I write books and I have children. These things seem to go together, and yet at the same time, they do not.
True, the children are inspiring, they say funny things, they’re occasionally cute, they help me remember my own childhood, but here is the not part—they take up a lot of time.
Because of the above graph I do two things.
1.) Furiously write notes on anything handy so I won’t forget them.
2.) Operate in a constant state of repressed creativity.
This I think is my secret to being productive, because when I finally get to sit down to work—I work. I don’t open emails, I don’t answer the phone, and I don’t shop on Etsy—though I’m very tempted by all those things. My work time is precious and scarce, so I can’t afford to be distracted. On most days I get up at 4:30 a.m. to write. I love my mornings, the house is quiet, dark, and when I start the chore of getting the kids to school, I already have some work done. It feels sneaky and clever, like I’ve cheated the day. It’s not a perfect schedule, but for now it works. And strangely, I’m more productive now, than before I had kids.
I read somewhere that it’s important to take breaks while you’re being creative. I guess I’m lucky—my days are filled with breaks, and each one is a surprise. It could happen mid sentence or mid thought. Suddenly I’m out of my chair and off to deliver a snack, a drink, change the channel on the TV, replace batteries in an electronic game, or play referee. If I can get forty minutes of uninterrupted work done while the kids are home and awake, it’s nothing short of a miracle.
But I’m pretty versatile; I can work in short bursts of twenty minutes, or long luxurious stints of three hours. But I wasn’t always this way, it’s taken years of training, but they did, the kids trained me.
There’s no one secret work pattern that is going to work for everyone, but if you are creative and consistent you can certainly find what’s best for you. If you want to reorganize the way you work, ask yourself some questions, it might help you get started. Here are some questions, and I plugged in my answers.
When am I most creative?
I like my early mornings, and I save these for writing, but I can also work in short bursts when the kids are around. I have illustrated more than one book while listening to SpongeBob and Pokemon cartoons.
Where am I most creative?
Sometimes I like a change of scenery. I’ll go to a coffee shop for a few hours, and then one day a week I really get away—I go into NYC and work at the Bryant Park Library.
Am I motivated by a deadline?
You bet! Nothing motivates me more than a looming deadline, and if I don’t have one, I give myself one.
Am I motivated by rewards?
Yes, who isn’t? In fact there’s a delicious piece of chocolate waiting for me when I finish writing this post. But if I’m not I the mood for sweets, I’ll cuddle with the cat, play with the dog, or go outside for a quick stroll around the yard.
And then at the end of the day, take stock. What worked? What didn’t? And if you had a success, repeat, and if not, try something new.
RECIPE FOR CREATIVITY
- Think
- Make notes
- Think some more
- Think while doing something completely different
- Think some more
- Think some more
- Write
My kids make fun of me, and they are right.
I am always looking for the next book idea. Eyes open and ears listening—you never know where it is going to come from. About six months ago I was listening to my son and his friend complain about getting their ball stuck in some bushes. They were arguing back and forth about whose fault it was, and who was responsible for getting the ball out. It was cute, and listening to them made me smile. It was just a little moment on a sunny afternoon, but it stuck with me, and later became the basis for a story about two friends. The book is called Bean Dog & Nugget and it comes out this spring.
I want to close with two things. The first is this running tally.
This is how many times my kids interrupted me while I was writing this post.
And this last image is where I end each day, my shower. It’s nothing special, but for some reason I get more ideas in the shower than anywhere else. Maybe it’s because it’s meditative, a calming release from the stress of the day—or it might just be that with the door shut, no one can bug me.
Charise Harper has been making comics and children’s books for many years. She is the creator of FASHION KITTY, the JUST GRACE series, and WEDGIEMAN. Her picture books include CUPCAKE, IMAGINATIVE INVENTIONS, and many others. If you were to ask her which was her favorite; making the book, or holding the finished book in her hands, she would always have the same answer—making the book. She blogs (with pictures!) at Drawing Mom. Find out more about her books at ChariseHarper.com.
Charise is generously giving away THREE signed books from her JUST GRACE series!
JUST GRACE AND THE DOUBLE SURPRISE, JUST GRACE AND THE FLOWER GIRL POWER and JUST GRACE STAR ON STAGE.
Three random winners will be selected in one week. Just leave a comment to enter! Good luck!
176 comments
Comments feed for this article
November 16, 2012 at 12:16 am
Gary Masskin
Thanks for sharing your creative process and commitment to writing despite life trying to get in the way.
November 16, 2012 at 12:16 am
julie rowan zoch
As a mother, the best development in keeping my own sanity was when my kids learned to buckle themselves into their car seats! They are now grown enough that I have far less interruptions (and can go out for a beer with friends while they make their own dinner!), so hats off to ALL of you trying to juggle those precious moments to yourselves! Great post Charise!
November 16, 2012 at 12:17 am
Talynn Lynn
The shower is a great place of refuge in silence. I have thought of lots of great beginnings to stories while pretending I can’t hear the knocking on the door…
Thanks for great post:)
November 16, 2012 at 12:17 am
Robyn Campbell
Ahahahaha. You and I have similar lives. i.e. the interruptions, snooping on the kids, and early mornings. Me too. But I do NOT get up quite that early. Ha. Thanks for giving back. It is much appreciated! *waving, smiling, and listening* 🙂
November 16, 2012 at 12:27 am
Dee Almond
Love your recipe for creativity. Especially “think while doing something completely different.” It’s amazing how well that can work.
