The Motherhood Muse

Today I am honored to be the guest blogger at Motherhood Muse. Check out both my guest blog post entitled "Nature's Symphony" at http://themotherhoodmuse.blogspot.com/.

Kimberly will launch The Motherhood Muse e-zine in January and you can sign up now to receive a free newsletter at her website, http://www.themotherhoodmuse.com/.

Good luck to Kimberly in this great new endeavor!

A Novel Idea

I am a mom and a freelance writer. My freelancing takes up all of my "office time." This is very, very good, but not as impressive as you might think. My office time consists of approximately 9 hours a week if there are no school holidays, no-one is sick and I don't need to go anywhere without a child in tow. Unless you count random working hours such as the 20-minute interview I conducted on my cell phone in my car this week. Don't worry, I was parked.

But behind the freelance facade is the creative writer. Essays, fiction...when am I supposed to find time to get all of the other "stuff" in my brain down on paper.

Writers, how do you find time to write what pays the bills AND still follow your muse?

Take A Break

One kid is at school, the other is watching a 20-minute episode of The Backyardigans on TV and I need to draft two articles, submit an essay and schedule an interview. Ever feel that way? I think most of us do. Especially those of us with small children. And you'll notice that I didn't mention laundry, unmade beds or dishes in the sink.

I say we should give ourselves a break. One person can only take on so much. So, for the next week, let's concentrate on taking care of ourselves first. Then, write down some realistic goals and see if the writing process comes a little easier.

Being a mom is unpredictable, it is hard work and yes, it is worth it. But no one is perfect. So, take a deep breath and relax.

How do you manage your time?

Keep Knocking

I have a wonderful group of online writer friends. What started out as a blog for a group of classmates has turned into my writing haven. I have never met one of them in person (hopefully this will change soon), but I rush to my computer to share with them the ups and downs of this profession. They don't judge, they are willing to help sort out ideas and thoughts, they get it when I am disappointed and most of all, they celebrate when I have a success.

My online writing group has become a huge source of inspiration. I want to share with you how a conversation went today on our blog:

Writer 1 (a freelancer who has been published at the national level more than once): I keep pounding on doors at this [national] level. So far, I've been greeted with loud silence.

Writer 2's Response: If we don't knock, there's no hope a door will open.

I love this conversation because it is inspiring, it is simple and it is so true.

If you stop knocking, you'll never know what could of been.

Conversation With a Regional Editor

I had the pleasure of speaking with a regional editor last week. She revealed some interesting information that I thought all of you writer-moms might like to hear!

She told me that she loves local writers and that one of her goals each month is to include as many local writers as possible. (Do I need to say here, if you have a local parenting magazine, contact the editor NOW!)? She mentioned that she enjoys working with writers at all stages in their careers, but she absolutely will not tolerate...(drum roll please)...

writers who consistently do not make their deadlines

Did you get that? She did NOT say, " I refuse to work with writers who consistently omit commas, or I won't work with anyone who hasn't had 10 articles published already." She said that she won't work with people who don't meet their deadlines.

WOW. Now that is a revealing statement. To be a writer for this editor, you must do the work in a timely fashion.

What a glorious thing to know.

I Am A Writer. Aren't I?

Anyone ever ask you what you do for a living? Have you ever had trouble answering?

Being a writer takes a lot of confidence. Telling people you are a writer takes even more.

But the question is WHY? Why is it so hard to say, "I am a writer."

There is nothing glamorous about the day-to-day task of writing. It can be difficult, often is demanding and frequently intimidating. What job isn't? I think we stumble because we are self-employed and virtually going at it alone.

I finally prepared an answer for times when people ask me my occupation.

"I am a writer," I say to the dental hygienist.

"What do you write?" he asks (they always ask that next).

"I write magazine articles about parenting and my life as a military spouse. I currently write for KC Parent, Military Spouse Magazine and any other publication that will buy an article from me," I say, laughing a little about that last part (though it's true).

I feel better knowing what to say when someone asks me these questions. What about you? Do you stumble over the fact that you are a writer? How do you answer when someone asks your occupation?

Signs

I believe in signs. Not the kind you find on the side of the highway, but the kind you receive while charting a course.

Example:

I've had my eye on fiction writing class for children for some time. It starts next on October 15. Should I take the class? I was not confident that I could give enough of my time to make it worth the money. So I didn't register. I waited for a "sign" to let me know if it was the right decision for me.

I got a sign. Almost simultaneously, my relationship with two different editors began to jive. I began getting assignments. My inbox was suddenly full. I realized I should follow the advice of my mentor and focus on doing one thing and learning to do it better and better (article writing) instead of spreading myself too thin.

Signs are all around us, we just have to be willing to see them. Are you open to seeing what is happening around you and using it to advance your career?