Finding time to write

Schedule time

You’d think that the idea of scheduling time to write is so simple, but it really isn’t. It’s hard, especially when you have a family. So whether you have to literally write your writing time into your calendar/dayplanner/schedule, or whether you just have to say to yourself, “Self, you have to write for twenty minutes today,” do it. Schedule that time, and then stick to your schedule. It’s an appointment that you can’t afford to miss. And setting that schedule, taking the time to write, will show your family that you value your writing time. Don’t let other things encroach on that time … and if you really must miss it, make sure that you reschedule it.


Establish boundaries

It's not enough to set a time to write, you need to establish boundaries around that time. Weekend mornings are sacred in our house, and the boys have learned from a very young age that if Mommy hasn't finished her first cup of coffee, she's not to be disturbed. Having a toddler turning preschooler, there are currently three exceptions: blood, fire, or a potty-training issue. Otherwise, they have learned that I'm not to be disturbed. It's difficult to stick to, but they've learned enough now to come check the level of my coffee cup. I'm not sure what I'll do once they've learned to check whether it's warm enough to still be drinkable--I have a tendency to get involved in what I'm doing and leave the last inch or so until it's cold and bitter.

I'm going to have to come up with other boundary markers soon, as both boys are outgrowing their weekend afternoon naps. But establishing that quiet time is another do-not-interrupt time is working, at least so far. But I've discovered that I, too, have to be vigilant and not break my own rules, no matter what, and that's something that I find really difficult to do. For example, the dryer just beeped, which means it’s time to switch loads. I had a really hard time, especially considering the mountain of laundry I've got to do right now, not getting up from the table and switching the loads, folding the one, putting it away ... and getting sucked into the housework vortex once more.

Other things are easier, like making sure that I'm not spending time reading email and surfing aimlessly. I also won't answer the phone unless it's daycare or my husband calling. Anyone else can leave a message if it's important. If necessary, I've even been known to kennel the dogs to prevent distractions.


Treat it like work

I think I'm safe in assuming that most of us wouldn't stay home from work because there was laundry to do or dishes to be done. But when we're at home and trying to fit writing into our schedules, all of the housework that needs to be done is staring us right in the face. Whether it's a week's worth of laundry or the dishes from breakfast, they're right in front of us, which makes them very difficult to ignore. We think to ourselves, "I'll just do these few dishes, then I'll sit down and do some writing." No! Back away from the housework, now! You can get sucked into the housework vortex just as easily as you can the Google vortex. Those five minutes of dishes turn into putting away the clutter that's on the kitchen counter, which turns into putting cleaning off the coffee table, which turns into restacking the books beside the bed, which ... you get my drift. It's not a good thing.

So if you've set your writing time and established your boundaries, set boundaries for yourself, too. Ignore the dishes, the laundry, and the clutter. It's time to write, and that's what you need to be doing. Remember, butt to chair, pen/pencil to paper, fingers to keyboard. The dishes can wait ... trust me, they're not likely to grow little legs and wander off while you spend twenty minutes writing.

As I write this, there's a load of laundry in the dryer that needs to be folded so I can dry the load that's just finishing, there are a few dishes in the sink, the dishwasher needs to be unloaded, and it's almost time to make supper. But I still have two minutes of writing time left and, damn it, I'm going to use them because they're a precious commodity around here! And when my time is up, I'll unload the dryer onto the kitchen table, start supper, fold the laundry and load it to its respective baskets while I'm cooking, then set the table whilst unloading the dishwasher. It'll all get done, but writing time comes first!