I'm new to this group... discovered it from a great poster in one of my other groups.  I have been struggling to make time to write since I had my three kids (OK, since the first one came along) but I would love to keep in touch with other moms and start rekindling the spark.

Cindy

Hi Cindy,

I have three children also and I've been struggling to find time for years. When I had my oldest (she's 13 now) I had this fantasy that I'd be home and writing up a storm. Of course, in all these fantasies there was this sleeping baby or quiet child who wanted nothing more than to gaze lovingly at me while I wrote. Reality hit hard- LOL! What really helped me was taking part in National Novel Writing Month in November. It's the equivalent of a marathon for writers. The goal is to write 50,000 or a full novel by the end of the month. Even if you aren't able to finish, it gets you writing and allows you see that you can actually squeeze in writing during those weird openings in the day.

I'm working on my first novel but I still struggle with finding time. My youngest will be 3 on Saturday and I'm home with him every day so I don't have much time to myself  but most days I do manage to squeeze in at least some time. I'd suggest starting out small- start journaling or doing free writing (writing for a set amount of time 10, 15 or 20 minutes without stopping to think). It's like excercising, you have to start out slow.

I hope this helps and keep in touch.

Sandra

http://sandrahamlett.blogspot.com

That's a huge help, thanks so much.  My kids are 6, 3, and 1, so I'm still floating in that young child fog of having to do so many things for them (not to mention potty-training the middle one).  I know it will get a bit easier as they get older, but it seems like the responsibilities just change rather than easing up.  I have a Book In A Month kit - it sounds like I should just haul it out and get to work, and not wait for November.  :)

Hi -

Wow, that sounds like me.. mine are 5, 3 and 1, and I'm constantly struggling with getting the writing done amid work and kids. It's really hard for me to write in small pieces - I write fiction, and I sort of have to get back into that world first, before I can produce anything useful. So I tend to either write at night (if I can stay awake lol) or - this sounds bad, I know - give them a box of cereal and let them tear the living room apart while I'm sitting in the middle with my laptop. It's a huge mess, but I feel better when I've gotten a few hours in.

By the way, hi everyone, I'm new here too! :)