The Writing Desk: Special Guest Post with Nicola Harris, Author of O...

 

Spending Your Time (and Spoons) Wisely:

I have always struggled with time management — or more accurately, energy management until I learned about the spoon theory. Living with a chronic illness means that my energy is limited, and I quickly run out of steam. Learning to pace myself and to plan around my available energy levels has made an enormous difference to my daily life and my writing life, too.

What is the spoon theory?

If you’re new to Spoon Theory, here’s the gist: imagine you start each day with a limited number of spoons. Every task — getting dressed, answering emails, making lunch, writing a chapter — costs a spoon. Some days you’ve got a few extra spoons than usual, and on others you’re running on fumes before breakfast.

Learning how to recognise your own limits and prioritise accordingly is crucial if you want to avoid burnout. It's not about squeezing the most out of every minute, but about making intentional choices that serve both your well-being and your ambitions. Sometimes, that means saying no, reshuffling plans, or simply allowing yourself a proper rest without guilt.

So when people say “successful writers write,” I nod — but I also think, successful writers rest, delegate, and fiercely protect their spoons.

Because yes, we write. But we also do school runs, laundry, day jobs, and the occasional emergency biscuit run. We’re not just authors — we’re humans with lives. And that means we have to be strategic about where our energy goes.

Your Most Precious Resource Isn’t Time — It’s You

The most valuable thing you can offer the world isn’t your availability. It’s your creativity. Your voice. Your unique way of telling a story that no one else can.

So ask yourself:

•             Where is your time and talent best spent?

•             What can you do that no one else can?

•             What drains you unnecessarily — and what could you delegate to others?

If your answer is “writing the best book only I can write,” then that’s where your spoons should go first.

You Don’t Have to Do It All:

Here’s the truth: indie authors wear a lot of hats. We’re writers, editors, marketers, designers, and sometimes our own IT department. But just because you can do it all doesn’t mean you should.

If formatting your manuscript makes you want to cry into your tea, outsource it. If designing a cover eats up three days and all your spoons — hire someone who loves doing it. There are brilliant, affordable specialists out there who can do the job faster, better, and with less stress for you.

Think of it this way: every task you delegate is a spoon you get back. A spoon you can spend on writing, resting, or just being a human who occasionally stares out the window with a biscuit in hand.

Work Smarter, Not Harder:

Professional publishers don’t do everything themselves — they build a team. So why shouldn’t we? Whether it’s hiring a formatter, using a distributor to handle uploads and metadata, or asking a friend to proofread, you’re not failing by asking for help. You’re being smart.

Because at the end of the day, successful writers don’t just write. They prioritise writing. They protect their energy. They build support systems. And they know that their stories — their voice — are worth the investment.

So spend your time (and your spoons) wisely, my friend. The world needs your words — but it also requires you to be well.