My life is a tornado. Sometimes kids, house stuff, homeschooling, church work, therapist duties, chickens, and everything else pull me into a frenzy of activity that I fear I will never escape. So, how to write? 1. Take advantage of the quiet moments: There's always an eye in the storm. The baby is quiet. The phone isn’t ringing. The older kids are playing cooperatively. You are doing the dishes and you are alone! Take this time to write in your mind. I actually thought of this post today in the car on the way home from a dr.’s appointment. I got home, typed this up, and walla! 2. Carry a notebook or smart phone with you at all times: Strong winds will carry your ideas away, so write them down immediately! Even if you can’t write hundreds of words a day, writing even one word a day can be inspiring (see PiBoIdMo). If you have a way to record your ideas when they come, you’ll get more writing done! My little pink notebook accompanies me everywhere. 3. Turn off the Internet: A tornado can only affect whatever is in the mix. Although facebook and twitter are entertaining, they seem to swallow time faster than a good book. Notice when you’re just surfing the web and turn it off, so you can turn your writing on. 4. Make a schedule: Wind storms are easier to handle when you know what to expect. Look at your calendar for open spaces and fill them with WRITING! Just seeing that on my calendar makes me happy, even if the wildness of the day (or my children) deters me from actually writing. But seriously, keep your appointments for writing. It will only make you happy. 5. Make writing a priority: Hang on to what you love and it won't get lost in the storm. If you find yourself mindlessly watching TV because you’re tired at night, turn the T.V. off and write or go to bed and set your alarm for 10 minutes early. Write for just those 10 minutes. Notice how meeting your muse early in the morning makes you feel. Feeling good? Then take life's tornado by the tail and spin your story! Kirsti Call is a homeschooling mom of five. Her debut picture book, The Raindrop Who Couldn't Fall, came out last December. Her family band, Calling Out, plays songs written by her children. She contributes to Writer's Rumpus, and Kids are Writers. If you visit her house, you might find writing a word or two in her pink notebook! You can find out more about her at www.kirsticall.com.
16 Comments
11/18/2014 10:20:13 pm
Thanks Johnell! I'd love to chat with you about homeschooling :)
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Rowan
11/29/2014 07:47:11 am
You are amazing! I struggle to find the time to write or paint and I only have one 3 yr old boy! We have opted out of kindergarten option and are considering Home schooling. I'd also love to hear your views or suggestions....:-) thanks! 11/18/2014 09:20:17 pm
Thanks for the encouraging words! I just finished home educating our two children, and now they are off to college. It is a challenge, and so easy to waste time.
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11/18/2014 10:21:02 pm
You're welcome, Jarm! Congrats on finishing the schooling. I'm impressed !!!!
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Maria Oka
11/18/2014 11:18:26 pm
Love this Kirsti! Finding the time is my biggest challenge. I'll be putting these ideas to practice!!
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11/18/2014 11:20:48 pm
Finding time is definitely my biggest challenge also :)
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Maureen Bradford
11/19/2014 06:18:29 am
Hi Kirsti,
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11/19/2014 08:33:19 am
Thanks Maureen! I hope your writing is going well...the Andover critique group misses you!
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11/19/2014 10:07:08 am
Great advice - I have to put reminders in my phone for things like this, otherwise I'll let life get in the way and never write! Thanks for the post.
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11/19/2014 07:53:58 pm
Thanks Angela...I'm loving your art in illustration class. It's really engaging :)
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Lenora Riegel
11/19/2014 11:38:56 am
Kirsti, Great advice! I am in awe of your time management skills! Lovely family! Lenora
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11/19/2014 11:35:14 pm
Thanks Lenora...you have my grandmother's name and just reading your name makes me happy!
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11/19/2014 08:21:16 pm
Great advice, and I'm inspired by you. Will post this on kidlit411.
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