Hi besties,

I won't lie. This is my personal hell.

Not because I hate writing, but because sometimes it feels like I’m working two jobs while only getting paid for one.

I’ve always loved writing. As a university student, I would occasionally write when I had the energy or inspiration. The thing is, I had all the time back then. I could write whenever I wanted. But because I wasn’t taking it seriously, I always waited for the “right” time or the perfect burst of inspiration.

Fast forward to now, and things are different.

I have a full-time job. I live in my own apartment, which means cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, all the life admin that comes with it. Thankfully, I have a husband to share those tasks with, but I still want to go to the gym, keep up with my skincare routine, spend time on other hobbies, and stay social with friends.

And on top of all that?

Somewhere between 7–12pm, I’m also supposed to be writing, editing, or educating myself about the craft.

I have less time now, but I want it more.

There’s something about reconnecting with the creative things I loved as a teenager that just makes sense now. Making space for creativity scratches my brain in the right way, and I can’t let that go.

So… how do you do it without losing your sanity?

You treat it like a second job, even when you’re not being paid for it.

Why? Because it gives you structure.

Instead of saying, “I might try to write tonight if I feel inspired,” I say, “I’m on a deadline and I need to finish this manuscript in five months.” Even before I had a publisher or signed any contracts, I approached it this way. Deadlines are scary, and that’s exactly why they work. They get you moving. They make you show up.

Think about any event you’ve wanted to prepare for. Maybe you wanted clearer skin, shinier hair, or to feel more confident in your body before a big day. Having that date in mind makes you take the process seriously.

Writing is the same.

Publishing is creative, yes, but it’s also an industry. There are timelines, schedules, seasonal pushes. Treating writing with that same level of seriousness helps you stay consistent.

I didn’t force myself to write every night, but I set realistic goals like:

• I’ll write at least four times a week.
• I’ll hit a certain word count by the end of the week.

And once I said those things out loud, I became accountable. I told my husband and my parents about my goals. And now they ask me how it’s going. Suddenly, it wasn’t just a thought in my head. It was a commitment.

But life happens.

Sometimes you don’t finish work at 5pm. Sometimes you get home at 9. It’s okay if you don’t write that day. Dust yourself off and try again tomorrow.

It’s okay if you didn’t write for six days but spent time thinking about your plot or characters. It’s okay if all you did that week was make a Spotify playlist or a Pinterest board.

Learn to forgive yourself.

Just don’t let the next week follow the same pattern. Even if it’s just thirty minutes, sit down and open your manuscript. I promise your fingers will find something to say.

The goal isn’t to write something perfect.

The goal is to write.

Finish the draft. The real magic happens in editing. You’ll read your manuscript a hundred times, and that’s normal. Writing the book is only the first step. Polishing it is where the real work begins.

So focus on one thing at a time. Make space for writing, even if it’s just 500 words a day. Build the habit of showing up.

Because once writing becomes part of your routine, you’ll be surprised how natural it starts to feel.

I’m not saying it’s easy, it’s definitely easier said than done. But there have been so many nights where I’ve found myself wanting to write after work instead of rewatching my favorite shows or going out for drinks.

It’s a mindset shift. And once you make it, I promise, you won’t want to go back. It's magical.

★ Zeynep