My one and only FAQ.

I’ve been asked a lot over the last couple of days how I can juggle writing with a job and child. And until now I never realized that I was juggling anything. I mean, I knew it was hard. But I never realized that this is a time in a lot of writers lives when they stop, not picking up a pen (so to say) again until the kiddo starts school. I’m a writer, first and full most. I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember. I can’t imagine life without it. Yes, there are times when I will go months without writing a thing because life’s too damned hectic, but when I’m not writing I’m editing. I’m always doing something writing related. And when my son was born and life became more hectic, the fantasy world I wrote in became my getaway. When he goes down for a nap, I write. When he goes to bed for the night (and yes, I am well aware of how lucky I am that my son sleeps though the night), I write. The house may be a mess and laundry may need to be done but all that can wait when the muse strikes.

I just read through this and realized that I never included a very important factor; I still work part time. Yep, never quit my job.

Anyways, here’s a rough guesstimate of how my “off” days usually are: I wake up around 5am, when hubby leaves for work. I get most of my internet things out of the way (update Twitter, facebook, myspace, blog, etc.). Kiddo wakes up around 6:30. I feed and play with him until he goes down for a nap (usually around 11:30 or so). On lucky days, he sleeps 2 hour naps. On not so lucky days, 30 min. During that time, I either writer or edit (sometimes chores if they are way too backed up). After noon time is more feeding, more playing, and a couple of walks if the weather is nice. Then hubby gets home around 6 and the kiddo goes down for the night around 7.

Works days, I work 9-5. When I get home I play with the kiddo. No writing gets done on these days. Spending time with my little man is my priority.

Like I said earlier, I never realized that I was juggling, but I guess I am. I wear a lot of hats (full time writer, full time wife and mother, part time worker) but I couldn’t be happier with my life. Everything is fitting together quite nicely. Isn’t that how it’s supposed to be?