From Drills to Dragons: Finding Writing Time Amidst the Chaos

Okay, let's be real, sometimes my life feels like a runaway train! Up at 4 a.m. to head to the dental office, drilling and filling until it's almost dinnertime, then home to tackle online classes and try to be a present husband and dad... Let's just say "free time" is a mythical creature in my world, rarer than a unicorn riding a dragon.

But here's the thing: I'm a writer. It's not just what I do, it's a part of who I am. And when you're passionate about something, you find a way. Even if it means sacrificing some sleep (sorry, Mr. Sandman!) or sneaking in a few paragraphs between patients.

Finding that balance, though? That's where the real adventure begins.

The Challenges of a Multi-Hyphenate Life

Let's talk about the elephant (or maybe it's a dragon?) in the room: challenges.

• Time, oh precious time:  Between work, school, and family, carving out time to write feels like trying to sculpt with a toothbrush. It's not impossible, but it requires some serious creativity!

• The mental marathon:  By the time I get home, my brain feels like it's run a marathon... backwards... uphill. Mental fatigue is a real thing, and it can make those creative juices run dry.

• The guilt gremlin:  Sneaking off to write after a long day, knowing my family wants my attention? Cue the guilt gremlin whispering in my ear. My family is incredibly supportive, but I still feel that pang sometimes.

• Distraction galore:  "Daddy, look what I built!" "Honey, can you help with this?" Kids are amazing, but they're also masters of distraction. It's a constant dance between being present with them and finding those pockets of focus.

• The self-doubt monster:  When you're juggling so many roles, it's easy to fall prey to self-doubt. "Am I good enough? Will I ever finish this book?" Thankfully, my amazing wife is my rock, always there to remind me that I've got this. (Seriously, I won the spouse lottery!)

My Strategies for Slaying the Writing Dragons

So how do I do it? How do I keep my head above water and still make progress on my writing? Here are a few of my hard-won strategies:

• Time blocking is my best friend:  I schedule dedicated writing time, even if it's just for 30 minutes. It's like a meeting with my muse, and I don't stand her up!

• Embrace the night owl life:  Sometimes, the only way to find quiet is to become a temporary night owl. Those late-night writing sessions can be surprisingly productive.

• Weekends are my writing haven:  Weekends are sacred. They're my chance to dive deep into my stories and make serious headway.

• Small pockets, big impact:  Even five minutes here and there can add up. I jot down ideas during my lunch break or write a few sentences while waiting for the kids to finish their activities.

• Realistic goals are key:  I used to set crazy high word count goals, but now I focus on consistency over quantity. Even a few hundred words a day is a victory.

• Self-care is non-negotiable:  If I'm burnt out, my writing suffers. Taking care of myself – physically and mentally – is essential for staying creative and productive.

The Takeaway

Writing with a full life is a juggling act, no doubt. But it's also incredibly rewarding. If you're passionate about writing, don't let a busy schedule stop you. Find those pockets of time, embrace the chaos, and keep those creative fires burning!

Now, if you'll excuse me, I hear a dragon calling my name...

The Distraction LOL!!!!!