Dear Mommy Writers

Dear Mommy Writer,

First, I just want to say one thing. Way to go you!

I know it isn’t easy pursuing writing and being a mom. Being a mom is a twenty-four-seven gig. It’s tiring work, whether you’re a SAHM, WAHM, work in a cubicle from nine to five or work at alternative hours. But you’re still writing. So that makes you awesome.

You deserve a medal for finding the time to write. And while preparing meals and doing laundry. Cooking, cleaning and keeping the kids from killing each other. But if all this praise is not elevating your badassery levels then here’s a few points that will.

Write What You Know
As a mother you already have that character market cornered. Using your own experiences you can place your character in scenes you go through every day as a mom. For example getting the kids ready for and dropping them at school. Taking them to their [name of sport] games. Balancing work and parenting. Family vacations. Parent-teacher meetings. Tantrum at the store. Then make it comical or dramatize it. And especially make it real.

Write What You Don’t Know
As a mother you probably have a mommy bucket list. A list filled of things you’d like to do or you once did before you had children. It can be something crazy as climb Everest. Or something simple, that you haven’t had time to enjoy, like having a nice bubble bath with no interruptions. What would you do? How would you feel? How far would you go to fulfill it? Then get into your character’s head and ask the same questions.

Embrace the Annoyingness
Let’s face it, you’re kids are going to annoy you sometimes. So if they’re going to misbehave then as a writer mom it’s within your right to use those in your writing. If they’re going to burst through the bathroom while you’re using it for you to sign a school form. Then you have every right to use their embarrassing moments as inspiration fodder. At least you’re not killing them.

Finding the Time to Write
Sticking to a writing schedule isn’t always easy. You can wake up earlier and write before you and your children start the day. Or wait to write after you’ve put the kids to bed. If neither times work then you’re writing between laundry. Dropping off and picking up children from school. Between nap times and work breaks. Which makes you the George Lucas of mommy writers. Because he never gave up. Despite the misfortunes he suffered while making the first Star Wars film. Can you imagine if he’d given up? There would’ve been no Star Wars. So keep finding the time to write and share your story with the world.

How has being a mommy writer made you a better writer? In what ways has being a mother led to inspiration?

Here’s a link about writing and motherhood by Emily Cavanagh.