Don’t Write Full-time

Working full-time or having other responsibilities can help you write. 

Here's what I mean. 

Every summer I have a few weeks when my son is gone, my classes have ended, and I can do other work-related tasks from anywhere. 

During this time, I tell myself I will write. I will get so much done I will amaze myself, I say.

It doesn't happen. 

I'm serious.

Instead of writing, I read, blog, go to the gym, think about teaching, revise my courses, catch up on sleep, date...you get the point; I rarely produce. 

As soon as my son is home and school is in, I want to write, and I am quite productive. 

Why is this?

It's simple. 

Work and parenting give me structure and discipline. 

If my son is home and school is in, I know I have a limited amount of time to do the writing.

I must sit down and do it.  

During my hiatus described above, I have options, and these options get me into trouble.  

Allison Whittenberg had already told me this, and she's right.