When Do I Find Time to Write?

I’ve been asked this question so many times I decided that I’d dedicate a whole blog post to answer it.

When do I find time to write?

Let’s see right now I have about 45 minutes to type with one finger on my phone while my husband drives us home from karate class.

Oops! I have to pause a moment to feed the baby while my husband runs into the store to get sandwich makings.

Okay, I’m back. Um the baby is reaching for my phone now. My husband is still in the store. It’s times like this I a……..

I just answered the question, “Why is that guy carrying trash in a buggy?” Yes, we call the shopping carts buggies.

Okay, back to writing… Where was I? Oh, yes! It’s times like this I really appreciate auto-correct.

20130124-211446.jpg The baby is now thoroughly distracted. She is laughing at her siblings that are laughing at the worker taking out the trash.

She’s not going to be happy when she gets put back in her car seat. I may or may not be able to write during this drive.

What did I tell you? See, she’s mad.
Time to make sandwiches… I’ll be right back.

Those were good sandwiches. My sweetheart went all out and bought cheese for our sandwiches.

Finally, the baby has fallen asleep I can stop patting her mouth. I only got bit once. Okay, back to writing.

Right now I’m writing about when I find time to write. Normally instead of telling you about the interruptions I write a few words about the subject I have on my mind.

I can get quite a bit said in 45 minutes or so even with distractions. I’ll need fewer distractions when I finally stop to edit this. Right now there are a lot of typos even with auto correct. I’m pretty sure I’ve repeated myself a couple of times.

My eyes are tired from looking at this bright screen in the dark. I’m going to stop for a moment. I might have a few minutes to work on this at the house.

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I’m glad I went ahead and got all the dishes washed right before running out the door for karate class. I knew I’d be too tired when we got home.

Just got the kids to bed but I’m too tired to think right now.

I only made it my goal to post two blog posts a week. I didn’t say which days they were going to be posted on. Last week I had my first post out by Tuesday or Wednesday. This week I posted my first post on Thursday. I try to be flexible though. If I made it a set day I’d probably give up.

Good morning, everyone! Yes, I’m finally up and at ’em. I woke up too late to write much this morning. However I have a few minutes right now while the kids are happily chit chatting over their breakfast. The baby is enjoying some Cheerios.

Uh oh! My baby is no longer enjoying her Cheerios. I only got one paragraph in during that break. Of course, I did check my notifications on Facebook but we don’t have to talk about that distraction. Do we?

My almost 8 year old keeps bringing the baby to me before she even cries.

I dare to hope right about now that the baby will take a mid morning nap. I still hear bowls and spoons clanking in the kitchen. I’m feeding the baby who is not cooperating on this nap idea.

Um… She’s working on a diaper. Would that be TMI (Too Much Information)? I better change that diaper.

She is wide awake.

Battery warning!!! I need to charge this phone and get myself breakfast.

Is this post almost done?

Oh, no! The baby thought her sisters’ hair bands were fruit loops. I rescued them and her.

20130125-092414.jpgI think you probably have the general idea of how I find time to write. Last year my goal was to post 1 blog a week. My husband had gotten me a tablet that helped a lot in accomplishing that goal.

This past Christmas my parents gave me a smart phone. I tell you what! That phone has sure helped me with my goal of two blog posts a week. I can type a few words here and there where ever I am at. I just save it as a draft and then I can finish writing on my computer.

Hello, Elisabeth!  I’ll be right back…

Okay, I fed Elisabeth. Picked up Joshua from his job feeding the neighbors animals. Now I’m determined to finish this post!

I used to try staying up at night after getting everyone to bed. However I kept falling asleep with my computer in my lap. Then I’d be tired all day.

I tried getting up early to write. That doesn’t seem to work too well. I prefer to read first thing in the morning. I read my Bible and then the blog updates that I follow. By the time I get all my reading done Elisabeth wakes up.

Basically I find time to write whenever I can. Sometimes I just have to tell my kids to give me a few minutes. I let them know what I am working on and that I only have a few more sentences before I’m finished with my blog. Then I write like crazy for those few minutes.

Typically, with distractions, it takes me a couple of days to get a blog written and a partial day to edit and tweak it. Depending on the topic too.

I’m almost done with this post. Right now, I’m typing with one hand while trying to feed the baby who is fighting sleep. She’ll probably fall asleep right about the time I hit “Publish”.

I know I’m not the only busy person in the world. Some of you probably have more going on than me.

Do you have a hobby? When do you find time to work on the things you enjoy? 

What did I tell you? She’s out like a light! Now that the baby is finally asleep, it’s time for me to hit “Publish” and get the rest of my kids back on task.

Now if I could just find the time to shower. 😉

 

 

 

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About Anastacia Maness

Anastacia Maness is a preacher's wife, homeschooling mother of 6 blessings, and writer. When she's not busy counting her blessings she's writing about them right here on her blog, encouraging and strengthening families.

20 Replies to “When Do I Find Time to Write?”

  1. Emily

    Loved it Anastacia! Much of my typing is also one handed! I only have four kids, so now I have no excuses 🙂 way to persevere and pursue your dreams!

    Reply
  2. Jessica

    Enjoyed the post. I can just see all the things going on in your house. I’m exhausted! 🙂 Glad you find the time to give us insight into your life.

    Reply
    • Anastacia Maness

      Thanks, Joan! I used to say when things slow down then I would pursue writing. But I finally realized that things aren’t going to slow down and if they did I probably wouldn’t have as much to write about.

      Reply
    • Anastacia Maness

      I understand, Christa. I still struggle with balance sometimes even feeling guilty for neglecting things. It is nice to be able to escape into our writing kind of like escaping into our own good book. Thanks!

      Reply
  3. Maria I. Morgan

    I’m SO impressed, Anastacia! You are the epitome of a dedicated writer! It would be so easy to tell yourself you don’t have the time. You just happen to make very good use of your time! Hugs and God bless you!

    Reply
  4. Katina Vaselopulos

    I was so tired before I read your post, Anastacia!
    Now, I am excausted! God bless you and your family. Having faith and love, ambition and youth, you do a great job, no matter how difficult. Faith, I have; love, I got plenty; but youth has left me a long time ago, and that is the problem. Fourteen, form 7-92 depend on me for care, and company, for food and siting, for schooling and games. Now, my blog suffers and my book drags. But, you know, first things come first and sooner or later things fall into place.
    Blessings and light to you and your family!

    Reply
    • Anastacia Maness

      Hi, Katina! I noticed I hadn’t seen you around as much on Facebook. I haven’t gotten to the point you are at in the busy stages of life. You have a lot of experiences you’ll be able to share with us when you find that elusive time.

      Reply
  5. Teresa

    Let’s see, I blog when I should be doing a million other things. It is a good thing I don’t have small children or I feel for certain they would be neglected. I have to focus when I write.

    I definitely couldn’t do what you do. When my kids were young I published a Christian newspaper from home. I couldn’t do it when they were underfoot. I had a lot of late nights and early mornings. I remember hitting a deer coming home at 3 am from working with my friend who helped me do the newspaper.

    My kids survived. They are adults now. No grandkids yet. So this is the perfect time for me to be blogging daily but alas a job and other details such as making money always stand in my way.

    My hat is completely off to you, laying on the floor with me bowing low to your dedication.

    You go, Girl!

    Reply

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