Steps to consider when writing a novel with a day job
From Kafka, the insurance clerk to Lewis Carroll, the mathematics teacher, writers have tried to balance the call of the muse with the call of the dollar for generations. I too wrote my first two novels while working full-time with P&G and BCG and a major part of my third novel, THE SEEKER, while working as a CMO for a start-up. It’s a constant struggle but a few things have helped me make it work:
1. Write something that’s going to change the world (at-least in your opinion!).
Per my best estimate, a novel worthy of an international publishing deal will take a year of full-time writing or eighteen months of part-time writing. The only way to stay motivated as you plug away night after night, weekend after weekend, is to believe that you want every person in every corner of the earth to read your book because you’ve something important to say. So, pause a minute before you begin your novel. Are you writing for fame or money? Bad idea. There are far, far easier ways to get those. Are you writing because you’re going to shed a unique light on the messy, glorious human condition? Can you not help but write because your heart is overflowing with a story that will complete an incomplete world? Now you’re ready to begin.
2. Adopt a “peak performance” diet.
I can’t emphasize this enough. My productivity has doubled since I quit caffeine and sugar a couple of years ago and massively increased my green juice and salad consumption. In addition to my five-days-a-week exercise habit, a heavily plant-based diet gives me a steady, clean energy through the day without ups and down, sugar highs and caffeine crashes allowing me to write two to three solid hours after work each night.
3. Skip office dinners and happy hours.
Fifteen years after B-school, I’ve observed that folks who’ve risen to the top of their fields are ones who are exceptional at what they do. Polite chit-chat at office dinners and happy hours is grossly over-rated. If you are a Yogi in the workplace, selflessly working towards the company’s best interests without craving credit or personal glory, you’ll do well enough. The time saved in such activities can be better directed towards your art.
4. Have a clear weekend routine.
If you have children or a bustling family life, carving out time to write on the weekend can be especially challenging. That’s where routine helps. Validated by research, a strong sense of routine is one of the biggest enablers to creativity. For Kerry and I this means :
-Sat: Full day off to spend with friends and take the baby out to walks, events etc.
-Sun: We take care of the baby in two hour shifts in the morning. In the evening, we hire a babysitter for four hours from 3-7 p.m.
We’re very consistent with the above. The predictability helps us be both present with family yet get a major chunk of writing done without having to be constantly torn between them.
5. Get used to making independent choices.
No matter your best efforts, balancing art and a corporate career will always be a struggle. Over time, I’ve learnt that I have to make choices that are independent of the herd to pull it off. Some of these like quitting my job every few years to travel for a year or not wasting time and money on a big Indian wedding have been uncomfortable for someone who comes from a conservative Indian family. But they’ve turned out to be the best decisions for my art and my soul. I wish you the very best as you make your own choices in pursuit of your art and leave you with Sartre’s wonderful words, “Those with the temerity to shun convention and make free choices in the search for self are authentic, those who conform to the roles dictated by society and recoil at their unfettered freedom are practicing bad faith.”
And if decide to start writing today, don’t forget to sign up for my full video course on How to get a Top 5 publishing deal here.
http://karanbajaj.com/bestseller/
I cover everything from idea to outline to writing structures and also share Top 50 literary agent contacts in the material. This is the first time I’ve offered a video course and the response has been delightful. Signing up is free!

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17 Responses to “How to write a novel with a day job”
I enjoy reading your blog, its simple & informative. I am an amateur photographer, Sr. Manager Loyalty – Real Estate & a Budding Writer/Book Agent. I plan to quit my job soon, but for now, will keep myself engaged reading blogs, articles & books .. Good Luck.
Thanks Meghana, good luck to you as well for your future endeavors.
I aspire to become writer one day.
For I want to submit my self before your experience and expertise and whim that my submission anf your able guidance would see me through in my aspiration of being read across the geographical inhabitants. ….
I seek the creativity….
For um a seeker like you …..???
Sure man, anything you need. Ask and you shall receive.
What an honest post, Karan! I am a blogger and often wonder if I can be a good writer, in a time when every other person opens a blog and write. But after reading posts on your website, I am really motivated. Thanks and yes, I loved Johnny Gone Down, it has international standard. All the best for the upcoming one.
Thanks Roohi! And all the very best to you for your blog. Looks very interesting.
Write Roohi, you have a great way with words.
“I want to be a writer”.
This was my first thought when i saw Law of Attaction movie “The Secret”. The purpose was to be famous and earn money. A facebook ad showed a writer’s retreat being conducted by “Wendy Goldman Rohm” the accomplished author and literary agent. I attended the workshop at Renaissance Mumbai by spending $70.I wrote hysterically from the zen approach by which i was guided during the workshop.
The need for writing ended the moment my thoughts were littered on a piece of paper.
I don’t know yet what story telling is like. I have lived through a story. The story has a purpose which i am sure will emerge the right time.
Your blog is inspiring enough to keep me on my toes. Thanks a ton!!
You’re a great writer man, I can sense it already. Keep it going–I’m sure I’m going to read your book one day. But money and fame, that’s a promise I can’t make!
I am reading your blog &article, it is very nice and informative for me.Your post have motivating power.I plan to write novel. Your blog is very helping to preparing first writing, learn technique of writing, planning of ideas.I am very intersting to read your book “The Seeker”. I soonly ordered the book. And thank you for writing this blog.
Excellent man! Very good luck with your novel. I’m sure it’ll be great.
Hi , Karan,
Your writings really inspires me….Thank you for sharing your life exoerience with the world…..very few person can do that…i have read ‘The seeker’ that made me to believe more & more doing meditation……i have a dream …..of helping people in every form possible,in every situatiin , by giving service & if possible money….by writing….by speach ….by giving hand to all….by listening everyone…..by putting smile on myself & on others…..
Thank you karan…..for wonderful reading experience….
Amen! You will achieve your dream, Prerak. Good luck!
Hi Karan. Was captivated with the heading ‘Get a Top 5 book deal’, as I have started writing recently. However, after reading some of the stuff here and comments thereon, I feel the need to ascertain whether or not I am good enough to take up writing full time. Thus, is it possible for you to review the most recent fictional story I have written. Even if you just breeze through it and share your first thoughts, it should be good enough for me. Apologies for the trouble.
sure man. karan@karanbajaj.com
Am interested in your course on writing a novel. Please provide information and choices available. Thank you.
http://www.karanbajaj.com/getabookdeal/