November 16, 2012 at 12:27 am
Sheila Wipperman
Thanks for sharing your insights. Yes, the shower does inspire creative thought. And I’ve also found some of my best ideas come after the day is done. It’s essential to keep a notebook & pen beside your bed! 🙂
November 16, 2012 at 12:37 am
Rebecca Colby
Like you, I have less time now that I have children but they have trained me to make much better use of it. glad to know I’m not the only one up at 430am trying to catch some writing time.
November 16, 2012 at 12:42 am
Sally Phillips
I like your style of combining kid like cartoons with very kid like writing. I can hear the kid in your writing. Thanks for taking the time to post your thoughts. Although, I don’t have any kids around now, it was a fun read!
November 16, 2012 at 12:45 am
theitaliancob
I love this post as I am a relatively new mother. I can’t believe how much time I wasted before when I had lots of it. Very inspiring, thanks.
November 16, 2012 at 12:45 am
Deb Lund
Ah, life with kids. They cause the chaos and you learn to create in the middle of it. A worthy lesson I hope I don’t forget when they’re gone.
November 16, 2012 at 12:48 am
LeslieG
Thanks for the inspiration!
November 16, 2012 at 12:48 am
Larissa Marks
I love hearing about your creative process while being a busy mother. So inspiring! I too have lots of creative ideas while showering 🙂
November 16, 2012 at 1:03 am
tinamcho
Love your illustrations. And I can relate, as I have 2 kids. If I can’t concentrate, I send hubby with kids OUT! I’ve read your Cupcake pb and really enjoyed it.
November 16, 2012 at 1:10 am
Elizabeth Stevens Omlor
What a great post! I admire you for your 4:30 abilities. I tried that. ONCE. Each day after, my alone time grew shorter by a half hour until the whole house was awake with me. No willpower. =( Love your illustration stlye and can’t wait for that PB to come out in spring! Thanks so much for your post!
November 16, 2012 at 1:12 am
Yvonne Mes
As I have a toddler sitting on my lap chatting to me, a baby sleeping and a teenager recovering from surgery I can SO identify. Great to see that it can be done!
November 16, 2012 at 1:17 am
S.H. Sherlock
This post came at a much needed time- as I listen on the baby monitor while husband tries to calm a crying child for the 4th time this eve! It’s hard to be productive while raising kids. Time to take a fresh look at what works and what needs to change in order to get some writing completed! Looking forward to finding your books at the library.
November 16, 2012 at 1:26 am
Susan Cabael
Ah, the reality of life with children! I am appreciative of the way my children now help me generate ideas. My daughter has even continued my story ideas by writing in my journal–now that’s support!
November 16, 2012 at 1:32 am
Ashley N. Bohmer
Got to love getting a “Shower” of Ideas!–Thanks, for the great post.
November 16, 2012 at 2:11 am
berylreichenbergei
Believe me, we all have gone through this phase of trying to juggle creativity and motherhood. It’s touch! But it will get better. As your children mature and become more independent, there will me more time to create. I’m not sure I could get up at 4:30 am when I had young children. Beryl
November 16, 2012 at 2:24 am
julietclarebell
That was me about two years ago! My 8yo read the post over my shoulder as I read and laughed the whole way through. It could have been us. All of it. And having got up at six to write this morning for an hour before I start getting our three children ready (not as early as you), after a night with four of us all in one bed, I was just lecturing them about not interrupting me during that precious hour… And I love the shower, too (and the bath, with my ears under water -that’s perfect for editing -in my head- once I’ve finished a picture book draft. Thank you.
November 16, 2012 at 2:56 am
cat jones
Yup, when time is scarce the words and ideas flow onto paper. Love your pictures 🙂
November 16, 2012 at 3:03 am
MaryAnn Loo
i was recently just thinking about how much more productive i need to be, and it’s inspiring to me how you mothers can juggle so many tasks in a day! i don’t have kids yet, neither am i married, but i realize i better buck up and make better use of my time! 😀
November 16, 2012 at 3:08 am
renajtraxel
Although I have less time to write re-entering the workforce is the best thing that could have happened. I’m more productive now that I have less time. Thanks for the lovely prize and the giggles.
November 16, 2012 at 4:14 am
Michelle Barnes
I often find myself lying in bed thinking about anything and everything at 4 am anyway… may as well make use of that precious “lost” time. Thanks for the post!
November 16, 2012 at 5:06 am
mona
Fun post. Love that your mind and body let you write in short jolts or nice long stretches…and write in early morning. I’m a 4:30er too, but I seem to have to unwind and read last night’s emails and all the other junk with my first (or 2nd) cup of coffee. Now the shower, that’s one of my best best places for ideas.
Thanks.
November 16, 2012 at 5:21 am
Marcie Atkins
I can totally relate to this! With two young kids I have to get up early to write too. If I don’t, I’m grumpy. It’s true, you do have to become more efficient after kids or you’ll never get anything done. Love this!!!!
November 16, 2012 at 5:42 am
pennymorrison
It was the graph which made me laugh out loud. I love the volcano head as well. Thanks for the inspiration.
November 16, 2012 at 6:08 am
lindamartinandersen
Good to find humor in a situation. We’re probably all too busy to write or illustrate, but we do it somehow, if it’s our passion.
November 16, 2012 at 6:31 am
Tammi Sauer
Loved this post!
I still think my life’s greatest accomplishment was that I got my kids to simultaneously nap when they were little.
