The 15-Minute Writer: Maximizing Small Blocks of Time

We all dream of long, uninterrupted hours to write—the kind where the words flow, the coffee stays hot, and the outside world doesn’t interrupt. But let’s be real: life is busy. Between work, family, and everything else, finding those golden hours can feel impossible.

The good news? You don’t need hours to make progress. In fact, you can get a surprising amount done in just 15 minutes. The key is learning how to make those small blocks of time count. Here’s how:

1. Start with a Plan

The less time you have, the more important it is to know what you’re doing when you sit down. Before your 15 minutes begin, decide on a clear, specific task:

• Write the next paragraph in your scene.

• Brainstorm character backstory.

• Edit the first page of your chapter.

When you know exactly where to focus, you’ll spend less time floundering and more time making progress.

2. Set a Timer and Eliminate Distractions

Fifteen minutes is short enough that you can commit to fully focusing without checking your phone, scrolling social media, or worrying about the laundry. Set a timer, turn on “do not disturb,” and dive in.

It’s like sprinting for your creativity—intense, focused, and productive.

3. Use Writing Prompts for Quick Warm-Ups

If you’re staring at a blank page and feeling stuck, don’t waste your precious minutes trying to push through. Use a quick writing prompt to kickstart your brain and get the words flowing. Even a sentence or two can get your creativity moving.

4. Keep Your Materials Ready

Always have your writing tools—laptop, notebook, or app—ready to go. Whether you’re waiting in a carpool line, sitting in a doctor’s office, or grabbing a coffee break, having your materials handy means you can jump in and write without wasting time.

5. Focus on Micro-Tasks

Big goals can feel overwhelming in small time slots, so break them into bite-sized pieces. Instead of “Write Chapter 5,” focus on tasks like:

• Describe the setting for the next scene.

• Write dialogue for one character.

• Jot down three potential plot twists.

Each micro-task gets you closer to the bigger goal.

6. Let Go of Perfection

Fifteen minutes isn’t for polished prose—it’s for getting words on the page. Write messy. Scribble ideas. Capture the spark. You can always come back later to revise and refine.

7. Celebrate Consistency

Writing in 15-minute increments adds up. If you write just 250 words in 15 minutes and do that four times a week, you’ll have 52,000 words by the end of the year. That’s a novel!

A 15-minute block might not seem like much, but with focus and intention, it can be a game-changer. The trick is to embrace the time you have and make it work for you. Because here’s the thing: small steps lead to big stories. And those 15 minutes? They’re your ticket to making it happen.

Want some accountability, community, and built-in writing time this year? Check out our Red Herrings Society!