You know those mornings when you’re trying to write the perfect cozy mystery scene, but life has other plans?
Picture this: I’m typing away about my sleuth discovering a vital clue when my grandson pops his head in with a bright smile and a request for pancakes. That’s the wonderful reality of being both a writer and a family person – and I wouldn’t have it any other way!
After spending 32 years teaching third graders and helping first graders discover the magic of reading, I learned something valuable: structure and flexibility can coexist beautifully. Now, as I write my novels from our family homestead in Arkansas, I’m sharing what I’ve learned about balancing writing with family life.
Creating Your Special Writing Space
Just like I had my classroom reading corner, every writer needs their own special spot. Mine started as a small desk near the window where I can see the same cottonwood tree I used to read under as a girl. Your space might be a corner of the kitchen table or a comfy chair in your bedroom. The key is making it yours, even if it’s just for an hour or two each day.
Time Management with Heart
Remember how teachers chunk school days into manageable blocks? Writing time works the same way.
I’ve found my creative juices flow best late at night, when the homestead has settled down and the only sounds are the crickets and occasional owl. The quiet darkness wraps around me like a cozy blanket, making it the perfect time to write about mysteries and romance.
Maybe you’re an early bird, greeting the sunrise with your coffee and keyboard. The trick is finding those pockets of time that work for you.
Here’s what works for me:
- Setting a timer for 30-minute “writing sprints”
- Using my old teacher planning skills to map out writing time
- Keeping a notebook handy for those surprise moments of inspiration (like when I’m watching the grandkids play with the dog)
Setting Loving Boundaries
Just like in the classroom, clear expectations make everything run smoother. My family knows that when my office door is closed, I’m working on my latest sweet romance. But they also know that if they really need me, I’m there – because no plot twist is more important than family.
Bringing Family Into Your Writing Journey
When you share your writing life with family, magic happens! Just like I used to make learning a family affair in my classroom, I’ve found ways to make writing a shared adventure. My grandkids love being my “research assistants” – they’ll point out interesting spots on our homestead that might make perfect settings for a book. And sometimes, those family meals my mama taught me to cook turn into brainstorming sessions around the dinner table.
Simple ways to involve your family:
- Ask them to be your first listeners (kids give the most honest feedback!)
- Turn family outings into research opportunities
- Keep a family inspiration journal
- Share your writing victories, big and small
Taking Care of Yourself
Remember how I always told my students to take brain breaks? The same goes for writers! After teaching for 32 years, I learned that pushing yourself too hard only leads to burnout. Now, I balance my writing time with:
- Morning walks around the homestead
- Coffee breaks on the porch
- Photography sessions that refresh my creativity
- Quiet moments with my journal
- Cuddle time with our pets
Changing Seasons, Changing Routines
Just like the cotton fields my daddy used to tend changed with the seasons, so does a writer’s routine. During summer, I might write early in the morning before the Arkansas heat kicks in. In winter, I love writing at night snuggled under a cozy blanket in front of the fireplace.
Some seasonal strategies I use:
- Summer: Writing during the cool of the morning before everything heats up
- Fall: Using harvest time activities for story inspiration
- Winter: Cozying up with my iPad during cold evenings
- Spring: Taking my writing outside as the weather warms
When Life Needs More Attention
Life has a way of surprising us – like when the goats get loose or a grandchild needs extra snuggles. During my teaching years, I learned that flexibility is key, and that lesson serves me well in my writing life. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is close the iPad and fully embrace the moment with your loved ones.
Remember:
- Family emergencies always come first
- Stories will wait patiently for your return
- Keep a small notebook handy for quick ideas
- Find the stories in daily life moments
The Greatest Story You’re Writing
You know what’s beautiful? When I look back at my journey from reading under that cottonwood tree to writing my own books, I realize that balancing writing with family isn’t about perfect scheduling or uninterrupted writing time.
It’s about weaving your love of writing into the fabric of family life. Just like teaching children to read opens new worlds, sharing your writing journey with your family creates lasting memories and maybe even inspires the next generation of storytellers.
Every time I see my grandkids peeking at my work or asking about my characters, I’m reminded that the story of our family life together is the most precious one I’m writing. And just like those tomatoes my daddy grew with such care, good stories – and good family relationships – need time, attention, and lots of love to grow.
Bringing It All Together
After switching from teaching to writing full-time, I’ve discovered that some of the best writing moments happen in the middle of family chaos – like plotting my next cozy mystery while collecting eggs from our chickens, or finding the perfect character name during a game with my grandkids.
The secret isn’t in finding the perfect balance – it’s in embracing the beautiful mess of a life filled with both writing and family. Some days you’ll write three chapters, and other days you’ll only manage three sentences. That’s okay! Just like I used to tell my third graders: progress isn’t about perfection, it’s about showing up and trying your best.
What matters most is that you’re showing your family the importance of following your dreams while keeping them close to your heart. By writing alongside family life, you’re creating something special: a legacy of stories, both on and off the page.
YOUR TURN:
I’d love to hear about your writing journey! How do you balance your creative time with family life? Share your favorite tip in the comments below – maybe it’s a special writing nook you’ve carved out, or a family tradition that sparks your creativity. After all, just like in my old classroom, we learn best when we share our experiences with each other!