November 16, 2012 at 6:33 am
rlkurstedt
I can so relate. I used to be great at working in 20 minute bursts but now am finding I need more time to settle in. Doing too many things in 20 minute bursts I think.
November 16, 2012 at 6:42 am
Andrea
I always used to write when waiting for my kids at swimming or gymnastics practice – I’d be the mom on the bench with the notebook.
November 16, 2012 at 6:49 am
Laura Sassi
Wow! Sounds like you’re describing my style of writing/life with kids. I love your cartoons. Thanks for starting my day off with a big SMILE.
November 16, 2012 at 6:56 am
Marcie Colleen
I may not have children but I work as a nanny so I can relate to this post. I write during naptime, but I always feel like I am playing Beat The Clock… and the amount of time I have is unknown. So yes, kids give a lot of inspiration… but not time to write it all down. Thanks for sharing! Btw, I loved CUPCAKE!
November 16, 2012 at 6:57 am
Elaine Kearns
I LOVE this post!
I am the mother of two and a school teacher. I still find time to write every day, but it is in the wee hours of the morning. The house is still and my mind is quiet. One precious hour is all I get, but I am more productive then, than the occasional 6 hour stretch I get every few months when I get a day off. I am so happy to see that I am not alone! Thank you!
November 16, 2012 at 7:03 am
Deborah Cuneo
Thanks for the great testimony! For all the art I’ve created during the past 27 years …99% of them were done while raising a family of three (four, if you count hubby;o) and all that it entails. That being said, for as frustrated as I was at times with the interruptions, I wouldn’t have traded it for the world! I look back at that time and am grateful that my life allowed for my both my loves…my art and my family! PS…there is no such thing as empty nest, they are all back as are the interruptions and I have embraced them as a necessary part of my creative process!!.
November 16, 2012 at 7:29 am
Cindy Breedlove
It’s not just kids that vie for time, it’s grandkids 🙂 and a hubby who is thinking about retiring :O! I am reduced to writing short little poems. Good thing that’s what i enjoy doing!
November 16, 2012 at 7:31 am
Terri
My first thought while reading your post: your stick people are more filled out than my stick people, they even have clothes on. Second thought, I am glad I have four kids and wrote the whole time they were growing up. Today, I have eight grandchildren under the age of nine and they continue to feed me ideas for my next writing projects. Now,just to work on filling out my stick people! Thanks for a good post.
November 16, 2012 at 7:38 am
Robin
I feel your pain! And joy! What a wonderful article! 🙂
November 16, 2012 at 7:51 am
Alexa
This rings true on so many items for me. I think being forced to take breaks has helped my creative process too, even if it’s not ideal. Thanks kiddos!
November 16, 2012 at 7:52 am
Becky Hall
Thank you for sharing this important lesson on time management. Creative thoughts seem to cross my mind at the oddest times and it is nice to know that I am not alone!
November 16, 2012 at 7:53 am
Cheryl Mansfield
Cherise, thanks for the post…good reminder for all of us…even if you don’t have kids. And I love, love the Just Grace books.
November 16, 2012 at 8:03 am
Ann Marie Meyers
This post really resonated!!!!!
November 16, 2012 at 8:05 am
Laura Thieman
I can’t thank you enough for your inspiration, given I have 4 kids 7 and under!
November 16, 2012 at 8:20 am
Sue Frye
Thanks so much for sharing these tips!
November 16, 2012 at 8:26 am
slpstanley
What a fun post…and really, with Charise as author, it could be nothing else but funny. But on top of that, she is a super super super nice person. Somehow, I was lucky enough to stumble onto her last year when I “got serious” about writing, and she has been so very helpful and encouraging and, well, kind. She is just so talented…I have learned so much from her. this was a great post. Even though I didn’t really start writing till my boys were out of school, I was doing other things (or trying to) when they were little and it’s amazing how much you can do in a short amount of “stolen” time. I have “written” many a book in my head and created many an art project in my head while vacuuming….because of the white noise…when the boys were little, I couldn’t hear them when I vacuumed, and for a while, I had a really clean house, then when I could work on a project, I had already mapped it out in my head. Hurrah Hooray for Charise…she’s a peach!
November 16, 2012 at 8:30 am
Joanne Roberts
This post was so uplifting, helpful, and just plain true, that I’m printing it out and gluing it in my PiBoIdMo notebook. Thanks! I have gotten more productive since I moved my studio into the living room, but I have a long way to go. I guess I’ve gotten more used to the noise, because when the kids interrupt, I find I don’t lose my momentum as easily as when I had complete silence and they would burst through the door with neediness.
November 16, 2012 at 8:31 am
Gayle C. Krause
You are not alone. Even those of us who do not have children have husbands. And they ask the same silly questions. Ha!
Great post on finding time to be creative. A great time for me to think is when I’m working at the gym. My body is working out, but so is my mind, somewhere far away in a setting that might become a story. 🙂
November 16, 2012 at 8:38 am
A. Miller
That bar graph is brilliant! I have a bit more time now as my kids are getting older but I can totally relate. Glad you are making it work – and so well!
November 16, 2012 at 8:40 am
Pat Haapaniemi
Great post, Charise! Loved the part about writing notes on everything. I find myself doing that, too – napkins, newspapers, envelopes – if it’s there, I’ll use it!
November 16, 2012 at 8:41 am
Corey Schwartz
Oh, I’m sure all moms will love this post! She really nailed it! 🙂
November 16, 2012 at 8:44 am
Hilary
I take notes the same way. The most important part for me is not losing them .
