As a mom, teacher, and children’s book author, I’m often asked how I find the time to write. I think it’s like anything else you’re passionate about. If you love to run, you’ll find time to build it into your schedule, whether you’re on vacation, the weather is crummy, or you’re too tired.
When my daughters were younger, it was tough to figure out just how to build in that time. If you’re a writer, you know time “writing” isn’t always just the time composing your story, poem, or book. There’s a lot of learning and researching involved. For that part of my writing, I listen to podcasts when I’m running or driving, I bring my mentor texts with me in the car, and I read books about my topic before I go to bed every night.
Once my daughters became teenagers, I transformed their playhouse in the backyard into my writing cottage. It’s the perfect spot to get away and have no distractions when I’m in writing mode. No dishes are beckoning, no phone is ringing, no TV is on in the background, and no dryer is buzzing. I’m surrounded by silence and books. There are a comfy armchair and footrest, a writing desk, and various books, cards, and pictures that inspire me.
In the house, it’s too easy to notice the dust as you search for the perfect way to say something. It’s too tempting to watch that movie your husband is enjoying instead of work on that chapter. And, there are way too many opportunities to make a snack or bake instead of finishing that rough draft.
If you’re able to clear a quiet space in your basement, spare bedroom, or shed, I highly recommend it. You could even go off to school in the evening to your empty classroom or a coffee shop. It’s hard enough to find the time to write, by finding a place you can focus, you can make the most of that time.
Shannon's Writing Shed
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