It’s sad to see that I’m only managing to blog on these once-a-month Indie Life occasions, but with a rambunctious seven-year old boy, an early terrible two-er, and another baby on the way, I find that I only get to write in small little spurts throughout the day. I don’t know why I keep thinking that I’ll get to write so much during the summer. Now if I was a big name, traditionally published author I could hire people to take care of my little ones so that I could finish my last book asap, but alas, this is the plight of many indie writers struggling to finish books along with another job.
So these are the stolen moments I try to grab throughout the day in order to make slow (but steady) head-way on my final book in the series:
I wake up with my laptop right beside my bed. I try to get a good fifteen minutes in before anyone is aware that I’m awake. It’s enough time to check all my accounts and answer any important emails.
I keep my laptop nearby for those rare moments the kids settle down and watch something on the TV. I try to jump right back in where I left off the night before. Even if I add only a paragraph I feel it’s progress.
When I’m driving around, taking the kids to programs, I always have my iPhone with me to jot down notes. This is a great time for brainstorming and thinking little details through. Some of my best thoughts come through in these busy moments.
When my one-and-a-half year old naps, I try to get my seven-year old occupied with a craft or book so that I can get at least an hour of writing in. Some days are more productive than others ๐
During doctor’s appointments (and there have been a lot of them lately!), I bring my research books along with me. I always have a pen handy to write notes directly in the margins.
Unfortunately, with the late night fireworks recently, my kids’ sleep schedule has been thrown out of whack and they’ve been going to bed near the time I collapse. I’ve been trying to move it slowly back every night since that is another time I can get a good hour of writing in (if I turn the TV off that is).
The weekends can be even more chaotic since we try to get out to enjoy the east coast summer. I feel guilty staying inside while my kids are being kids. I may take a half-hour here and there, but I try to stay focused on my family.
So this is why my books take some time. Not only do I spend a lot of time researching and plotting out the whole storyline, but with only an hour here and an hour there, it’s a wonder I even get books finished at all!
The new baby will be due in the early fall and I know that even these hours will be reduced to fifteen minutes here and there, but every paragraph that’s written is progress and it will get done if I keep working on it. Of course I wish I could magically stop time to write to my heart’s content, but this is the reality of the part-time/sometimes/not-enough-time writer.
What about you? Where do you steal some time to write?
I like to write early in the morning.
My kids are both grown and flown the nest but there’s still things that ALWAYS manage to get in the way of writing. The last two weeks I’ve been working extra shifts at the day job – which takes a bite out of my free time.
I pulled something in my back yesterday and took a couple of back pills last night and woke up this morning feeling as if my brain had turned into packing cheesies.
I’ve got a lawn that needs mowing, windows to patch, paperwork that needs seeing to – life is always full of something. Doesn’t matter who you are – things just always seem to pile up.
In between we write.
That’s as hard and as easy as it ever gets.
What a great line. I think it’s going to be my new mantra. Hope your back feels better. You can’t get anything done with a bad back.
You are always an inspiration to me, being an Indie writer who is busy raising a family and yet you always complete your books. ๐ it is amazing how you find time to write in one hour spurts or here and there while waiting at the doctors office. It reminds me how much writing I can be doing with all my spare time! I have been getting more done being out in the mountains, but I do spend a lot of time getting caught up with other things and I need to refocus that energy more often. All the best writing and I hope you are well!
I think I’m always scared that somehow I want get that next book done. I wonder if that is a common fear among writers that the last book you wrote will be your last. I’m sure the mountains are so beautiful right now and I’m sending you lots of good writing wishes as well!
It’s hard to find time when you have other commitments. Especially when it’s little ones, it’s not like a day job you can leave at 5pm. I usually write after work and on weekends. My kids are grown now, so it’s not as hard as it used to be. ๐
Thanks so much for commenting, Kimberly. I’m sure it’s hard to be creative after a tiring day at work. Sometimes I say to myself that I’ll get so much more writing done when the kids are older, but I can see from these comments that life just keeps throwing out obstacles that you have to write around ๐
My kids are grown and gone. But I work 29 hours a week outside of the home to help pay the bills. There is also housework, meals to cook, shopping, laundry, life’s curve balls, and whatever else I forgot to add here that gets in the way. But I manage to write at least 800 to 2000 words a day. I’m happy with that. I except it as a blessing.
