by Laura Zarrin

I’ve been an artist all of my life, but even though I liked writing, I never considered myself an author. That changed thanks to Storystorm, but making time to write without distractions has been a huge problem for me.

I have all kinds of tricks to keep my butt in the chair while illustrating. I binge TV shows or listen to audio books while I draw and paint. It’s the perfect job! I can’t listen to music, because I start choreographing dances in my head (former dancer here). I have had some luck listening to Bridgerton music. Writing requires silence. I dread the silence and find myself avoiding writing. Whole days go by while I avoid writing. Not a sustainable way to build a writing career.

Things I’ve tried to get the writing done with some success:

  • Light a scented candle during writing sessions.
  • Writing in a room away from my studio.
  • Co-working with friends.
  • Writing at a coffee shop or library.
  • Telling friends I’m committed to writing for a set period, then check in with them after.
  • Formal Accountability Groups.
  • Leave my desk with a plan for the next day’s writing, or start the next part so it’s easy to jump in to the work.
  • Ignore the cooking and cleaning until after the writing is finished. (I like to ignore those anyway. Shhh.)
  • Draw my way into the story with scribbly pen drawings.
  • I’ve also heard of other authors using Tarot cards to help jumpstart ideas when you’re stuck.
  • A friend of mine listens to cafe sounds on YouTube while writing.
  • Set a timer. 20 minute segments works well.
  • Writing by hand in a notebook away from devices.

Last year, I started co-working with local Kidlit friends. We work in a library or coffee shop so the ‘carrot’ is seeing friends and fancy coffee and snacks. I don’t doomscroll or watch TV due to peer pressure. It works really well. I can quiet my mind, write and enjoy the process! So far, that’s what’s working best for me.

I hope some of these hacks help you with your writing. Let me know if you have any others!

Laura Zarrin has illustrated over 30 books for children including board books, picture books, and chapter books, Highlights Hidden Pictures, and various educational projects. She’s the illustrator of the Wallace and Grace Series by Heather Alexander and the Katie Woo’s Neighborhood series by Fran Manushkin. She’s currently writing and submitting her own stories. Laura is happiest writing and illustrating characters with subtle and not so subtle humor, bonus points for slapstick comedy.

Visit her at LauraZarrin.com or on Instagram @LauraZarrin and Bluesky @LauraZarrin.