by Rebecca Laffar-Smith

Created on: March 24, 2007   Last Updated: May 08, 2007

As a mother of two and a full time writer I understand how challenging it can be to have two very intense careers and try to blend them together. Thankfully, women are remarkable beings, capable of doing multiple things with the nurturing aspects to care for a sick child and an infant novel at the same time.

When it comes to being a mother there is more involved then making sure the children don't drown in the bathtub or burn themselves on a hot stove. Parenting tends to include house work, entertaining, educating, doctoring, supervision and management, social administration, courier services, dressmaking, hairdressing, sanitation monitoring, nutritional advisor and chef The list goes on and on. Only a mother could possibly understand everything that goes into the day to day living of raising little people.

Writing is an equally busy and time consuming career. As a parent, especially a single mother, it's impossible to disappear into the study for hours and surface with bags under our eyes, coffee stained teeth, frazzled hair and a satisfied, although exhausted, smile on our faces. Writing time involves rare snippets between kissing boo-boos, getting kids to school, cooking dinner, and changing diapers.

Being a writer and being a mother require many of the same skills. The most important elements to make a successful mother/writer are imagination, creativity, intuition, patience, and understanding. It's also vital to have a fantastic sense of self-worth. Without it you will constantly find the families slightest needs come before your writing. Understanding the value of what you do and being able to remember why you love it and why it's worth making sacrifices for is vital.

A few tips to remember:

1. Develop a Routine!
If you have set times dedicated to meals, housework, homework, baths, and bed you are a huge step toward minimal chaos in your home and work life. Routine can step further than this and create a greater sense of calm if you also plan your writing times to suit your average day. I schedule a few hours each night, after tucking kids into bed, to write. This is the pen to paper or words to screen writing that involves concentration and focus. Research, planning, listing, plotting, chatting, character development, reviewing, editing, and short pieces can be slotted in at other times during the day but you need to have a set time dedicated to your writing regularly (daily if possible).

2. Be Flexible!
While you have a routine it's important to know how to

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