My past few weeks have been even busier than usual. At a time when my creative juices are really flowing, it seems there are a million little demons determined to trip me up and keep me away from my keyboard or, when I’m at that keyboard, to ensure I’m busy doing anything other than writing creatively. But I’m a writer – and writing creatively is what I need to do. So I try try try (not always succeeding) to write something every day, if not on my work in progress, then something that comes to me. And, amidst that aforementioned business, I managed this past week to jot down a first draft of a new picture book manuscript, and draft three new poems, among other things.

One way I ensure that I keep writing is to always have a notebook with me. I don’t have a laptop, but a notebook and pen can be carried around and, when inspiration strikes I can grab a moment to jot my thoughts down. In between sessions on my school visit to Hyden, for example, I managed to write a hundred words or so of the picture book idea which had been tickling my awareness for a couple of days. This gave me the impetus to then sit down today and get it finished.

Anyway, I’ve come across an article which says so well what I’m trying to say about trying to make time for writing. Eugie Foster calls it ‘juggling hamsters’ and, although I’m not fond of hamsters (juggled or otherwise), the analogy and the tips the article contains are excellent. Have a read.