November 16, 2012 at 8:45 am
Sue Gallion
It’s finding those little notes that get tricky.
I’ve ended up digging through the recycling bin more than once looking for that envelope with the idea scribbled on it! Thanks for a terrific post, Charise!
November 16, 2012 at 8:45 am
busybusyness
I take notes the same way. The key is not losing them.
November 16, 2012 at 8:45 am
laurimeyers
Ann Whitford Paul has a piece of advice to not do chores when your kids are asleep or in school because they need to see what it takes to run a household. Those times when the kids are occupied are for you to write! Not only do you have permission to ignore chores, it makes you a more responsible parent…
November 16, 2012 at 8:48 am
Kelly Light
Yup! She nailed it!!! Being a Mom is almost indescribably rewarding… and yet…. there is the loss of time for focused creation. I think my almost 13 year old knows now… that if I have a far away look on my face while I flip the pancakes or clean the toilet… I’m working.- Thanks for this post!
November 16, 2012 at 8:51 am
wendy
Very funny (and true!) post. And i love your name–Charise Mericle Harper.
November 16, 2012 at 8:53 am
Marcy P.
AHHH!!!! A post that speaks to the reality of this mommy’s life… four kids. And isn’t this the truth? But not an excuse. Being a mommy is not an excuse to save it for later… but a challenge to keep things interesting.
November 16, 2012 at 8:53 am
janelle
Great motivation!
November 16, 2012 at 9:01 am
Desiree B.
Preach it! Surprised you didn’t tally the number of times they knocked on the door while you were in the shower! 🙂
November 16, 2012 at 9:03 am
Sue Poduska
Love. Love. Love. Breaks and change of scenery are the one that hit closest to home. Thanks for sharing!
November 16, 2012 at 9:04 am
Jennifer Faragitakis
Thanks for the entertaining and inspiring post!
November 16, 2012 at 9:04 am
Caroline Starr Rose
Yes! The shower! Me, too.
November 16, 2012 at 9:12 am
Anjali Amit
So many ways to write and find time to write. Now if only I could buckle down to it.
Anjali
November 16, 2012 at 9:14 am
Deb Marshall
awesome awesome post. and you are right on the working when you finally get a moment to write your write. so true on the shower being an idea maker. when I first saw the pic, my first image was of you, inside, sitting in tub–writing frantically. “mom??” are you done going to the bathroom yet?”
Thanks for sharing!!
November 16, 2012 at 9:14 am
Pat
Charise–Your Inventions book contained a small mention about a man that intrigued me so much that I’ve spent the past six months researching him–he will be the subject of my first nonfiction book. And I have spent so much shower time thinking about my writing that I actually have a waterproof tablet and pen in a suction-cup holder in my shower. Thank you for your personal connection to my writing life!
November 16, 2012 at 9:53 am
chariseharper
PLease share! Who is the man?
And I’m honored that my words started your quest.
November 16, 2012 at 9:16 am
Carolyn
I agree, grabbing any free time and deadlines seem to make me more productive.
November 16, 2012 at 9:20 am
Maria Gianferrari
What a great post–it was funny the first time I read it on my Kindle w/o illustrations, but I love your drawings–they take the humor to yet another level! I’m a big fan of Just Grace too. Off to the doctor’s office–maybe I can borrow a RX pad and scribble some notes there!
November 16, 2012 at 9:22 am
Jennifer Hawes
Your article is so me right now. I have two teenage boys and one three-year-old baby girl…’nuf said;-) Thanks for your heartfelt post!
November 16, 2012 at 9:28 am
Kirsten Larson
Charise, you have so captured my day. My preschooler and kindergartener are on Thanksgiving break and still have an enforced “rest time” so “mommy can make her books.” Normally I do all my work the three mornings each week the preschooler is in school. And I’m with you, I don’t surf the Web, shop on eBay or even take phone calls during that protected time.
November 16, 2012 at 9:30 am
Natasha
Enjoyed your illustrated post.
November 16, 2012 at 9:31 am
Jacqueline
Thanks for starting my day off with a laugh! I love the illustrations–so funny, but so true. I have two grilled cheese fans, so that one made me laugh out loud.
November 16, 2012 at 9:37 am
Kelly Parker
I am also learning to write in between kid interruptions. Sometimes I even make a game with my 5 year old, about thinking up silly things, LOL. She thinks its fun, so there you have it, two birds with one stone 🙂
November 16, 2012 at 9:41 am
Jenn DesAutels Illustrator
I love that you tallied the interruptions. They are like battle scars. 😉 Thanks for the inspiration!
November 16, 2012 at 9:44 am
Gail Kamer
Occassionaly I find my sticky note ideas have gotten stuck in funny places. I’ve learned to carry something in my purse to write on. I keep a pen with a light on the tip for writing down ideas that pop into my head at 3:30 in the morning.
November 16, 2012 at 9:46 am
loriannlevyholm
Oh my goodness!!!!!!! I laughed so hard over your sketches. The volcano one set me over the edge. You are living the life I led but I wasn’t as funny as you! Keeping a tally would have required me to get professional help!
Here is the good/bad news. They move away and you have to rework your schedule again.
November 16, 2012 at 9:53 am
Laura Anne Miller
Loving this!!! Thanks for all the illustrations, Charise. I’m such a visual learner it will help me remember your tips (LOL) Great, GREAT advice.
