Writers live full lives. It doesn’t matter if you’re published or not. Time is a precious commodity. Maintaining motivation and managing your time are imperative.
I have my own struggles in this area. My average day goes something like this: wake up before the sun; get ready for work; commute; work 8 hours at day job (where I’m able to get a little writing done on my breaks and/or lunch); commute home; tackled by four munckins upon entering; help oldest child with homework (if I’m lucky, I can get a few more words written); eat dinner; get kids ready for bed; write until I collapse in jello-like pile on bed.
I know I’m not alone. We’re all busy but for many different reasons. Finding the balance between your relational life and your writing life is key to a writer’s fulfillment. Some writers I know not only write but also teach classes. They may or may not have small children at home but they have deadlines. Or they may also have full or part time jobs. If you have a critique group or partner, adequate time must be given to them. I have a two-year-old liver transplant recipient and her three older siblings demanding my time and energy, which I freely give them.
If you’re married, quality time to nurture your marriage is non-negotiable. Some people are night owls, others are early risers. Each writer’s best part of the day to write varies and so do our vulnerabilities to distractions like Twitter, Facebook and writing blogs.
So, tell me: how do you juggle your own fully loaded days? Do you have this time management thing down to a science?
Definitely don't have this whole life thing down to a science:) I'm a stay-at-home mom with two little kiddies, so I have more time than most. I think it's amazing that you can find time to write. Must mean you really love it.
ReplyDeleteP.S. Your children are beautiful. Best wishes for all of them, especially your littlest.