Write like a Mother: Finding Time to Write
A while ago, I wrote about my experience of being a mom and writing. And I got such a good response, I thought it might be interesting to hear from other mom writers. They are all at different stages, write different genres, have different age kids. Some work, some don’t. But the one thing we all have in common is we all are moms and we all write. And we all get that it’s hard.
I made a little survey and a bunch of incredible women took time out of their day to answer my questions. And now I’m going to share them. Whether you are a writer who is wanting to become a parent, or a parent who wants to be a writer, or maybe you are already both (or neither!) hopefully you’ll find something helpful in this series. (A note – I sent the survey to nearly 30 women and I won’t be using all answers for all posts, just so they don’t get too long & there is a variety of answers).
Today’s focus is on finding time to write, because that is the number one issue, at least for me. And I think that goes for just about everyone, whether you have kids or not. It’s hard to find time to write.
When do you write and why does it work for you?
Night. I have never ever been a morning person. And I have always–even before I was a writer–become very productive around 9 or 10 at night. I started writing seriously again when my kids were about 8 and 10, so they weren’t sup early risers anymore, and I could make nighttime work. I also worked night shift as a nurse, and I would write during slow times at three in the morning. I like the privacy of nighttime. I like that all my other obligations are done, or at least done until tomorrow. And honestly, it just feels natural to me.
Sara Read (Twitter: @sarareadauthor)
Generally naptime (early afternoon) and evenings (9pm-ish) but I would like to make more of a dedicated routine. During naptime is the easiest, but I also have other things I’d like to do, like work out, laundry, and other chores/etc so I don’t always find the time. As for why it works, I’d say because the tiny human is sleeping and doesn’t need me during those times! But the trick is getting the motivation to come during those designated windows, which doesn’t always happen.
Dallas Stotland (Twitter: @DallasStotland)
Pre-child and on non-work days, I used to like to write as soon as I got up, from about 8am to 11am. Preferably in bed with coffee or at a coffee shop! Next I would write after dinner until about 8 or 9pm. Over the past year, I’ve been juggling childcare with paid work (to pay for daycare) and I haven’t written a thing. I’m yet to figure out how and when I will find the time and energy in my new schedule with a nearly 3yo.
Nights, specifically from 9-10 or 10:30 pm. From 6am-8 pm, I am a full-time working mom. Then at 8pm I relax and usually watch one hour of TV with my husband. Then I am in a good headspace to write.
Erin Pullman (Twitter: @erinpullmann)
I write in small spurts throughout the day. On weekends I might get a longer block of time, usually in the morning. I have no choice but to make it work, otherwise I would never finish a draft.
Bethany (Twitter: @bstefanski2)
I write in short bursts throughout the day. I finally got serious about writing during the pandemic, and the one thing that has been consistent throughout is there can be no schedule. I have a 5-year-old and a 13-year-old, and every day is different. When the kids are in school, I get my best writing done while they are gone. When they’re not, though, I still have to find pockets and I do a lot of writing in the 15 minutes after I shower, or by writing on my phone’s notes app while I’m taking my time cooking or doing the dishes, or at bedtime by fishing my phone back out to capture everything that floods into my mind the minute my head hits the pillow.
Shelley Mann Hite (Twitter: @shelleymann)
I write whenever I have a pocket of time, but lately it’s been while snuggled up to my youngest while he’s watching cartoons after lunch. He’s in a phase where he just wants to be right next to me at all times, so this time works for both of us.
Lindsey Babuder (Twitter: @LBabuder)
So we’re all just trying to fit it in when we can, whether that’s in 10 minute increments during the day, early morning or after kid bedtime. It isn’t easy for anyone, but we all love it, and that’s why we do it.
Thanks so much to all of the moms who took my survey! I’ll be sharing more answers soon.
