Writing with monsters

Writing and pursuing publication takes time. A lot of time. The creativity for it is its own beast sometimes on its own schedule. At different stages of my process, I have different rituals to write. Some days it takes longer to get into. Throw life and kids in the mix and a swirling tornado of when can I sit and write twists at 200 mph. I've written for many years, but it wasn't until after my second monster was born, was when I started writing in pursuit of publication. When they were little, I thought oh I have no time to do this, but there are ways to fit it in.

First, make sure you are sleeping. My kids never did. Most of my plotting was done in my head as I lay awake on my son's floor wishing he would just sleep. I can't say it was good plotting, but it was turning the wheels. For me, this worked, but I would say if you need sleep, take the time to get some shut eye. You will be a happier person for it. I would also write if and when my kids napped, which was sparse. When did I get other stuff done? Well, my writing time on average was about a half an hour per day, if I was lucky.
When the monsters got to be in school full time some things changed. When I thought I would have more time, I was mistaken. I actually have less. Most of this is my fault. I started working part time and I volunteer a lot so my time has become choppy, and by night time, I'm exhausted. My advice is to make sure you can carve out some time. If it's early in the morning or a half an hour after dinner. Sometimes I write while making dinner. If you feel the creativity coming and the moment is there, write. I've even jotted down ideas in the middle of the airport because a new character whispered in my ear.
Also, my kids activities escalated. If I have to wait for them at one of their activities, I bring the work with me. Whether I'm editing, coming up with a new scene, or brainstorming, I do what I can while I wait. If you can spot when there is a moment of just you, take advantage, even if it's 15 minutes. It's progress.

Second, summer comes. I spend most of my week with my kiddos and part of the week working. In the summertime, adjustments to your schedule will have to be made. My kids do some camps, and we take some vacations, but I like to keep the kids busy. I don't want them on screens all day, so I try and plan out my week around things that need to be done around the house, what the kids are doing, and where the time can fit in. I work better in the morning so I give the kids some time to play with their toys or screens and I try to flesh out some scenes or edit. This does put me on a time limit, but something is moving along. It also does not happen everyday.

Finally, these are some tidbits per my schedule. Your schedule may be different than mine so not all of these recommendations will work for you. Step back or write down your week to see where writing can fit in. Also, try different times and see what works for you.

Lastly, don't be hard on yourself. Everyone is different and our needs are not the same. Kids grow up fast so make sure you soak in the time you have.  I'm just happy when something gets done.

How do you write with your kiddos?

Have a great day!

Blinders

School is starting soon! Well for my kids at least. And yes, I'm excited. My schedule will be back. I can breathe. I love my kids tons, but I need some writing time. The one thing that's hard is blocking that little thing called the internet. It's pesky, isn't it. It teases and looks so inviting, but you must look away and not be tempted. It can be a total distraction, which leads to no time to develop a story. So what do you do when you're stuck on an manuscript problem and you see an email pop up only to learn that it was an advertisement, but it made you think about another social site that you need to check to see if so and so got a book deal? Shut it off. You heard me. I see your eyes are bulging and you're hyperventilating. It's not the end of the world. Seriously.

It seems like we get all our info off of social media (including yours truly). It can be addicting and totally put you off your game. Not only is it sucking up time and keeping you away from creating, it can damage your self esteem. How? As happy as I can be for others when they triumph, it can hurt a little if you have nothing to say about numero uno. In your mind, you may think you're making no progress because there's nothing new with you. But understand everyone is at a different level. They all are traveling down different paths at their own pace, and so are you. Stop and take a look around you, at you. Have I learned this lesson over and over? Yes, but it's worth repeating because we get stuck into the everyday hum drum and it may feel like you're going no where, but everyone else is miles ahead. Bologna. Yes, I used a lunch meat or you could see it as an Italian city, which ever you choose. Moving on.

You have to shut it off and put your fingers to the keys. Even if you have to go to the box directly and switch it off. Give yourself a certain amount of time without it. You'd be surprised at how much you can accomplish. Then reward yourself--chocolate, ice cream, internet time . . . yes childish, but effective. I use the same tactic with my kids. They want video game time, they must read or do math problems to earn time for it. So I should do the same for myself.

Who's up for the challenge?

I will be in the querying trenches for a while. I'm not sure how long I can fight, but I have two novels that are ready. So, my blogging will be spotty. I'm not querying both at the same time. That would be crazy. I plan to do one then the other while writing my fourth novel.

What's new with you?

Have a great day!!