The past few weeks have slipped by in whirlwind of feedings, diaper changes, baths and best of all, smiles. My tiny baby who arrived one month early has grown from 5 pounds 12 ounces to 15 pounds! My son is a wonderful baby. He is a joy to play with and care for each day. But, at the end of the day, instead of pages added to my latest work-in-progress, I have a pile of dirty diapers, and hopefully, a sleeping baby.
I told myself that I would start writing when the baby naps. So far, this is easier said than done. My son is perfectly happy to sleep in his crib at night, but during the day is another matter. He insists on being held. He loves to curl up in my arms for an hour or two throughout the day, which is really quite precious. But I simply cannot write and hold him. Thus, the past few weeks my days have been focused on getting my child to nap in his crib or his swing. (I am making progress in the mornings, but afternoons are another matter.)
These long afternoon naps might not lead to great writing, but they are perfect for reading. In the past few weeks, I have read A Kiss at Midnight by Eloisa James, Infamous by Suzanne Brockmann, A Touch of Scandal by Jennifer Haymore and Dark Deceptions by Dee Davis. All are recommended reading even if you don’t have a sleeping baby in your arms.
I have also spent numerous napping hours perusing various research books. Currently I’m making my way through In the Family Way: Childbearing in the British Aristocracy, 1760-1860—fascinating reading that will likely lead to blog posts. But first, before I devote my precious writing hours to blogging, I must turn my attentions to my work-in-progress. Naptime is writing time. At least that is what I keep telling myself.
If there are any other writers with babies out there with advice on finding time to write, please share!
Sarah, you’re so lucky to have READING time! I haven’t had that in ages, mainly because if Bella is asleep, I have to be writing. Now that Bella is 8 months, she’s a lot more consistent with her naps, but still not consistent enough. We finally had to hire someone to look after her for 10 hours a week. It’s made a HUGE difference! On a day without the nanny, I’m managing about 1000 words, but when she’s here, it’s upwards of 2,000, plus I get to spend time editing, grocery shopping, critiquing, among other things I don’t get to do with baby in tow.
You’re still in a bit of an unpredictable phase right now, but it will get better as he gets older, I promise
Sarah I’m so happy to hear that Jameson is doing so well. That’s great news and at least you are finding time to read. The writing will come I’m sure. When inspiration strikes just do a sentence at a time and if you can add more do so. It will add up I’m sure.
Things will be better in time.
Actually, when my boys were babies (a lo-o-ong time ago), naptime for them was also naptime for me–needed to keep up my energy! But I COULD write with a babe in arms–at the typewriter or the computer! (You see how long ago that was.) Granted, it went more slowly than when my hands were perfectly free, but that was okay by me. A newborn could get cozy in my arms while I typed, or an older baby (able to sit up on his own) would think it was a great game to sit on my lap facing me while I went back and forth between playing quiet baby games and typing. And then there were the stories I’d read to them while working at the computer! “‘Esmeralda was stunned by Rick’s reaction. “You are an outright cad!” she accused. . . .’” I think that’s when I probably learned to type my drafts, rather than write them longhand–although longhand editing is also doable with a babe in arms. As Jerrica and Kwana say, though, this phase doesn’t last long in the whole scheme of things. So, Sarah, make the most of this time with Jameson . . . and ENJOY!