Write Like A Mother: Challenges

Welcome to another edition of Write like a Mother, where I share results from a survey answered by other mom writers. (Part 1 was on finding time to write & part 2 was on routines)

Today’s topic is all about challenges. And there are so many. From time to energy to just having the will to keep pushing. Sometimes it feels like the challenges far outweigh the benefits (more often than not). But there are benefits, and we’ll get to that too!

What are some of the challenges you’ve found with writing with children?

Because I write snarky, sweary romance with some steamy scenes, it was a giant challenge when my kid started reading. I couldn’t just write when he was in the room anymore, because he wanted to look over my shoulder to see what I was doing. Whoops! The other huge challenge is that I’m easily distracted and if I get pulled out of my zone when the kids are playing (or arguing!), it is hard to find my focus again.

Amber Roberts (Twitter: @arobertswrite)

Make the time. Dealing with the mom guilt that comes with making the choice between focusing on a creative project or being with my kids. And just having the energy let over, once they are asleep, to even be able to work on something creative.

Megan Clancy (Twitter: @mclancyauthor)

Just finding time and mental energy.

Sarah Adler (Twitter: @sarahaadler)

The exhaustion and being able to stick to a schedule has been the most difficult. As you know, life isn’t always very predictable when it comes to parenting.

Cait Maloney (Twitter: @CaitPersists)

You’re spread more thinly, so it takes more diligence and effort to put in the time required to write.

Casey Kincade (Twitter: @noir_kincade)

There are many, but the biggest was learning to write in small spurts. That I would rarely get uninterrupted time and I had to write whenever. This meant being able to quickly switch modes throughout the day.

Bethany (Twitter: bstefanski2)

Finding the motivation when I finally have the time. I would love to write midmorning, but it’s just not feasible. I homeschool, and that’s the kids best time to be focused as well. By the end of the day, it’s sometimes hard to find the energy to work on my projects.

Ellis Goodwyn (Twitter: @goodwynpub)

Feeling like I should be spending the time with them or doing something more productive that immediately benefits the family.

Sarah Slusher (Twitter: @reallyintoblog)

Constant interruptions. The feeling of being torn between my passion (writing) and being a good wife and mother. I tend to feel like I am constantly stealing energy from one bank to put in another and sometimes I don’t know if I’m giving enough attention to anything.

Jess A Guest (Twitter @JessA_Writer)

I like to write in quiet and kids are not quiet. I was writing in the basement at a reserved spot during the kids electronic time. I was isolated and it was good. We moved my boys to the downstairs bedroom and now I never feel alone.

Angie (Twitter @AMaesAuthor)

So I think one of the most consistent answers for this question was TIME. There’s never enough, unfortunately. Of course, that’s true whether you have kids or not. Hopefully if you are a parent (or not a parent too) who writes, this makes you feel a little less alone in your struggles. And if you are thinking about becoming a parent or are already a parent and want to write, you can see and prepare for some of the challenges ahead.