No Time to Write? These Women Prove Otherwise

We’ve all heard (or said) it before: “I just don’t have the time.” When it comes to writing and creating content, time often seems like the biggest roadblock. Between work, family, and life’s endless to-do lists, it’s easy to feel like there’s simply no room for writing. But what if I told you that some of the most influential women in history became experts in their fields while juggling far more than we can imagine? They didn’t have unlimited time or resources—but they had determination, strategy, and a deep belief in their message.

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Let’s dive into the stories of three incredible women who overcame the “lack of time” excuse and made an impact with their words and expertise.

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Octavia Butler – Writing Before Work to Escape Poverty

Octavia Butler’s journey to becoming a science fiction icon wasn’t paved with privilege or free time. She worked low-paying jobs during the day and wrote in the early morning hours before heading to work. She had no mentor to guide her, no financial cushion to support her dreams. But she had discipline.

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As a young girl, Octavia would wake up early in the morning before sunrise to write, squeezing in time before heading off to grueling day jobs. She kept pushing herself, entering writing contests and refining her craft. Eventually, her persistence paid off, and she became the first Black woman to win the Hugo and Nebula Awards for science fiction.

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Imagine if Octavia had told herself she was too busy or too tired. The world would have missed out on masterpieces like Kindred and Parable of the Sower, books that continue to shape discussions on race, power, and survival. Her story proves that time isn’t found—it’s created.

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Maya Angelou – Writing in Hotel Rooms Between Life’s Demands

Maya Angelou’s name is synonymous with literary excellence. She was a poet, author, and activist who shaped generations with her words. But she didn’t have the luxury of sitting in a quiet home office with hours of free time to write. In fact, she found it nearly impossible to focus on her craft at home.

?Instead of using that as an excuse, she adjusted. Maya rented a hotel room where she would write in solitude, free from distractions. She brought only what she needed to write - paper, pens, a Bible, and a bottle of sherry. She created a routine, showing up daily to put her thoughts onto paper.

Her disciplined approach allowed her to produce I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, a memoir that changed the landscape of American literature. Despite the demands of her activism and personal life, she didn’t let time dictate her creativity—she made the time, even if it meant unconventional methods.

Cheryl Strayed – Writing Wild in the Midst of Struggles

Before Cheryl Strayed became a bestselling author, she was a struggling young woman trying to rebuild her life. She had lost her mother, gone through a painful divorce, and was grappling with grief and addiction. Writing could have easily taken a backseat to survival.

?Instead, she carved out moments to write. She didn’t wait for the “perfect” time—she wrote in between odd jobs, using whatever energy she had left after very long exhausting days. She pieced together Wild, a memoir that would later inspire millions and be adapted into a film starring Reese Witherspoon.

Cheryl Strayed’s success wasn’t a result of having unlimited time; it was a result of prioritizing her story even when life was chaotic and painful. She made writing a non-negotiable part of her healing and transformation.

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What We Can Learn From These Women

The common thread in all these stories is not that these women had ideal circumstances—it’s that they made writing and creating a priority. So how can you do the same? Here are a few practical strategies:

1. Schedule Non-Negotiable Writing Time

Treat your content creation like an important meeting. In Ephesians 5:16 we are instructed to "redeem the time" meaning we are to use our time wisely. Think you don't have time? Track your time for two days and see where you are wasting time. Then, bllock out time in your calendar, whether it’s early in the morning, during lunch breaks, or late at night. Even 30 minutes a day adds up over time.

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2. Use Small Pockets of Time

You don’t need three uninterrupted hours to create. Write in 10- or 15-minute increments. Jot down ideas on your phone while waiting in line or use voice notes during your commute. Carry a journal or some index cards around with you so you can always take advantage of a few free moments.

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3. Remove Distractions and Set Boundaries

Find a dedicated space where you can focus, even if it’s a café, library, or, like Maya Angelou, a hotel room. Use what you have. Convert a closet into a mini writing space. Put a sign on the door or let family and friends know that this is your sacred time to create. Turn off your phone or put electronic devices on do not disturb.

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4. Stop Waiting for Perfect Conditions

You’ll never have the “perfect” schedule, financial situation, or mental state. Some of the most creative works are completed in less than perfect conditions. Start with what you have and be consistent. Consistency will lead to progress and results.

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5. Remember Your ‘Why’

There is a core purpose in whatever you want to accomplish. Ask yourself the following questions. Why do you want to create? Who needs to hear your message? What difference will your message make in the lives of others? Knowing your why can help you to make better choices and will help you push through excuses and other distractions that may come your way.

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Your Story Matters—Make Time for It

If you’ve been putting off writing or creating because you “don’t have time,” remember these women who created masterpieces despite life’s challenges. Your voice is just as valuable. The world needs your story, your expertise, your message.

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Blessings,

Dr. Janice R. Love

Pearls Perfected Institute