November 16, 2012 at 9:58 am
Tamson
This is great. I always thought that Charise just oozed creativity and she does, but she also obviously fosters it with a good, solid work ethic.
November 16, 2012 at 10:06 am
Mary Uhles
OMG, this post is awesome. This is soooo my life, including my kids saying you think everything is a book idea LOL! only difference is I stay up late to work and i get my best ideas in the bathtub (hence all my sketchbooks have water marks) love it!
November 16, 2012 at 10:29 am
JoAn Watson Martin
I wish you had written this when I first started writing. Is it too late?
If I win a book I will write a review of it, send it to my local paper, and mail it to you so you can see it in print.
JoAn
November 16, 2012 at 2:51 pm
chariseharper
Please do. I’d love to see it.
November 16, 2012 at 10:15 am
Jill Proctor
Thanks for a wonderful post. The information and the humor made it a really fun read. Wish I had had more perseverance when my adult child was still a child. I’m off to a late start. Thank you so much!
November 16, 2012 at 10:22 am
Angela De Groot
That’s kids for you – inspiring little interrupters. And that’s on a good day.
November 16, 2012 at 10:25 am
aneducationinbooks
“Operate in constant state of repressed creativity.”
That’s definite motivation! Thanks.
November 16, 2012 at 10:29 am
danielledufayet
That’s so honest and was so true for me. Now, kids on their own, I am finally able to write to my heart’s content. Mothers definitely pay their dues! Parenting is the hardest job you’ll ever love.
November 16, 2012 at 10:31 am
Dawnyelle Moore
No truer words were ever written. i feel as though you read my mind. And I am so jealous that you take uninterrupted showers!
November 16, 2012 at 10:38 am
Jarm Del Boccio
I like the treat idea, Charise! And I’m still working on writing as soon as I get up at 5:50 each morning. I end up doing email and such…arrrrhhh!
November 16, 2012 at 10:47 am
evelynchristensen
Thanks for your fun post, Charise. I’m a grandma now and cherish the memory of the days of having little ones underfoot all the time. They grow up way too fast. Now I need to stop procrastinating and put some of your excellent suggestions into practice.
November 16, 2012 at 10:50 am
andreaalban18
Thanks, Charise for the laugh-aloud post. Do you see the wink in my right eye? I, too have interrupters/children and have written my nine books in spurts between car pool, affixing band-aids, and baking snickerdoodles. (My first book was partially written by my daughter while she was in my womb; pregnancy is the perfect hormone for creativity!) As I write, your FASHION KITTY series is spread out on the floor for inspiration—I’m working on the text of my first graphic novel. P.S. I like my shower, too!
November 16, 2012 at 2:49 pm
chariseharper
Good luck with the graphic novel. They are a lot of work, but fun and worth it. 🙂
November 16, 2012 at 10:58 am
Sharon Calle
Finding time to juggle life and find creative time is a challenge. Your tips definitely help- Thanks!
November 16, 2012 at 10:59 am
B.J. Lee
Funny and uplifting post, Charise! Sounds like you’ve mastered the art of time management! Kudos to you.
November 16, 2012 at 11:01 am
The Backdoor Artist - Mary Livingston
When my offspring were at home, even the shower was not interruption free. As they got older I had to impose the “blood or bruises” rule. No interruptions unless blood or bruises, and there had better not be blood or bruises. Then one day this was said, “There’s blood, lots of blood!”
hmmm – idea!
November 16, 2012 at 11:05 am
Grace
Thanks for sharing your experiences. I’ve often worked out a tangled spot in the plot of my stories by leaving my writing and doing something else. Often it was something difficult and took all my concentration, like riding on the back of a sled with a string of dogs out front. But by the time I got back home and the dogs looked after, I have the tangled plot all sorted out.
I LIKE YOUR RECIPE FOR CREATIVITY, BUT DON’T FORGET, REVISE.
November 16, 2012 at 2:48 pm
chariseharper
Revise is my favorite part!
November 16, 2012 at 11:06 am
Sue Heavenrich
Yes, yes, yes! And the kids can be college grads (or even a spouse) – and they still need grilled cheese sammiches and I still have to lock myself in the bathroom to get some uninterrupted quiet time!
November 16, 2012 at 11:13 am
Deborah
Love this post! I have been trying to get up earlier, but can’t seem to get motivated. Thanks for your inspiration. I am going to give it another try : D
November 16, 2012 at 11:13 am
Julie Falatko
My new goal is to train myself to write in 20 minute bursts. My favorite thing is when I get up early before everyone else and write, but sometimes I forget that’s the plan, and I go to bed too late. But if I could write more productively when they were around (rather than just write notes everywhere) that would be huge!
November 16, 2012 at 11:23 am
Judy Cox
Great post. I think it’s important to note that one writing routine won’t last your whole life–you have to keep reinventing it as circumstances change. I had one routine when my son was little, it changed when he went to school, changed again when I went back to work….and so forth. The biggest change was when my husband retired! And you think kids interrupt you while you’re working! Just wait!
November 16, 2012 at 11:33 am
White Wolf Studio
Great post! I don’t have any children at my house, but a full-time job, husband and bossy pets are similar I would guess. Thinking, dreaming and imagining is always going on in my brain. Thanks for the reminder to get it all down.
November 16, 2012 at 11:37 am
Diana Murray
LOL!! I so relate to this. And I was interrupted once while writing this short reply (to look for a horsie). Thanks for the laugh and for the inspiration too.
