Ngozi Edema Host of the Minute Mastery PodcastOne Focused Hour to Write Your Book — Here’s How
One focused hour may be all is needed to turn your dream of writing a book, to a finished masterpiece.
We all know someone who dreams of writing a book. Maybe that person is you. But what if I told you that the gap between aspiring authors and published authors isn’t always talent, opportunity, or even resources—it’s time management?
That’s right. The game-changer isn’t more inspiration or better writing skills. It’s the ability to protect one hour a day and use it consistently. One focused hour. That is all you need to make serious progress on your book—and your dream.
In this episode of the Minute Mastery Podcast, I walk you through exactly how to carve out that time, how to use it well, and why it matters more than you think.
The Myth of "More Time"
Let’s be honest: none of us have time just lying around waiting to be used. Life is full—between family, work, school runs, errands, and everything else. The truth is, you don’t need more time. You need to be more intentional with the time you already have.
I used to think I needed a whole weekend or a vacation to finally sit down and write. Years ago, I had a brilliant idea for a book and a companion YouTube channel. At the time, no one in my niche had done anything like it. I was ranking on Google and poised to take the leap.
But I didn’t. I waited for the perfect moment that never came. A few years later, dozens of people had launched similar projects—and done well with them. What did they have that I didn’t? Not more talent. Just better time habits. They showed up daily. I didn’t.
That was a wake-up call.
Time Blocking: The Tool That Changes Everything
Time blocking is simply assigning a task to a specific time and treating it like a non-negotiable appointment. You already do this—you show up on time for doctor’s appointments, work meetings, school pick-ups. You block out that time and protect it.
Writing deserves the same respect.
Imagine what would happen if you gave your writing one protected hour every day. That one hour could change everything.
I used to think time blocking would just add pressure to an already full day. But then I realized: I was already time blocking without calling it that. Every time I planned errands in the same area or scheduled appointments back-to-back, I was maximizing my time.
The difference now? I plan writing time the same way I plan everything else.
The Time-Blocked Author Framework
Here’s a simple, repeatable framework I use—and now teach—to help busy people write books one hour at a time.1. Choose Your Prime Hour
Pick an hour of the day when you’re mentally fresh and least likely to be interrupted. Maybe it’s early in the morning before the house wakes up. Maybe it’s your lunch break or a quiet hour before bed.
What matters most is consistency, not perfection. Show up for that hour like you would for a meeting with your boss. Your dream deserves that level of priority.2. Set Micro Goals
Avoid vague plans like “write for an hour.” Instead, set a clear, small goal. For example:
- “Outline one chapter.”
- “Write 500 words.”
- “Brainstorm character names.”
Micro goals make the hour feel doable and rewarding. Small wins create momentum.3. Protect the Block
When it's time to write, treat it like sacred space. Turn off notifications. Let your family know you’re not available. Put your phone on airplane mode. Close unnecessary tabs.
You’re not stealing time from anyone. You’re investing in your future.4. Track Real Progress
If you write just 500 words a day, five days a week, that’s 2,500 words a week. In just 16 weeks, you’ll have 40,000 words—enough for a full book.
You don’t need to disappear from your family or quit your job. You just need to show up for one hour a day.
What If You Can’t Find the Hour?
If one hour a day sounds impossible, don’t worry. That just means you need to do a time audit. Look at where your time is going. You may need to:
- Delete low-priority tasks,
- Delegate what others can do,
- Or reduce time spent on distractions.
Even if you only find 15 minutes, own those 15 minutes. They count. You’ll need more time, sure—but the magic is in starting. One page, one scene, one idea at a time.
Here’s your challenge:
Block one hour tomorrow.
Set one tiny writing goal.
Turn off the noise. Just start.
This is how books are born.
Not in long retreats or month-long sabbaticals—though those are nice.
Books are born in short, focused, daily sessions from people who choose to show up even when it’s hard.
Final Thought:
What is the number one thing you need to write a book? Time! You also need to start. You need movement.
And movement happens in minutes—one focused hour at a time.
If this post inspired you, take a screenshot, share it on Instagram, and tag me @ngoziedema.
Let’s keep each other accountable.
And if you are new here, thanks for stopping by. I help busy authors and entrepreneurs create time for what truly matters. I strongly recommend time-blocking. To get you started with time blocking, grab your guide below:https://timeblockingmasterytakecontrolofyourtimeandgetmoredone-mc0.plannerpack.co
Join my newsletter for a weekly doze of motivation to help you reclaim time to do the things that matter: https://mailchi.mp/ngoziedema.com/personal-time-audit-discover-hidden-time-wasters-and-reclaim-your-day
If need help in inplementing what was discussed in this episode, start by downloading this worksheet: https://mailchi.mp/ngoziedema.com/free-writing-hour-worksheetGet copies of my books: https://www.amazon.com/shop/africanfoodsdotcom/list/121PPT4JMU0Y5?ref_=aipsflist
Work with me: https://www.ngoziedema.com/work_with_me.html
You will find the best stuff on the blog! Check out the following:
Like this post? Share it!
Fresh-squeezed how-to tips on book writing and busy mom life delivered to your inbox weekly.
My mama taught me never to brag. But permit me just this once to brag. Our emails kind of rock. This is where all the magic happens. Sign up for regular pep talks, inspiration, and all kinds of substance-packed goodness. Let's connect before you say goodbye.