I am a “Writer Mama”. I write this sitting on the floor next to my almost 9 month old who is sitting in a pile of toys to keep her distracted. The hum of my other daughter’s monitor buzzes behind me as she just settled into sleep. This is how I write-juggling my creativity with my 24/7 duty. I know I am not alone.
When I was reading Stephen King’s On Writing I was struck by how much time he said he wrote and how you weren’t really a serious writer if you didn’t spend every free moment writing. Well, Stephen, clearly you were not up all night with your crying, teething kids or making the school runs. I don’t really want to call out the king of horror though because I fear I may ending up like Sissy Spacek in Carrie. No thanks! (I’m legit scared. Sorry Mr. King)
This article by Dorit Sasson discusses how this balance takes place in so many lives and how she is able to overcome it. I love her honesty and tips for maintaining our sanity while trying to carve out a writing life.
Personally, I feel guilty when I am writing and my child wants me. I’ve started giving her a “quiet basket” filled with activities and books she could do on her own so I can get a moment to write. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t.
Writing at night after they’ve gone to bed almost never happens. I’m tapped out and usually ready for bed myself. I use that time to read articles, catch up on emails and check all the internet nonsense that would be a distraction during the rest of the day.
But here I am, still plugging along. Writing myself notes here and there for when I have time to work. I just had to pause in order to change a diaper. That’s how we get it done. To all my Writer Mamas (and Dads) out there, I salute you and keep it up!
How do you carve out your writing time? Do you have magically cooperative kids? (If so, can we swap? Just kidding, I love my kiddies)
P.S. Another Writer Mama-THE Writer Mama- who has a lot of great advice is Christina Katz. Loved her book: Writer Mama, How To Raise A Writing Career Alongside Your Kids-check it out here.
Megan Taraszkiewicz 
Hi Megan, thanks for the shout out. It sounds like you are doing great. Your post reminds me of what it was like when my daughter was young. A real key for moms is to make sure you are not trying to do it all yourself. You need to have support in order to write because it does take time. I had a babysitter who came into the house and a supportive husband, who would take over, so I could go teach, go work on my writing, or just get out of the house for a break. I’d like to see the newer writer mama community writing about how they co-parent and how each spouses goals matter in the relationship. I know how moms can tend to think they have to be everything for everyone all the time. And it’s impossible to build a career, even in baby steps, without everyone in the home agreeing that it’s important. (And I’m not saying you don’t have support, I’m just saying I’d love to hear more about the support you have and how you are working towards giving yourself more.)
Thanks for stopping by, Christina. I found your book very helpful. I know exactly what you are saying. I think I should create another post that covers my personal support, how that works and where I find time to do what I need to do. It might be helpful for others to see what we are doing at home and the readers may have more advice on what works for them. Thanks for sharing what worked for you!