November 16, 2012 at 11:38 am
Penny Klostermann
I love your time management suggestions…something I need to improve upon. This is post has tidbits that apply to all stages in life. Thanks :•) Oh…and horray for showers & walks where most if my ideas are born & develop into stories.
November 16, 2012 at 12:18 pm
Deb B.
Thanks for the post. It’s so good to see that it can work (writing with kids) and be very successful.
November 16, 2012 at 12:22 pm
Stephanie Shaw
Thank you, Charise! I love that you have taken the intermittent writing time of a parent and made it work so well.
November 16, 2012 at 12:27 pm
LuAnn Kern
Sounds like you live at my house. Love the suggestions and chuckle. Early morning works well for me, but then I crash around 4:30 pm. How do you keep the momentum going?
November 16, 2012 at 12:28 pm
Ashley Bankhead
Reading your post reminded me of my days with my kids. Finding time to write with little ones is hard, but I wouldnt have it any other way. They do give me the best inspiration. I just have to work hard to find time to write. It is tricky but worth it.
November 16, 2012 at 12:32 pm
kdhuxman
I have more “free” time to write now that the kids are grown, but it seems like I was more creative when I was juggling their lives as well as my own. Thanks for the reminder that we can be creative in short spurts and odd times.
November 16, 2012 at 1:02 pm
Donna Black
My best ideas come from the shower (of course) and chauffeuring.
November 16, 2012 at 1:09 pm
daniela weil
very very cool, im definitely going to be more on to better notetaking and awareness of those kid moments as they are happening.
November 16, 2012 at 1:19 pm
Catherine Johnson
I bet we can all relate to this. It’s a blessing for the free ideas and a curse for the lack of a spare moment. I am particularly crabby if i’m interrupted mid-sentence, so I always write at a frantic pace and try and see out of the corner of my eye if anyone is coming lol. Of course now I have both in school and that is different again, come back from school with lots of stories you too ;0)
November 16, 2012 at 1:32 pm
Carol Nelson
Great post! The reality of writing with a lot of other responsibilities and commitments is that we must be creative with our time as well as with our writing. Thanks for the ideas on how to get it all done. I also listen to children for inspiration. In my case, it is often my grandchildren who give me the best nuggets.
November 16, 2012 at 1:36 pm
Laura Renauld
Your bar graph of time to work and inspiration from kids is spot on! I felt like you drew that just for me 🙂 Thanks for the encouraging words about organizing how we work. I will be trying some new things out soon.
November 16, 2012 at 2:34 pm
Cheryl
Thanks for the writing tips!
Cheryl
November 16, 2012 at 2:36 pm
Catherine
Thank you for this post, you could so have been writing about me (except I am not good at 4.30 am and have my ideas in the bath!). Unfortunately my most creative thoughts seem to come at the least opportune time but it’s good to hear that I’m not alone with my juggling act :o)
November 16, 2012 at 2:47 pm
Jennifer Glahn Reck
This is so funny and true!! I also get some of my best ideas in the shower where I find peace and quiet. I’ve never been able to hear a child cry or scream when I’m in that place. Thanks you for this awesome post…Having 3 of my own children, really helped me connect to your writing and laugh out loud hysterically!
November 16, 2012 at 2:51 pm
Stacy Couch
Ideas come to me while exercising or meditating…story ideas are my piece of chocolate…no silly stories, why treadmill today?
November 16, 2012 at 3:16 pm
Tracy Bermeo
Charise, I think you confused you day with mine! My kids are also inspiration and interrupters. I too have tons of pieces of paper with notes and story ideas scribbled. So happy to read your post and know I am not alone.
Tara- these post are wonderful and inspirational! My ideas are still going strong, and I followed your suggestion in an early post about having a notebook for PiBo. It’s working, and you’re on my blog today!
http://a2zmommy.blogspot.com/2012/11/on-roll-so-far.html
November 16, 2012 at 3:43 pm
Carrie Finison
I’m hiding out in a cafe right now — it’s my “uninterrupted” afternoon. So agree with this statement: “And strangely, I’m more productive now, than before I had kids.” I think back to the time before kids and wonder what the heck I did with all that time??? Now, given 40 minutes, I can do pretty much anything — in fact 3 or 4 anythings.
November 16, 2012 at 3:53 pm
Mary Flynn
Charise I completely understand. My children are grow up, but it does not keep the interruptions away. I really have to yell at myself sometimes to get to work and stop finding things to distract me. Love the questions.
November 16, 2012 at 4:49 pm
h1jackson
Hilarious and so VERY true if you are a mom! Love the idea of writing your ideas down ANYWHERE….a great story idea came to me in pick-up line for preschool…wrote it down on a small envelope in the car.
November 16, 2012 at 5:04 pm
Lori Mozdzierz
Limited time is an amazing thing! Who would have thought so much can be accomplished in such a short time 😀
November 16, 2012 at 5:07 pm
Debbie Mickelson
Thanks for the post. I can relate to this in so many ways, interruptions, writing notes on anything I can find, and quiet time in the shower. I did appreciate your thoughts on how to find time to write. I often feel that I need to have a bulk of time to get something done. You helped me to realize that I can do a lot in short bursts too.
November 16, 2012 at 5:32 pm
Joanna
Am in love with your first graph. That’s my life too! 🙂
November 16, 2012 at 5:47 pm
Kerri Kokias
I can relate to every word of your post except the 4:30 part. Yikes! I’m more of a 6:00 gal myself.
