I’m Not a Full-Time Author, But Here’s How I Show Up Like One
Hi friends! As most of you know, I’m not a full-time author, but I show up every week like I am.
Whether you're an aspiring author, juggling a day job, or knee-deep in draft number five, this post is for you. I'm sharing the five biggest mindset shifts and strategies that have helped me take my writing from "whenever I get around to it" to a career that’s growing every month.
1. Mindset Matters: Start Acting Like an Author Now
One of the biggest changes I’ve made this year is treating my writing like it’s already a career, even though I still have a day job. For a long time, I considered writing a hobby, and I was someone who merely “wrote on the side.” But the truth is that I AM a published author. My books are on Amazon. My name is on the cover. So why downplay that?
When you approach writing with the seriousness of a professional, regardless of how much you earn from it, you start showing up differently. You write more. You talk about your work with confidence. You prioritize your goals.
If you want others to take your writing seriously, you have to take it seriously first.
2. Consistency is Key. Even if It’s Just 15 Minutes a Week
You don’t need to write every day to be consistent. What you do need is a system that works for your life. Maybe that’s writing every Sunday afternoon. Maybe it’s 30 minutes on your lunch break. For me, it’s treating writing like a part-time job. I block out time in my planner and guard it like I would any other commitment.
When it’s on the calendar, it gets done. And even when life gets crazy, I know I’ve at least carved out a little progress.
Start small. Set a time. Make the appointment with yourself and keep it.
3. Develop a Thick Skin Because Rejection Happens
This one’s tough. Whether it’s a one-star review, a snarky TikTok comment, or someone telling you they hate your book (ouch), criticism is part of the job.
What I’ve learned? Don’t let it live rent-free in your head.
I’ve had to train myself to delete the comment and move on. Not every book is for every reader, and not every opinion needs your attention. Your worth isn’t defined by a random internet stranger or even by your latest review.
4. Set Weekly Goals and Actually Track Them
One of the most effective habits I’ve built is using a Kanban board to set and visualize my weekly goals. On Sunday mornings, I grab my coffee and plan what I want to accomplish. I move Post-its from “To Do” to “Doing” to “Done,” and I focus only on what’s in the middle column that week.
It helps eliminate decision fatigue and keeps me from falling into what I call "procrastination freeze.” This is when you have so much to do that you can’t figure out where to start, so you do nothing.
Even if your goal is simply “write Chapter Two,” write it down. Track it. Give yourself that little dopamine hit when you move it to “Done” or check it off your list.
5. Tap into the Author Community
Writing can feel isolating, but you’re not alone. AuthorTube, AuthorTok, Reddit, Discord, and Facebook groups are all communities filled with people just like you.
When I’m feeling stuck, unmotivated, or full of impostor syndrome, those communities remind me that I’m not the only one struggling. We’re all a work in progress. Seeing someone else celebrate a win, like hitting six figures or finally making enough to quit their day job, reminds me of what’s possible.
Find your people. Encourage one another. Share your highs and your lows. This journey is so much easier when you’re not walking it alone.
Final Thoughts
I’m not a full-time author (yet), but I’m building the systems, mindset, and habits of someone who is. It’s made me more productive, more intentional, and yes, more confident.
I’d love to hear from you!
* How do you treat your writing like a job?
* What systems or strategies help you stay focused?
Let’s talk about it in the comments because we’re all figuring it out together.
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