Those of you who are friends with me on Facebook (friend me!) got to witness me whining and complaining about finding time to write. This summer is being rough on me. Although I have both children in various camps, I still spend a lot of time driving them back and forth. And, I really don't want them in camps all Summer, so it's every couple weeks...
Am I the only writing momma with a headache?
How about a writing pet dad with a headache. No kids, but I have a dog and a turtle. I also have ideas for books/screenplays and a full-time technical writing job. After writing/editing for eight hours, I write exactly nothing when I get home at night!
No Allena, you’re not the only momma who finds it hard to write in the summer.
I find that, if I spend a few solid days with my older child and then tell her I need a few days to work, she’s pretty responsive to that method and usually finds friends to play with on the days I’m “working.”
As for the baby, she’s still to young to care what I’m doing! Now, in a few summers, that may be a different story, but for now, I’ll take it.
Hi Allena –
I am just laughing…reading this while I listen to my two youngest kids bickering downstairs and I try to craft brilliant query letters. Summer is tough! Thought I had this one better planned but we realized yesterday that this week they’re only in half-day camps, not full day…yikes!
It’s really, really hard…and here the weather hasn’t gotten sunny yet! Later this week it’ll be 85, and I’ll be sweltering in my office while I can hear them splashing in our little aboveground pool, right outside my window, with a sitter. Ooh, that’ll be really a productive work environment, eh?
Living for the day when I can just take the summer off…
I set up a writing schedule. I write for thirty minutes in the morning, for example, before I go to work. try buying a microcassette recorder and talk into it. when you have time, translate your random thoughts into coherent sentences and then paragraphs
-Jack:
Establishing a writing schedule is a wonderful idea! I am going to try this because it enable me to set aside some time for writing.
You’re not alone Allena. Feel like I’m juggling jello at the moment, but in reality I’m just juggling 2 kids and my writing. Every summer gets slightly easier as they get older but I think one of the best strategies for me is to just accept that I will be less productive over the summer, and learn to be flexible. Write when I can and learn to take a break when I’m needed – but it’s not easy (it’s taken me 10 minutes yo write this comment!)
I am so there with you. I spend the entire morning dropping off and picking up and running errands for my kids. I haven’t gotten started writing before noon all summer, and several days have been a wash.
I’m writing a fantasy novel and with even one child can share your pain. It’s not her fault at all, but there is just not enough time in the day. I essentially write during my ride on BART, during breaks and lunch at work and in the morning when I first wake up.
Now back to work for me.
It is tough, but can be a little easier if you can stay super organized and sleep a little less! The youngest of our 6 kids is now 17 so we make him a “to do” list every night…he likes it that I don’t bug him and I like it that he doesn’t bug me! We have breakfast and lunch together too.
AND I’m now getting up before 5am to write in the cool & quiet:-)
We have two writing parents in our household, and guess which one gets to watch the kids (ages 6 and 15) while the other gets the “quiet” writing time in the morning (hint: it’s not me:))? I think this summer’s going to a complete wash for me! When the kids were babies, I used to just write all night and nap with them in the mornings, but that’s a schedule that just won’t work anymore.
No you are not. One of my student’s mom’s is a freelancer who writes late at night or early (really early) morning. With two kids, summer is a hard time of year.
I have to say, that although I always wanted to freelance or simply write, I did little outside my job until my own nest was empty.
It does get better!
Well, I am grateful I clicked this link. I have been struggling with writing and raising my young son and glad to see I’m not alone. I’ve been trying to figure out some kind of schedule/routine but just can’t seem to find the groove. Thanks for opening up and sharing.
Best of luck to all you freelance writers
I’m glad, Barbi!
Yes! I am not alone! I am a single writer momma with so little time between falls, scrapes, camps, allergy medications, marketing, queries, trying to make business better while balancing a horrible budget, needing more freelance work (so more marketing), and trying to cook, think and sleep…all in one day, mind you. PLEASE send me ANY suggestions on time management. If I don’t write, we aren’t gonna have the food to cook!
Hope this makes sense…it’s kind of how my mind is working…
Sounds so familiar!