My daughter and I just discovered your Just Grace series and just finished Just Grace Walks the Dog. We really enjoyed it and plan to read more of the books.
Thanks for your post.
November 16, 2012 at 7:09 pm
chariseharper
I’m so glad you liked the books. They are fun to write.
November 16, 2012 at 6:18 pm
Jenny Boyd
I love the visuals you provided in your post . . . And the recipe for creativity. 4:30 am? Wow! You’re a do-it-aller!
November 16, 2012 at 6:25 pm
Lori Alexander
Awesome post! Love the interruption tally marks. So true 🙂
November 16, 2012 at 6:33 pm
Carrie Ann Brown
Wow, I sure can relate to this! Three kids, among a job and other responsibilities, sure does make me “think between the lines.” You are right about the shower! Along with the car, these are my think tanks…quite ironic that they are the two hardest places to grab a piece of paper to write the ideas on!
November 16, 2012 at 7:17 pm
helennhill
Oh! I can relate. Kids are the crispy chips in my turkey sandwich. Without them, it would be good, but lacking in much texture. And, there’s nothing like “OMG I only have two hours to get that done,” to actually get it done. : )
November 16, 2012 at 7:55 pm
Roxanne
Not in the mood for sweets?!? Are you crazy? Always in that mood! Thanks for all the insights. I like a quiet dark house too, feels sneaky is a good way to put it. Keeping my eyes/ears open. :o)
November 16, 2012 at 8:01 pm
DaNeil Olson
I too am most productive in the morning. After 1:00 p.m. I’m ready for a nap. (Although that would be frowned upon at work.:)) Thanks for reminding us that even though we are busy we can always find time to be creative.
November 16, 2012 at 8:26 pm
Kathy
Thanks for the encouragement in finding time when life can be very busy and crazy.
November 16, 2012 at 8:27 pm
Linda Moore
I love listening to and watching children. They are always so creative and an endless source of inspiration! Loved your drawings!!! 🙂
November 16, 2012 at 10:04 pm
michelleol
Oh how you have captured my day and my work! The interruptions, notes all over the place, frantic rush to get one more thing in just real quick. If only I could make myself get up at 4:30am… Maybe tomorrow.
(OK, probably not, but it’s a really good idea!)
November 16, 2012 at 10:28 pm
viviankirkfield
Your drawings are spot-on! Your time management ideas will definitely help me! And your advice of ‘always be looking for the next book idea’ is perfect! Hats off for continuing to produce amazing pb”s while raising your family. 🙂
November 16, 2012 at 10:57 pm
erin o'brien
If you love it, you’ll find a way. Thanks for the inspiration!
November 17, 2012 at 12:17 am
Jen Carroll
I’ve got three, 3 and under. Thanks for reminding me that it CAN be done!
November 17, 2012 at 12:22 am
laurasalas
Training myself to write under any conditions has been invaluable. Love your running tally:)
November 17, 2012 at 2:21 am
Angie Breault
This made me laugh. It is so true that having kids makes writing children’s books both easy and hard. I have five kids and I find my most productive writing time starts after they go to bed and ends early to mid morning. Unfortunately, I can’t make a regular habit of this, because it becomes exhausting. This post has inspired me to find a regular time, even if it is filled with tally marks and interruptions. Thank you 🙂
November 17, 2012 at 9:19 am
Kevin J. Doyle
Good grief your post describes my life! Minus the ability to draw of course. I’m a stay home dad to big sis’ and little bro and am a writer in bits and pieces as time allows. The app Evernote is my preferred way to capture ideas but every scrap of paper in my sight is also always in danger of being scribbled on. Thank you for the post!
November 17, 2012 at 1:49 pm
Dorothy Wiese
Your words made me smile. I have been known to read cereal boxes, but I have never written on them. I now have new territory. Envelopes are always a good source.
November 17, 2012 at 3:35 pm
Melanie Ellsworth
Love the graph. Must ask myself those very important questions from your post.
November 17, 2012 at 6:05 pm
Ramona
What a great post! I love your little illustrations to demonstrate the realities of mixing motherhood with writing – I can empathise with that a lot. And your tally chart made me laugh 😀
November 17, 2012 at 9:46 pm
Sheri Dillard
Great post! I also write PB ideas on various, handy bits of paper. Just today I wrote three ideas on a parking lot stub. (Now I need to dig through my purse and find it!) LOL 🙂
November 17, 2012 at 10:16 pm
Sheri R
I love the ideas for places to write and the notes on all the paper nearby. The problem I find is organizing the scraps of paper and finding them when I need them.
November 17, 2012 at 10:48 pm
Rachel Smoka-Richardson
Thank you for sharing your process! I also like to write on envelopes.
November 17, 2012 at 10:55 pm
C. C. Gevry
I get a lot of ideas in the shgower too. Love your illustrations–especially the one of your kids.
November 18, 2012 at 1:53 am
Dorina Lazo Gilmore
Perfect post! Made me laugh and smile and nod. I’m a mama of three and trying to help my hubby run a non-profit as well. That means my writing is more interruptions than concentrated working time. I appreciate this advice. I need to embrace the “short bursts” more instead of letting the pressure of the “shortness” get to me.
November 18, 2012 at 7:50 am
The Ink Pond
This is exactly how I feel when trying to write! Thank you for the great post that encourages me to continue on my writing path:-)
P.S. I love the graph and illustrations!