Hugs and chocolate,
Shelly
Found you through Indie Life.
So glad you found me through Indie Life! 800 to 2000 words a day is fantastic progress! Good for you fitting that in. I know it is not easy.
I’m off to take a peek at your Indie Life blog ๐
To all of Lauren’s ‘Indie club’ friends…from her Dad…[I know she’s going to be embarrassed by this]..
If you knew Lauren’s children, I’m amazed she’s still sane each night, much less stealing time to write…and YES, I am so ‘blown away’ by my daughter.. even if no one else ever read her words…
But this is only one dimension of her special talents, but a very important one to her. So keep encouraging her…
And we can’t wait for her new gift package coming at the end of September!
Her books provide a wonderful bridge for a father and daughter to share life’s journey.
Lauren’s Dad
You’re right, I am embarrassed…haha. But thanks so much for the support and sweet words, Dad!
I’m pretty sure I can no longer call myself a writer since I haven’t in so long. I think about my final editing round but that’s as far as I get. At New Years I set my goal to be published by my birthday. That’s in about 2 weeks.
Maybe I meant my birthday in 2014?
I wish I had your drive. I’ve been editing for so long, I wonder if I’ll know how to write again!
Great job getting it all done
Well goals are set to motivate us but you don’t have to live and die by them. So you’re not going to be done by your birthday, but make stretch it to a few months later. Sounds like you’re almost done so just keep trying to pick it up for at least an hour each day. Don’t worry, you’ll get there!
Writing with little kids is quite a challenge! I used to get more done when my daughter still had naps than I did when she was around 5-6. It’s a little easier now she’s nine, but I still find the only way to get more than 15 minutes at a time is to get up super early. Don’t think I could have done it when she was younger though.
Keep going. Every paragraph you write is indeed a victory!
I live in fear of my little one dropping her nap! It is my most productive writing time of the day. It seems a lot of writers use the wee hours of the morning and maybe I should try that. I’m usually not a morning person but I’d probably be fresher than I am late at night (at least before all my sleep vanishes with the new baby).
I didn’t mind the say sleep going to much, because she started going to bed at a decent hour for the first time. Didn’t last though! I’m not a morning person either, but sometimes you do what you have to do. Not to say it would work for everyone. If I’d tried it when she was younger, she would have just woken up when she heard all the movement!
You’re making great progress! Be proud! I’m much like you. I have a job, and a two year old, and a four year old. Plus a husband who likes to see me occasionally. I fit writing in between family life by leaving my iPad and keyboard set up on the kitchen table. Ten to twenty minutes here and there and the word count can really add up.
Thanks so much, J.R. I have to just keep remembering that every word written is one more word closer to finishing. Slow and steady ๐
So happy for you about the baby! I remember my pregnancy. I had zero energy. How you manage 2 kids plus the writing…wow. Agree with your dad and everyone else. You’re an inspiration for all of us! Hugs and take care!
Thanks so much, Yesenia. The last few weeks I haven’t even had the chance to open up my ms. I am really looking forward to school starting soon ๐
Hang in there! I have a tween and a toddler too, so I can totally relate. On the bright side, you might find yourself with some extra time after the new baby comes and you’re home watching the lil guy or gal while the other kids are out and about with hubby or asleep.
I find the only time I can write uninterrupted is when I’m (a) not at home, or (b) when the kids are asleep. It has made me a night owl. ๐
Oh you’re getting trouble on both ends there with a tween and a toddler! I’m just crossing my fingers for a baby that likes to sleep a lot.
You’ve got your hands full, but you’re doing great. Hang in there. I guess the key is to write whenever you canโeven if you’ve only got fifteen minutes or an hour. Just don’t ever stop writing.
The hardest part for me is when ideas begin forming in my head while I’m in the middle of cooking, or changing diapers, or grocery shopping, etc. I try my best to jot down what I can on my iPhone. Then when I’ve got some free time, I transfer my notes to my computer. Nowadays, I write whenever I can. It’s better than not being able to write anything at all. ๐