Competing With Summer

As far as writing goes, summer is the toughest time of year for me. The kids and I pack up and visit family for two months straight. We always have a great time and the memories will last forever, but I have to turn my back on my characters and the worlds they live in.

Why?

1. Because my office is where I write best. I control all the distractions.  

2. While gorgeous locations can inspire my writing, I'm more inspired to go out and enjoy it. It's hard for me to send my kids out on adventures without tagging along- especially if said adventures call for swimming in a creek, 4-wheelers, or horses.

3. Non-writers don't understand the writing process. I can't write or edit and carry on a conversation (or watch a movie) at the same time. And it's kind of rude for me to try when I'm the guest. ;-)

4. I'm a binge writer. I like to be fully submerged for many, many hours at time--not in and out every 10 minutes with half an idea.

5. Lack of internet. I know this should be a plus, but without internet, I'm more likely to walk away from the computer when I need a moment, which of course leads to a full day of activity. With internet, I can check email or chat with a friend for a few minutes, then get back to work. That said, I do have some limited access, with bandwidth restrictions, but the nearest town (if I want full access) is 25 miles away. 

If I lived there permanently, I'd have to adjust my writing habits for sure. But summer is temporary, my kids will be grown soon, and I have to weigh what's more important. I'm grateful for the opportunity to offer such amazing experiences for my kids to grow on.  

If you have kids that are out of school for the summer, how does your writing compete?

Keeping the Little Darlings Busy

So, I know not all writers have children. But for those of us who do, working on any sort of project, let alone something like Nano, can be a challenge. Here are a few ideas I've picked up over the years for keeping your kidlets (or significant others) busy while you are pounding the keyboard.

1. The Electronic Babysitter

Yeah, yeah, I know....Bad Mommy! But, I've found this one highly effective. Movies and video games can keep my little ones occupied for hours. And it doesn't have to be bad, mind-numbing drivel. There are lots of great, educational games and shows around. But just like the Borg, your kidlets will adapt quickly. You gotta keep throwing fresh, new material at them or they will develop immunity and it will no longer be effective.

2. Find the Coin

When I was growing up, my parents would play this game with us (we called it something different but it probably isn't PC anymore so...we'll just call it Find the Coin) :D I realize now it was a great way to give them a few kid-free moments, but at the time, I just thought it was a fun game. They would hide this huge silver coin my dad had somewhere in the house, and we'd have to go find it. I don't remember if we got a treat for finding it; I just remember how much fun it was to look. And I never suspected that my parents were just trying to keep us occupied for a while :D

3. Skittle Surprise

This one cracks me up and was suggested by my awesome friend Toni Wilson. I don't know that I'd ever do it but it's hilarious. Take your kids in the backyard, open a big bag of Skittles, and let them fly :D It'll take your kids hours to find them all :D

4. Pen Pals

My kids love to do projects with me. So sometimes we'll set up a whole Writer's Corner at the kitchen table. My kids will either get their toy laptops and play their games while I work, or they'll get out pencils and paper and create their own books. They love making up their own stories, drawing pictures to go with their ideas. And I love sharing something that such a big part of me with them :)

What are some things you do to keep your kids occupied when you need to work?