Tia Svardahl, the Ink Pond
November 18, 2012 at 8:02 am
chariseharper
Thanks everyone for the great comments! RIght now I’m working and it’s just me and the dog. The house is asleep. 🙂
November 18, 2012 at 9:22 am
Lois Szymanski
This was wonderful! I remember those days, when my kids were small and writing time couldn’t even be carved out, it was random. I especially liked the hash marks showing how many times she was interrupted while trying to write! It made me laugh! :>) Lois
November 18, 2012 at 10:05 am
Therese Nagi
Charise thanks for sharing your helpful suggestions for finding writing ideas in everyday life. It’s amazing how kid provide us with writing ideas but do take a bunch of our time.
November 18, 2012 at 10:10 am
thiskidreviewsbooks
Great post Ms. Harper! I like how you draw!
November 18, 2012 at 10:20 am
Laura Hamor (@LauraHamor)
Great suggestions on capturing creativity!
November 18, 2012 at 10:28 am
Sharon Putnam
How did I miss this post? It’s terrific! I’m also an early riser and love when you said that getting up early feels sneaky and clever, like you’ve cheated the day : ) I have learned to keep small note books scattered throughout the house so when an idea hits I do not need to resort to writing on bits and pieces of scrap paper, like napkins and ticket stubs.
November 18, 2012 at 12:53 pm
kirabigwood
This is so true! Half the time I end up writing in my sleep. Thx for the post!
November 18, 2012 at 1:22 pm
Rachel Hamby
I’m struggling with finding time these days. This post helped. THX!
November 18, 2012 at 1:37 pm
Lisa Anchin
“Sometimes I like a change of scenery.” I find that there’s nothing like changing location to shake up my work. Thanks so much for your post!
November 18, 2012 at 4:22 pm
SevenAcreSky
Loved this post Charise! Thanks for sharing your struggle with writing time. Helps me realize that writing time is all the time. I am still trying to learn to cheat the day, and sneak in real solid time in the wee hours of the morning. (That means getting to bed at a decent time.)
Thanks for your encouraging post,
Damon Dean
November 18, 2012 at 6:45 pm
Debra Feldman
“You think everything is a book idea.” lol. I don’t have kids. My boyfriend is the one who takes this line with me all the time 🙂
November 18, 2012 at 7:54 pm
mikelaprevost
The tally marks. I rarely laugh out loud while reading but that section of your post was sheer brilliance. Thank you for letting us other writers/mommies not feel alone. I’m definetly bringing my notebook or sketchbook with me during the latest viewed epidodes of “My Little Pony”. Very motivational post!
November 18, 2012 at 8:38 pm
Peggy Archer
Thanks for a great post. I thought it would be easier when my kids were grown. Now I have grandkids 🙂
November 19, 2012 at 8:42 am
Janet Smart
Great post! I am also motivated by deadlines and rewards. Love your recipe. Would love to win the books. Congratulations on your success.
November 19, 2012 at 10:07 am
Lynn Anne Carol
My hat is off to you. I’ve been a mom to six children. I’m still their mom but only one is still living at home. I never had time to even get in the shower. Yet, when I did the negative ions from the running water always inspired me and energized me.
so note to all those writers with children . . . take notes, get water proof paper and non-runny ink. There is so much that happens in a day, don’t lose those precious tidbits that the kids throw out to you.
Thanks for sharing, Charise.
Lynn~~
November 19, 2012 at 2:05 pm
Christie Wright Wild
I loved this. I SO connected with the last illustration, “You think everything is a book idea.” My son said the same thing. He says he’s not going to talk to me anymore because I want to turn everything he says into a book. SO funny and true!!!
November 19, 2012 at 5:24 pm
Hannah Holt
Oh, I can totally relate. No one interrupted me during the reading of this post, but that’s only because (miraculously) three of my four children are sleeping and one hasn’t come home from school yet. Oops, I need to go pick him up from the bus.
November 19, 2012 at 9:53 pm
Lois Sepahban
Thank you for a fun post. And, wow! You get to take uninterrupted showers!
November 19, 2012 at 10:35 pm
Linda Graden
I think the best advise for writers is on time management! Thanks so much!
November 20, 2012 at 1:47 am
Lisa Olson
I totally hear you on the shower and from the kids. That’s where I get my inspiration from too.
November 20, 2012 at 5:20 pm
Annette Pimentel
I feel the pull of emails, too, and reading the posts piling up (like this one) but agree that I feel much better about my work if I resist until I’ve immersed myself in the creating first. Thanks for the reminder.
November 21, 2012 at 1:57 pm
Gina Perry
Thank you for the honesty, humor, advice, and encouragement!
November 21, 2012 at 5:15 pm
Heather Soodak
I don’t have kids, but I do teach kids and they do sure have some funny stories to steal!
November 22, 2012 at 1:13 am
Debbie Austin
I love the idea of working in short bursts when you have to and being ok with that. I find myself frustrated when I can’t have long uninterrupted hours. But usually my best ideas come in the midst of something else.
November 24, 2012 at 9:15 pm
Robin Bulleri
Great post. I often find myself squeezing in a few minutes’ worth of work while the girls are playing. It’s amazing how productive 10 or 20 minutes can be when that’s all you get.
November 30, 2012 at 2:39 am
Kathryn Ault Noble
Charise, I admire your ability to work with children at home! Mine are long gone, so I have been borrowing the neighbor children to come over and tell stories with me.
November 30, 2012 at 10:49 am
Jean
So glad Mary Uhles shared this link on facebook. Enjoyed the read and look forward to reading the adventures of Grace to my grandchild!