Rediscovering My Muse: Finding Time for Writing Amidst a Busy Law Practice

Writing was once a dream. Then I began the work, and the dream became real, more real than I expected. There have been surprises along the way, but one truth has settled into my bones: writers must write if they want to live. Something inside demands release; without expression, it turns on you. For me, the relationship with my inner muse is like tending a perennial garden, constantly growing, shedding, sprouting, and dying back. She is a mercurial companion at times, but a faithful one.

Lately, though, that garden has gone a bit untended. Not blocked, exactly, just overgrown and hard to approach. My day job as a lawyer and the challenge of building a mediation practice from the ground up have kept me focused, leaving little energy for creative work. But now the muse has returned, persistent as ever, and I feel ready to step back into writing with renewed attention.

Now, it is time again. Pen to paper.

Pen to paper.

The Challenge of Balancing Law and Creativity

Engaging in trial-focused law practice is demanding. Every day brings new challenges, client meetings, other lawyers, hearings, and the constant need to stay sharp. On top of that, building a mediation practice requires networking, training, and developing trust with clients and colleagues. These tasks are rewarding but time-consuming.

This workload often leaves little mental space. Creativity requires focus and calm, which can be hard to find after a long day of legal work. Many writers face this challenge when juggling a demanding career alongside their passion projects.

Why Writing Took a Backseat

The decision to prioritize my law practice and mediation work was necessary. Early stages of building a mediation practice involved establishing credibility in a new field, developing a website to market services to potential clients, reading (lots of reading), and managing administrative tasks and case follow-ups. I was surprised by how much time and energy each step required, often spilling into evenings and weekends. Writing, which requires a different kind of mental engagement, naturally took a backseat.

Recognizing the Return of the Muse

Recently, I noticed a shift. Ideas for the stories that were residing somewhere within me started knocking on the door again. Then the knocking became relentless. The only way to keep the muse alive when she decides to return is to let her in and put pen to paper. That is right: pen to paper. I surely betray my age when I tell you that I handwrite my first drafts before moving to a computer. Another tell? I write in cursive.

Planning to Carve Out Writing Time

To make the most of this renewed inspiration, I plan to experiment with dedicated writing periods. In the long run, most writers treat the craft like a job, and I share that view. It is far better to write regularly, even in modest daily or weekly increments. Still, I am going to try something a little different: setting aside one or two weeks here and there to focus solely on my stories. When I can afford it, I hope to spend that time somewhere away from home, possibly in New Mexico, which has always been a second home to me. There, I can let the Land of Enchantment fuel my imagination from the porch of a cabin high in the mountains or off a lonely desert track because a secluded place provides the best nourishment for my muse. Stepping away from the noise of daily life helps me recover the deep focus I need. I am hopeful this approach will let me immerse myself fully, without everyday distractions, and make meaningful progress.

The two projects I want to prioritize are:

• A sequel to The Last Independence Day: Secession

• A new work titled The American of Venice

  
  

By creating focused blocks of time, I hope to make significant progress on both. Let’s see how it works.

Practical Tips for Balancing Writing and a Busy Career

For anyone facing similar challenges, here are some strategies that have helped me and might help you:

• Schedule writing time like an appointment. Treat it as non-negotiable.

• Break writing into small, manageable sessions. Even 20-30 minutes daily can add up. Write something, and remember Hemingway’s edict: “The first draft of anything is shit.” My post-script? “And that’s okay. You’d put pen to paper, as it were.”

• Create a dedicated writing space. A quiet, comfortable spot signals your brain it’s time to focus.

• Limit distractions. Turn off notifications and set boundaries with family or housemates during writing time. But if you have dogs, you must let them curl up at your feet.

• Use writing prompts or outlines. These tools help jumpstart creativity when time is limited.

• Be patient with yourself. Creativity ebbs and flows; some days will be more productive than others.

  
  

Looking Ahead with Optimism

The journey of balancing a demanding law career and writing is ongoing. It requires flexibility, discipline, and self-compassion. But the return of my muse reminds me that creative work is always possible, even in the busiest seasons.

By planning focused writing periods and using practical strategies, I am confident I can make meaningful progress on my stories. I look forward to sharing these works with readers in the future.

If you are juggling multiple passions, remember that it’s okay to pause and return when the time feels right. Your creativity will find its way back.

And if the muse has taught me anything, it is this: when she comes knocking, open the door and write—if only to remember who you are.