Writing and Momming

How does it work to be an author and a mom? Don’t you lose your mind keeping up with the kids? How do you have time for it all?

These are questions I’ve faced through my time as an author. And honestly, they’re worth asking if you’re considering doing something similar. I will put a warning out there, what works for me may not work for you. Flexibility is essential — not just a concept that is limited to being an author or a mom. It’s important in so many other aspects of our lives also, whether you're working a 9-5 job, a parent, or a student. Flexibility is key!

Now how do I do all of this?

Honestly, I don’t.

I pick one thing or a maximum of two things. My house is not pristine. And on the rare days it is — I promise, no writing happened. Many days of my life I don’t pull out my laptop and write. For most writers this is a sin. And if I didn’t have kids, I would agree with them. Maybe when my littles are not so little, I will be able to dedicate more time and energy to my writing. For now, I will be content spending my days with my children.

That doesn’t mean I never write. I find the time to write when my kids are either napping, or my husband is home. There are many times I will find inspiration from an activity the kids and I have done and need to write at least the basic idea down in my phone. (If I write it on paper, I’ll probably lose the paper.)

To the question of losing my mind with my kids. Yes, yes I do lose my mind with them. And that is honestly ok. It means I am where I am supposed to be. The way my children see the world — with wonder, simplicity, and joy — reminds me of what really matters. If we spend our entire lives viewing the world as adults, then we have lost sight of the wonder that is around us.

My children are and always will be the most valuable part of my life. They encourage me each and every day to be a better version of myself. And the best part is? As they are so little, they are so incredibly understanding that I am learning how to be a mom also.