How I found the time...

Many people have asked me how I was able to write a novel and raise a child at the same time. I figured now would be a good time to explain.

Being a stay at home mom is a full time job, no doubt about it. Writing a complete novel in three months is arguably a full time job as well. How did I do both? My simple answer is that I wrote during nap time.

I had many people tell me that, in order to combat sleep deprivation, I should take a nap when my baby takes a nap. I did at first, but as soon as he was sleeping through the night I stopped. The naps seemed to make me more sluggish and less focused.

When I finally decided I was going to write a book, I made myself a schedule. My husband works five days a week, so I decided I would give myself days off only when he was also off. There were plenty of days when I told my hubby, "Oh, I just want to finish this scene while it's fresh in my mind," though. He is an amazingly supporting and understanding guy.

My son takes a three hour nap in the middle of the day, thanks to our parental diligence. The instant he started crying for attention at nap time (as in he didn't need food, clean diaper, or burping) we ignored him. Sounds harsh, but we only had to endure it for three days and thirty minutes at the most. Then he realized his attempts to gain our attention were futile and stopped.

I do my writing during his nap and for three hours after he goes to bed. That's six hours a day, five days a week. I am blessed to have a wonderfully easy son who sticks to a schedule so well and hardly ever fights me about going to bed when it's time.

I must confess, though, that the housework does often get overlooked. The dishes may pile up from time to time, as well as the laundry, but luckily, our family isn't as bothered by this as much as others may be.

So, that's how I did it. Doesn't seem all that complex. I'd like to encourage anyone who has something they've been wanting to do, but think they just don't have the time, to give it a shot. It helps keep stress down when you do something you enjoy. Even if you only do it an hour a day or week.