failure; it’s part of the process.

And guess what?
At 350 words a day, you can finish a first draft in about 6 months, depending on the final length of your novel. That might not be blazing fast, but it’s consistent. And consistency gets books written.

Use Your “Mindless” Time to Plot

Another secret weapon in my writing toolkit? I used my brain even when I couldn’t use my hands.

Washing dishes, folding laundry, waiting in the school pickup line—these were golden moments to let my imagination work. Instead of putting on a podcast or scrolling on my phone, I gave my brain permission to wander into my fictional world.

Sometimes I thought through plot holes.
Sometimes I played through an upcoming scene like a movie in my head.
Sometimes I just imagined the vibe of a chapter, guided by instrumental music that fit my story’s tone.

You don’t have to sit in a silent room to think creatively. Just give your story space in the margins of your day. You’ll be surprised how often a solution or idea bubbles up during your least glamorous moments.

Give Yourself Permission to Go Slow

Writing a novel while balancing life’s chaos doesn’t require perfect conditions. It requires grace, consistency, and trust in your process.

A small daily word count isn’t a sign you’re not serious—it’s a smart strategy when your time is limited and your energy is spread thin.

So whether you're parenting, working full time, caregiving, or just managing the beautiful mess of everyday life—know this: you can write your novel.
One word at a time.
One quiet moment at a time.

You Don’t Need More Time—Just a Smaller Goal

If you’re waiting for the perfect time to start your novel, this is your reminder: now is a perfectly imperfect time. Set a small, manageable goal and begin.

You’ve got a story.
You’ve got 20 minutes.
That’s enough to start.

💡 Want to see the novel I wrote using this method?

Check out my debut fantasy romance, Vale Born—written in stolen moments, late nights, and 350 words at a time.