Life as a Writer – Author Support Blog Hop

Thanks to Sharon Bayliss for hosting this author support blog hop.

WHAT do you do? Give us a summary of your crazy life and all your responsibilities

• Wife to Kendall, who is a mechanic working at home
• Mother of five, ages 6 to 16
• Writer (Connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google+)
• Editor (See newsletter for Foster, Adoptive & Kinship families)
• InScribe Christian Writers’ Fellowship President
• Music for Young Children teacher
• Glendon Catering Club Cook
• Glendon School Council President
• Glendon Playground and Park Society President
• Glendon Community Church pianist, worship team member, and choir director

HOW do you do it? How do you manage to find time to write? What tips can you share?

• I use a planner and calendar to keep track of activities and events for the whole family.
• On weekday mornings I get up at 5:10 to have a quiet time where I read my Bible, pray, figure out priorities for the day, and write for a half hour.
• When I have a project, I break it down into smaller steps and set daily goals for myself. I try to leave extra time so that if something unexpected comes up I’m still able to meet deadlines.
• My children are all in school now, so I write while they are away.
• My 16-year-old daughter enjoys helping me by looking after her siblings when I need extra time to write.
• I’ve learned to say “no” to things that don’t fit in with my goals.

WHY do you do it? Other than just sheer insanity, what keeps you going? Why have you chosen the life of an over-stressed author? What keeps you motivated during dark days?

• I write because I believe God has given me the ability and responsibility to write.
  
• I primarily write for an audience of One. If I write to the best of my ability for the glory of God, that’s really all that matters.
• When I write, I’m happy.
• Other people enjoy my writing.

QUESTIONS and PLEAS for help. Other authors will be reading your post, so if you have questions or want advice, you can ask. Also, if there is anything you need, or anything you can do to help others, mention that here as well.

• How do you help others understand the importance of treating writing as a profession?
• I’m working on Twitter Tips & Tricks for Writers. If you’d be interested in receiving a copy in exchange for an honest critique, please email me.

Is there anything else you’d like to know about my life as a writer?