Stephanie Gunn

I never wrote a word of fiction until all kids were at school. I wrote non-fiction instead (it’s easier to drop & pick up when you get interrupted). I worked full-time, and wrote at lunchtimes. If you’re at home all the time, you’ll find it much harder, It’s OK when the baby sleeps, but when they get older they sleep less, and by that time there may be another child.

I’d try to make sure the toddlers are in bed by 8 at the latest. Tiny babies can be really irregular and are often restless and colicky at night, when you want to have time to yourself. This is *really* frustrating, but doesn’t last very long (I know you’ll say a few months looks like forever from your current standpoint, but it isn’t).

Try to think when your baby is most quiet. Mornings? Afternoons? Write then.

The other thing I would say is don’t obsess about housework. If certain stuff isn’t done, is there anyone else in the house who cares except you? No? Then don’t do it, or don’t do it as often.

Another thing I would say is: don’t force it. Relax and enjoy your kids. You learn a lot subconsciously from just doing what you’re doing now, even if it only looks like you’re perpetually feeding and changing nappies. It’s all life experience you can later write about.