Balancing Duty and Passion: How An Author And Law Enforcement Officer Masters His Minutes
On this episode of The Minute Mastery Podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with someone who embodies discipline, dedication, and resilience—Author and law enforcement officer, Rodney Carpentier. By day, he is a seasoned law enforcement officer navigating high-pressure situations. By night (and in between), he is a passionate storyteller crafting gripping fiction, all while juggling family life and the business side of being a self-published author.
So, how does he do it all without burning out?
Let us listen as he shares practical strategies to stay productive and purpose-driven.
The Power of Compartmentalization
Rodney’s time management superpower? Compartmentalization. Whether he is heading into a shift or wrapping up a writing session, he is intentional about transitioning his mindset.
“I use my 45-minute commute as my mental shift,” he shared. “When I’m at work, I’m 100% focused on my assignment. Writing and home life do not enter the picture. Then, on my drive home, I start switching gears back to family and writing.”
This clear mental separation between roles allows Rodney to be fully present wherever he is— As author and law enforcement officer, he knows when to respond to a call or dive into a writing sprint.
Time Blocking and Writing Sprints
Rodney does not wait for inspiration to strike. Instead, he schedules his creativity.
“I’ll dedicate an hour to writing,” he explained. “Set a timer for 15-minute sprints, write non-stop, take a short break, and repeat. When the hour’s up, I stop—even if I’m mid-scene.”
This structure helps him make consistent progress, even on busy days. It is not about waiting for the perfect conditions—it is about using the time you do have wisely.
How He Uses Downtime at Work to Fuel Creativity
In law enforcement, you are often operating at high alert—but there are also quiet moments in between the action. Rodney used to make those moments count.
“I used to work midnights, and I had downtime on shift. That’s when I got into podcasts and audiobooks,” he shared. “Instead of zoning out or wasting time, I used that space to learn.”
That intentional learning became fuel for his writing. True crime podcasts, for example, influenced one of his main characters—a podcaster who plays a pivotal role in his novel’s plot.
Even now, though his administrative role keeps him busier, that habit of feeding his mind remains.
From Author to Marketer—Wearing All the Hats
Being an indie author means you’re not just writing books—you are also your own marketing team.
“If I want people to find my book, I have to lead them there,” Rodney said. “That means social media, email campaigns, and connecting with podcasters on platforms like PodMatch.”
His approach? Time-block marketing tasks just like writing. No multitasking. No distractions. Just 30 focused minutes of outreach or engagement—and then he moves on.
Avoiding Burnout with Support and Clarity
With so many roles—father, husband, officer, author, marketer—burnout is always lurking. Rodney’s answer? Support and clarity.
“There are times my wife has to pull me aside and say, ‘We haven’t had dinner together in days.’ That’s my wake-up call,” he admitted. “Having a strong support system—both at home and at work—makes a huge difference.”
Rodney also leans on a simple mindset tool he picked up in law enforcement: WIN – What is Important Now.
“It is about focusing on the immediate task—what matters most in this moment. When I get home from work, what is important now? Greeting my daughter. Checking in with my wife. Feeding the dogs. Then, if there is time, I write.”
Key Takeaways for Time-Strapped Creatives
Rodney’s approach is not about doing more—it is about doing what matters, with intention and structure. Here is what you can borrow from his playbook:
- Use transitions to reset your mindset between tasks or roles
- Block time for focused creative work and stick to it
- Break down big projects into small, manageable sprints
- Prioritize rest and relationships—your support system matters
- Ask yourself often: What is important now?
Rodney’s story is a powerful reminder that you do not need endless hours to create something meaningful. You just need to master your minutes.
Rodney Carpentier shows us that with structure, support, and a little strategy, you can thrive in both worlds.
His formula is simple, yet powerful:
- Compartmentalize your time and energy
- Draw inspiration from real-life experiences
- Use downtime wisely to keep learning and growing
- Stay rooted in the support of family, friends, and coworkers
- Focus on what is important now
No matter how busy your schedule, there’s always a way to reclaim your minutes—and turn them into milestones.
Connect with Rodney through his website through Linkedin.
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