How Mamas (find the time to) Write

This post is for all the moms out there - especially the moms who are also writers! Although I'm not a mom yet, I am a writer, and on weekdays from sunrise to sunset (more or less) I am a nanny to four children, so I understand the struggle of not being able to focus on writing when little ones are around.

A couple of years ago I listened to a podcast interview of Donna VanLiere, an author of some beautiful novels and a memoir that greatly impacted me prior to writing of Embracing Hope During Infertility. Donna's difficult road to motherhood eventually blessed her with three children by adoption, so "mom" is her number one career. However, she's a writer as well, and I took note of her habit that she shared in the podcast: When her children are all in school, she goes to a coffee shop and focuses on writing. She writes when her kids are in school, and is able to focus on motherhood when they're home.

Hallee Bridgeman writes Christian romances, and during her talk at a writing conference I attended, she shared that she writes six hours a day while her children are in school. She takes a break in the summer and when the children have school holidays, but their school time is her writing time. She produces many novels each year!

Homeschooling mamas might be wondering when they can fit writing into their schedule. Another author who gave a talk at a conference I attended homeschools her two young children. Of course, I wondered how she finds the time to actually write books! A lot of books, at that! Elizabeth Maddrey sits down to write most evenings after she puts her children in bed. They have a routine: kids go to bed at a certain time and she writes. 

When I've been an overnight nanny for a week at a time, I don't have a drop of energy or creativity left after the children finally go to bed. All I want to do is rest! Are there other blocks of time homeschooling moms can find? What about naptime, or early mornings, as Crystal Paine of moneysavingmom.com has described in her writing career. Could your husband give you three hours on Saturday to go to a library to write all alone?

I enjoyed reading parts of the book Daily Rituals: How Artists Work that chronicles how famous artists and authors produced their work. The book describes their sleeping and eating and drinking habits (because some write with coffee or tea, some authors over the years have produced writing while drinking alcohol). It's fascinating to know what works for other people - such as some people get up early in the morning to write before their work day, others work late into the night. Some find their groove in the middle of the day.

As a woman determined to keep writing but working full time, I have to squeeze my writing into the small cracks and crevices of my time. I like to spend some time each weekend focused on writing. During the week, I look for opportunities - if I happen to have some quiet time to myself during the day, writing is a priority. 

Whatever it is, if you're a writer or an artist of any sort, whether you have a full-time job or small children at home, you can find time to write. 

Leave me a comment with your thoughts - I'd love to hear what works (or does not work) for you!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Hi, I’m Betsy, and I live in the Washington, D.C. area with my husband, Mike. We have been married since 2008. We enjoy exploring new cities together on foot, eating at our favorite Italian restaurants,

and doing life as a team.

I published my first book Embracing Hope During Infertility in January 2015, and my second Seasons: A Picture Book was published in November 2016. Although this book is intended for children, if you’re still in a barren season like I am, I think that Seasons will encourage you with a glimpse of God’s goodness.  

I would love for you to connect with me by following my Hope During Infertility Facebook page and my Betsy Herman, Writer Facebook page. I occasionally tweet as well.

Thanks so much for reading my posts!