by Gillian Taber

Created on: June 18, 2009

Being a parent is tough. It's 24/7 and you have to be all things to all people. Trying to be a writer at the same time can seem impossible but there are tricks that you can use to make your double life a little easier. We're assuming, for the purposes of this article, that writing is your main occupation and a 9-5 job is not part of the equation (that is a whole other article).

1 - Carry paper and pens wherever you go. It doesn't matter what you are doing because inspiration can strike at any moment. Write everything down and save it for later. If you write for magazines or online information sites like Helium, inspiration for articles can come whilst you are feeding your fussy eater, dealing with colic and chicken-pox or talking to other mums in the playground. Write everything down and use it.

2 - Make time to write. Children have quiet times and naps. Use those times. Forget the washing, it can be done overnight. Don't worry about making the beds and vacuuming. Earning your living is the important part here. Beds will get rumpled again and crumbs will be a making a carpet pattern seconds after you vacuum. Let it go and use nap and quiet times for your writing.

Older children can be taught that when you are writing they need to amuse themselves and not disturb you unless it is something important. Remember to define the word important. Choosing which socks to wear (or finding them in the first place) is not important. Little Johnny sticking a screwdriver in a socket is. Make sure your children are clear about when to call on you for help.

3 - Write what you know. This is the advice given to all writers when they start out. In the case of writers who write for information sites, this is invaluable advice. You are a parent and you can use your experience in your writing. Using this experience to build up articles on paying sites can give you a regular income that you are unlikely to get (unless you are extremely lucky) with your efforts to write and publish a novel.

4 - Forgive yourself. Maybe you didn't find time to write the thousand words you promised yourself today. Being a parent has to come first and sometimes the writing just doesn't go the way you planned. Don't fret over it, let it go. You can write tomorrow but your kids need you today.

5 - Ask for help. Maybe you have a deadline to meet or need to write a certain amount of articles to help meet the bills this month but it's all falling apart because you've had a sick child, a dozen other

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