4 Signs You’re Taking Your Writing Seriously: What Separates Hobbyists from Serious Authors—And Which One Are You?
You have a vision for your writing. You want your books to leave a legacy, impact readers, and generate lasting income. But there’s a difference between wanting to be an author and committing to being one. Many writers stay stuck in hobby mode, hoping they’ll "find the time" to write, while serious authors make the time. If writing is just a nice idea and you only do it when you feel like it, you may need to rethink your priorities. There’s nothing wrong with writing as a hobby, but if you want a career and profit, your mindset must shift.
I started writing as a kid, but for years, I kept it in the background. I treated it like a hobby without much thought about turning it into a career. That changed when I self-published for the first time in 2013. Seeing the impact of my writing firsthand, I began showing up for it like I would a job. I set a schedule and followed it every single week. Were there exceptions? Sure. But writing became non-negotiable. I treated it with the same commitment as meetings with my clients.
Many authors don’t realize that writing is both an art and a business. Creativity fuels the writing process, but without understanding marketing and advertising, selling books becomes a struggle. That’s why so many writers say, "I finished my book, but how do I sell it?" If learning the business side of writing isn’t a priority, deadlines will keep slipping by. You’ll think, "Oh, I’ll get to it next time." But that’s not you anymore. Why? Because you’re here, looking for a solution to make time for your writing.
So, how do you know if you’re truly treating your writing like a business and not just a passion project? Here are four key signs that show you’re taking your writing seriously—and if you’re missing any, it’s time to shift.
You Have a Writing System, Not Just a Dream
Serious authors don’t rely on inspiration—they have a system. They know exactly when and how they’re writing, even when life gets busy. When hiccups happen, they pivot. Deadlines might shift, but the goal remains the same. I’ve had to adjust my word count, but that doesn’t change the fact that I’m going to finish my book. It’s not "if I finish," it’s "when I finish." See the difference?
Having a structured writing system keeps you consistent, helps you finish your book faster, and builds momentum—without burnout. That doesn’t mean writing constantly and being chained to your laptop. What I advocate for is consistency: a writing routine that fits your life. It’s flexible enough to adjust when needed while still giving you a sense of accomplishment. Some days, I don’t meet my goals, but I still feel like a boss because I showed up to write. I check it off my schedule and move on.
If you don’t control your writing time, life will. Without a clear system, writing remains a wish—not a priority. No more wishful thinking. It’s time to write.
You Treat Your Writing Like a Non-Negotiable Commitment
Hobbyists write when they have time. Serious authors write because they make time. It’s not about convenience—it’s about commitment. That means protecting your writing time like any other important appointment.
When you take your writing seriously, others will too. The moment you stop treating it like an optional hobby, you’ll start seeing real results. So, when it’s time to write, don’t say, "Let me take care of this other thing real quick." If you struggle to focus, set aside a few minutes beforehand to get in the zone.
Good intentions will only take you so far. If you’ve been working on a book for months or even years, ask yourself:
"Am I going to write this or not?"
You can tell me your goals and aspirations, but if you keep putting off writing, your commitment is questionable. It’s time to keep your word—to yourself and to your writing. Show up and do it. It’s better than the pain of regret.
Do you really want to wake up one day hating the fact that you left your book trapped inside your brain? I don’t think so. Tough love here—but sometimes, it’s necessary. We get in our own way. Sometimes, you need a friend to ask, "Do you want this or not?"
You Invest in Accountability and Growth
Successful authors don’t do it alone. They know the power of mentorship, community, and accountability. They surround themselves with people who push them forward, not those who reinforce excuses.
Trying to go it alone is the slowest path to success. Accountability keeps you consistent, focused, and confident in your writing journey. That’s why I love serving my clients inside the No Time Writer Mentorship Program.
For your first 90 days in my program, you get three Zoom calls with me—one each month—where I help you refine your writing schedule and troubleshoot anything getting in your way. We tackle challenges head-on. No more excuses. No more waiting.
If you’re not ready for that, then working with me isn’t the best fit. But if you’re done waiting—if you want results now—it’s time to make a change.
You See Writing as a Business, Not Just a Creative Outlet
Serious authors know that writing a book is just the beginning. They think beyond the draft—into publishing, marketing, and making their writing sustainable. They understand that if they want their books to reach readers and generate income, they need a strategic plan.
Shifting your mindset from "just writing" to "building an author career" unlocks new levels of success and opportunity. But none of that matters if you don’t have a finished draft.
There are no opportunities if you’re not writing consistently. You might dream of winning a book award—but you need a finished book to submit. You might want a thriving author platform—but how many times have you delayed your release date?
It all starts with a finished book. Finishing opens doors to more opportunities. Don’t miss out on yours.
What’s Next?
Ask yourself: Which of these four signs am I already practicing, and where do I need to step up? Be honest. If you’re missing any, it’s time to shift from hobbyist to serious author.
The fastest way to make that shift? Getting guidance, a writing system, and real accountability.
🚀 Ready to take your writing seriously? Book a clarity call to join No Time Writer today!
Inside my No Time Writer Mentorship Program, I help business-minded authors stay accountable, manage their time effectively, and finally finish their books—without sacrificing their other responsibilities. If you’re ready to stop waiting and start writing with confidence, let’s talk!
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