ALLISON MARTIN

Being a healthy author can feel like juggling flaming swords while riding a unicycle. Writing, family, health, and marketing all demand time and energy, and no one really gives you a manual on how to keep it all in the air. If you’re in the same boat, let me share a few things I’ve learned about navigating this tricky balancing act.

Start with Health

It sounds obvious, but prioritizing your health makes everything else easier. When I’m well-rested, well-nourished, and have taken time to move my body, I’m sharper and more creative. Writing flows better, marketing feels less like pulling teeth, and I’m more present for my family. On days I skip those basics? It all starts to unravel. This doesn’t mean you have to spend hours meal-prepping or training for a marathon. Find what works for you—whether it’s a daily walk, ten minutes of yoga, or sneaking veggies into your pasta—and stick with it. When you inevitably slip, which we all do, just get back to it and start again.

The Writing Comes First

As an author, writing should always be the top priority. Without the book, there’s nothing to market. That said, finding writing time isn’t easy when life pulls you in a million directions. For me, it’s about carving out protected time—even if it’s just an hour—and treating it as sacred. I struggle in this area but I’m working on setting clear boundaries with family and friends during that time, and I’ve learned to silence my inner critic to get the words down. It doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to be written.

Family Needs Flexibility

Balancing family responsibilities is a moving target. Some weeks, I have the bandwidth to make Pinterest-worthy meals, enjoy a clean home and a happy kid. Other weeks, we are living on Ramen in a pile of unfolded laundry. And that’s okay. I’ve learned that being present doesn’t mean being perfect. It’s about showing up when it matters most and being honest about when you need help.

Marketing Without Burnout

Marketing is often the hardest part for authors. It’s time-consuming, draining, and can feel like shouting into the void. What helps me is focusing on what feels authentic. For example, I’ve learned I’m happiest connecting directly with readers through email newsletters and blog chats like this one. Social media is fine, but it’s not my main priority because it’s not where my ideal audience lives. Do your research and pick one or two marketing strategies that align with your strengths and let the rest go.

The Myth of Perfect Balance

The truth is, balance doesn’t mean giving equal attention to everything all the time. I like to think of it more as blending instead of balancing. Some seasons are writing-heavy, while others require more focus on family or health. And depending on where you are in your life, your blend will look different and you have to be flexible enough to adjust when you need to. Instead of striving for perfection, aim for harmony.

Give yourself grace, and remember why you’re doing this in the first place.

If you’re an author trying to juggle it all, know this: You’re not alone. It’s messy, but it’s also rewarding. Take care of yourself, write the words, and trust that the rest will fall into place—one step at a time.