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Sunday, October 21, 2012

The Balancing Act

I've been asked this question many times by readers and authors alike. "With a family and a busy writing career, how in the world do you find enough time in the day to do it all?"

Honestly, some days I ask myself that very same question. As a wife and mother of two, living on a hundred-acre farm, it's tough to juggle all of the responsibilities. I'll not lie.

But along the way, I've learned a few things about balancing work and family. When it comes to figuring out how to find the time to blog, write, edit, promote, and connect with readers without forcing family (and even friends) to take a back seat...there are a few important things to remember and follow:
  • First off, take a deep breath. You are not alone. It may feel overwhelming at first, but it can be done. The more you do it, the more you'll find what works for you and what doesn't. It is all about scheduling and prioritizing, and then sticking to your guns. Hopefully, you have a family like mine who supports you and will even help you pencil in the time to write and edit.


  • Second, never give up. Believe in yourself and keep at it. Some days will be harder than others. Some days will feel like you didn't get a single thing accomplished. But know that you ARE going to have those kind of days. It's unavoidable. Nothing is perfect and nothing will ever be written in stone. Just be flexible, determined, and ready to lean on others when you need help. If you try to do it all yourself, that's when you'll feel the water rise above your head. Like me, I assume you take your writing career seriously and drowning isn't an option.


  • Third, take time for yourself. If you constantly work and never rest (like doing things for YOUR pleasure each day) it will run you into the ground. You will then risk falling prey to the "I can't do this anymore" mentality. Each night, after all my work is done, I spend an hour or so reading, watching a great movie with hubby and the kids, or just sitting outside with a cup of coffee listening to the night sounds. Whatever it may be, learn to find time each day to relax. You will find that it helps to better fuel the mind for the next day and keep you spirited.

Renee Vincent
(Historical & Contemporary Adult Romance)
From the daunting, charismatic Vikings, to the charming, brazen Alpha male heroes of modern day, you'll be whisked away to a world filled with fast-paced adventure, unforgettable romance, and undying love.
Visit my website at http://www.reneevincent.com/

Gracie Lee Rose
(Lighthearted, Fancy-free Women's Fiction)
For those who love to read fun, wholesome, and endearing romantic stories that your mother, sister, friends, and daughters can enjoy.
Visit my website at http://www.gracieleerose.com/

18 comments:

Adele Dubois said...

So true that finding the right balance is key to a successful writing career...and life. Good post!

Best~ Adele

R. Ann Siracusa said...

All of us have this problem, even authors who write full-time and don't have day jobs. I wish there was a magic formula, but there isn't. (Taking a deep breath here) We all have to find our own way, but Renee's advice applies no matter what. Nice post.

jean hart stewart said...

Very nice post. Made m relax and take a deep breath just to read it. It's so nice to know it's alright to feel harried once in a while.

Renee Vincent said...

Thanks Ladies, for dropping by! If anyone has any advice to add, feel free to post them here!

Tina Donahue said...

Great advice, Renee. :)

Cara Marsi said...

Wonderful advice. Having a supportive family makes a big difference. Thanks for the pep talk.

Renee Vincent said...

Thanks Tina and Cara! I think it's important to help our fellow authors out and give aspiring authors the support they need to begin their careers. So many did the same for me, and I'm just trying to give back.

Sandy said...

Wonderful advice, Renee. I agree with all of it. Sometimes it works and other times it doesn't.

Barbara Bettis said...

Good advice--following it is the hard part :)

Renee Vincent said...

Sandy and Barbara...thanks for stopping by. And you're right - it can be hard to stick with it. Perseverance is the key, even when it becomes overwhelming and never forget to lean on others when it does.

Have a great weekend!

Marianne Stephens said...

All good points...and the best one is Make Time for Yourself. Many of us put everything before what we need/want/would like.
Find that "you" time!

Paris said...

I can't think of anything that I could add. Wonderful post and great advice wherever you are in your career.

Renee Vincent said...

Thanks Marianne, so true!

And thanks to Paris for stopping by. Glad you enjoyed the post.

Lyn Horner said...

Great advice, Renee. I get so caught up in writing, blogging and promting that I forget to take time for other activities. Not good for my health!

Fiona McGier said...

Working multiple jobs means that my writing time IS the only "me-time" that I can squeeze into my too-full days! My family drags me camping as often as we can arrange during the season, because then I have to relax...I can't possibly work/go on-line, so I have to just sit and talk with them...which is one of our favorite past-times anyway.

Renee Vincent said...

Yes Lyn, pencil in that me-time!

And Fiona, I love to go camping. Such a great way to relax and get away from it all. Fall is the perfect time for that.

Lacey Falcone said...

It's hard to balance it all - even when you don't have family. I have a little bit of a break now between school classes...and I'm trying to dedicate 6 hours for 6 different things I need to get done every day. I'm finding that those 6 hours aren't the problem...it's all the putzing I do in-between which burns up my time. But, I just keep plugging at it.

Renee Vincent said...

I so understand, Lacey. Just keep at it and try to cut down on the time you waste "putzing" around. haha

Best luck to you!

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