Last week in the comments someone asked how I managed to find the time for everything in my life: family (specifically three youngish kids), writing, critiquing, social media, baking, etc.
I gave a short answer in the comments, but thought I’d use to today’s post to go into more detail. Although, to be honest, I think one of the reasons I feel/look so productive these days is because of how un-productive I’ve been for the last two years (seriously, I didn’t realize how bad the side effects from some of my migraine meds were until I finally got off them all in November).
Anyway.
I’ll start off by saying I’m a queen of multi-tasking (I’m writing this with holiday cookies in the oven and a pot of soup on the stove, with about fifteen minutes left before I have to go volunteer at the school).
I’m a morning person, so I get up early, usually between 5-5:30 am. That gives me close to two hours before my kids get up to go on social media, critique, and (if my coffee kicks in quickly enough) write, before we start our morning routine.
Once the kids are at school, I come home (often via the grocery store) and work on whatever main tasks are waiting for me that day: usually writing/revising, but sometimes I have to catch up crits, or write a blog post. I don’t usually take much of a lunch break, just scarf my meal while checking back in on social media.
Since my head often requires a break from the screen during the day, I’ll often find time to fit in chores and errands in between computer sessions. However, if I’m on deadline (self-imposed or otherwise), I’ll generally leave those until the evening or weekend.
Typically, my writing work day ends when I go to pick my kids up from school, as the rest of the evening is occupied with “homework” (reading), preparing dinner and the next day’s lunches, and dishes (such a glamorous life I lead). Major chores like laundry wait until the weekend.
After the kids are asleep, I’m usually too wiped to do much writing, but again, if a deadline is looming, I’ll use that time to write.
I’m really lucky that so far we’ve been able to afford to have me stay home and chase my dream, even if I feel pretty guilty about not contributing to our income (yet). I am in absolute awe of all the people who do everything I do, plus hold down a job outside of the house. Seriously, I don’t know how you do it.
But, if I don’t sell a book soon, I’ll probably be joining you.
So, if you have any holiday wishes to spare, send some good vibes my way that I get a contract soon. I could really use them.
K Callard 