Finding Time

I’ve been really looking at my days lately, trying to work out where my time goes and how to get everything done. I’ve read umpteen books with titles such as: Time Management for the Stressed, Housework in Ten Minutes a Day or Less, Organize Your Life Right Now--you know the ones. Some smarmy expert makes it sound so easy and next thing you know you’re filling out charts and planning next month’s meals and losing even more writing time.

After trying any number of systems and failing spectacularly at each and every one, I’ve come to a single conclusion. You have to make time for the things that matter most and do it in a way that works for you. That should be so obvious, and so easy to do, but it’s frankly tough, because the things that matter most aren’t always the easy ones to accomplish.

Dear Barbara,

I am a new author, under contract for my first novel to be published early in 2007. My publisher is interested in my second novel as well. I am a wife and mother to twin toddlers aged three. My question is this, how does one find their flow and balance between all of life's obligations? I have reprioritized my responsibilities over and over to the point that I've become frustrated. What's your advice on juggling life's interruptions?

The classic stereotype of a romance writer paints a cozy picture of a woman typing her stories at home during the day. Only a small percentage of aspiring/new authors have it so good, while a larger percentage of veteran, best selling authors have become fulltime writers.

The majority of writers have to hold down a fulltime job, especially when living in the bigger, expensive cities. Although I don't have the luxury of a full time writing career, I have something that is equally important. I am 100% committed to my writing. This is why I am a full time writer.