How can you write with the kids around? Part 2

(photo by Amanda M. Bowman http://mtaphotographer.wordpress.com/)

If you haven’t read part one, go here: https://danielfbowman.wordpress.com/2013/07/02/how-can-you-write-with-the-kids-around/#more-62

I love telling people that I’m an author. It makes me feel like I’ve achieved something most people think is impossible. One question I get from almost everyone is: How do you find the time?

1. Make a deal
My wife is a photographer, so I bought her a new camera when she edited the entirety of my first book. Other times I’ve covered chores while she read a section.
As far as daily writing time, make sure your spouse feels that he or she gets something. I know it’s tough on you—having to reward someone so you can work. It’s not fair. But quit whining, make the deal, and write.
You can also make a deal with your kids. Set a timer for writing, after which you will stop writing and play with them. Here’s another idea: During Saturday morning cartoons, I have two full hours to write while they experience comatose from their weekly dose of TV. (No, they don’t watch much at other times. This helps because there’s no way they’ll stop cartoons to interrupt me.) Use sparingly.
2. Reward yourself and your family
This goes along with the first point. Give your whole family a prize (ice cream, movie night, Disney Land, new home… depending on the magnitude of your goal and appreciation).
This idea can help you when you feel “thin, sort of stretched, like butter scraped over too much bread,” as Bilbo so aptly said. It also gets your family on board. They will be glad to give you time in order to win the prize.
And honestly, sometimes inexpensive prizes are the best. Rent a movie and make homemade pizza. Go camping in your living room. Take your family shopping at a yardsale.
3. Never write on an empty page.
Avoid writer’s block by writing on a page that has already willingly accepted words. It’ll seem more friendly to you.
https://danielfbowman.wordpress.com/2013/07/02/facing-the-empty-page/

Stay tuned for more ideas later this week.

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