Writing, Writing and More Writing

My favorite thing about being a writer (aside from the actual writing) is the fact that I've been able to build a career that allows me to be home with my kids. Of course, the most difficult part of being a writer (aside from the actual writing :0))is that I work from home. There is nothing quite as frustrating as getting into a scene and suddenly being interrupted. There are times when I long for an office separate from my house. And, if you're wondering, that won't be happening any time soon. Currently, my office is in the kitchen. I've got a desk, a laptop and kids doing homeschool work set up very cozily along side the refrigerator, oven, dishwasher, sink and dining room table!

If you're building your writing career, just beginning your writing journey or wondering if writing is the career for you, you'll need to establish work parameters. When will you write? How much time each day will you spend writing? At what point will writing take precedence over family? Will it ever? Should it ever? You'll also need to keep in mind that being an author isn't limited to creating stories and writing them. The job includes working with editors to fine-tune your product and create winning manuscripts. Editing through the production process must be done in a timely manner and that time is not determined by the author. Writing a book is never done alone. Once the story is complete, a team of experts begins working through the manuscript, and the author must buckle up and be ready for the ride. Whether s/he's got a vacation planned or a birthday party to host, if a book is in production, staying on target and getting those edits in on time is paramount.

This, of course, is every writing mom's (or dad's) challenge. How do you fit your God-given talent for writing into a life that is already overflowing? The answer boils down to this - if you're truly pursuing God's will for your life, then you'll have the time you need. It won't always be easy. Sometimes it will be downright difficult. It will always, however, be worth it.

Happy writing!