As an author, wife, mother of 3 and office manager, I am often asked how I find time for my craft. On the surface, it seems to most people that being a parent takes a toll on one's ability to write, or at least on one's productivity. The following is Part 3 of a 3-part article that hopes to capture some of the essence of what it means to be a parent and a writer.

For most of us in the Western world, parenting really is a choice. We choose to wipe runny noses and shop for back-to-school supplies, treat fevers and praise achievements. The payoffs for this choice are obvious: family love and affection; pride at each new milestone; constant activity and delightful sounds in the home. Those of us blessed with 'short people' in our lives know exactly what the benefits are.

As artists, if we're honest, there is one clear drawback to this familial bliss: time, or rather, the lack thereof. Time to create, time to perfect, time to market and hilight our craft. Because we love our children, we know where our highest priority lies, and we can at times be jealous of our counterparts who enjoy the freedom of each new unclaimed day stretching ahead.

As working parents, the dearth of time becomes a serious challenge to our chosen passion. There are, after all, only 24 of them -- hours in the day, that is. How to fit more productivity into such a narrow slot?

For me, it comes down to being flexible. I've learned to recognise that, even though I am a disciplined person by nature, there are days and even months when my productivity will necessarily be low. For example, when my elderly parents needed my attention, I was not able to write at all. I had two choices: I could accept that cheerfully, or I could accept it bitterly. Neglecting my parents, or my husband, or my children, or, for that matter, myself, was never an option for me.

Add to the mix the fact that my husband, Alex Carrick, is also a writer. Yes, there are 2 of us scurrying around our house with notepads or laptops at any given moment, looking for a quiet place (the bathroom?) in which to write.

What this means is I've had to hone my ability to "scribble on demand". Much like my most recent guest-blogger, Sara Frances-Fujimura, I've had to learn to write in any spare moment that presents itself. This also means I've learned to plot, develope characters, and research -- anyplace, anytime during the day. When I'm driving, when I'm standing in a line, and even when I'm waiting to meet my childrens' teachers, the characters I so love are often dancing in my head to the tune of whatever story they found themselves starring in.

Sounds like a complaint -- doesn't it? Believe me, though, it really isn't. What would I give up? My job, which pays for all the extras we enjoy? My friends, whose support and love is so invaluable to me? My family? Never. Not a one of them.

My art? Not on your life!

The way I see it, I've been truly blessed. My family brings truth into my fiction, like a light shining into the darkest corners of the artist's mind. Without them, I would no doubt be stuck alone in a garret somewhere, with all the time in the world, but with nothing real to write about, no experiences to pave the way, and worst of all, without the loved ones who make it all worthwhile!

That's the way writing is, for me. Still, I manage to turn out on average a manuscript every year. Aside from everything else, I know it can be done.

My greatest hope is that one day our children will grow up to be proud of our efforts, just like Alex and I are proud of theirs!

So, my friends, whatever shape your passion takes, I wish you all the joy of following it!
Best in writing,
Donna Carrick

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