Many of us have to juggle family commitments while writing. Finding the ‘perfect’ balance between the two is always a challenge. You may be in the depths of a scene when a small hand lands on your lap and pleading eyes look up at you. Can you delay the toddler’s wants for your own? Do you crumble and leave the narrative in the hope you will remember the details later?
No matter what age your children are or how involved your partner, there is always a demand for your attention. There will be times when you just want to immerse yourself in your creativity, undisturbed. These three blog posts cover some of the emotions and stresses felt. As well as tips on how to organize your time productively.
http://thewriteconversation.blogspot.ca/2013/07/prioritiesjuggling-family-commitments.html
http://thewritersalleys.blogspot.ca/2010/06/juggling-summer-days-and-writing.html
How do you manage to juggle your family life and writing life?
As your children become older, is it easier?
Can you rely on a partner, friend or family member to entertain while you write?
What tips can you share?
The majority of my writing occurs when Caleb is asleep, although any technical writing contract work is based out of the office I used to work at whenever they need me. I am fortunate to have the support of Colin and my parents to look after Caleb if I have a deadline to meet or a full day of contract work.
During the day my focus is being with Caleb and keeping up with house projects, but sometimes it can be quite late at night before I’m able to sit down at the computer for some “me time!” As Linda can attest to, I have a habit of sending emails around 2:00 a.m.! At the beginning of the week I find it helpful to identify writing priorities for the next few days and try to stick to a set, but flexible, schedule.
It’s a delicate balancing act and I wish I could carve more time for writing, but I value the time I’m able to spend with Caleb while he’s little and I know it will be easier once he’s older!
The ‘easier’ might not be as soon as you think, Bethany! However, school will give you a certain amount of ‘me’ time if you make it a priority.
I get up at 5 a.m. every weekday, and write before the kids get up. And at the weekends, my husband takes the boys for 3-4 hours, and I either dash to a cafe and write, or they go out to the movies/playground, and I close myself in the office with my laptop and write.
So, it’s a combination of carving out the time, and having an amazingly supportive spouse who loves my writing, and believes in it. Even when I don’t.
Such commitment to your craft – we honor you.
Sometimes you need a DO NOT DISTURB sign that ejects from the house anyone who doesn’t honor the signal. Unfortunately, I don’t have one, but there have been many times where I needed on desperately. 🙂
Exactly, Chris…if only signs like that worked!