Time and Writing

My mother-in-law, and fellow writer, just sent me a link to an article about writing while mothering (and "working" - but really what do you think being a stay-at-home-mother entails? I guarantee I'm not eating bonbons all day.)

Anyway, so I felt that the woman's advice applied to me, made a ton of sense, and was very familiar. So familiar, in fact, that I had been thinking about writing on this very topic myself in the near future. I suppose the future is now.

Over the past few months I have had several women say:

"Oh, I just would never be able to find the time to write."

"Oh, I am trying to enjoy my children's childhood while it is still here." (As if to inflict guilt upon me. My children are already growing up too fast but ignoring my basic need to have a hobby doesn't slow that process down.)

"I'm far too busy to do anything like that for myself." (As if having a beloved hobby is selfish.)

"What does your husband think about the time you spend writing?" (This is usually after I tell them that I write for enjoyment and not for revenue. Most people are shocked at the sheer time waste of such a hobby.)

I've made my snarky comments about the last few so I will address the first point which is the main point of the article. Time. Where do you get it? How do you use it?

First off, contrary to popular belief, time and writing are not like oil and water. They really can go together.

I can honestly say that I frequently follow the advice in the article about writing on the go. I have written paragraphs while waiting for my child after school. I have edited in the dentist's office while waiting for my Novocaine to hit. I work through character issues and plot lines in my head while I wash the dishes or make dinner.

It is very rare that I can just sit down for several hours at a time and write. Life usually needs me elsewhere and that is okay. However, I have learned to take advantage of the quiet times, or the cleaning times, or the driving times to work on my book in my head and then I can sit down and let it all gush out to the computer in about a half hour spurt.

And occasionally my spouse does surprise me with an afternoon or a night off to write (especially lately - thanks dear!). Having a supportive spouse is great. Just like I support him on his five hour bike rides - which make him a happier person.

So I do write almost everyday. And I don't feel guilty about it. I am less cranky when I get to feed the creative side of myself. I sleep better when I don't have characters running through my head shouting at me to remember to write this or that scene for them. Writing, or a personal, fulfilling hobby, can be a wonderful addition to any woman.