I've seen a lot of tweets lately asking how people who have young kids get any writing done, or how people with multiple jobs get writing done. I work a full-time job (typically over 40-hours a week), teach a college course as an adjunct, & have two daughters, 3 & 5... 1/?

I'm lucky to have a very supportive husband, but we don't have family close by to help with the kids, so it's really just us most of the time. It isn't easy... at all... but it can be done! What I do:

I write in tiny gaps of time. 20 mins before the kids get up? Sure.

2/?

There is no chunk of time too small. I try to write after the kids go to bed 2 nights a week. The other 2 nights I'm grading. The other 3, I hang with the hubs. Luckily he's an independent sort of dude.

I keep up with writing social media during quick breaks: making tea... 3/?

Eating lunch, etc. I plan my blog posts months in advance to minimize stress there, especially if I know a busy time at work is coming up.

I am always multitasking. I listen to podcasts & watch TED talks I'm considering for my class while folding laundry. 4/?

If I can do 2 things at once, I do.

Is my house always clean? Not totally.

Do I work out as much as I'd like? Not even close.

There are definitely sacrifices. Some days I feel like my head is going to explode from juggling so many things.

But, writing is my dream...
5/?

So I *make* the time for it, whenever & however I can.

Hopefully, *closes eyes & wishes hard* someday it will all pay off.

(You know, literally.)

One of the biggest things is forgiving yourself when you *can't* make the time. Be patient & kind to yourself.

Also...

6/?

Support is key. Find writing pals who will cheer you on (& understand when you don't email back for nearly a week).

It's definitely hard, but you can do it!

In fact, I'm doing it right now. I work 9a-7p on Mondays, & have composed this thread between Zooms. Phew!

7/7