The Freelance Writing Parent

Train Your Family to Treat Your Writing as a Business

Jan 8, 2010
Cheryl Wright

Always have pen & paper on hand - From the Collection of Cheryl Wright

Many writers find their families don't treat their freelance writing as a business, and see it as a hobby instead. You can turn that around with these simple tips.

Writing from home can be bliss. Or it can be hell.

One of the biggest problems for serious writers can be getting through to family members that writing is not a hobby; it’s an income earning job.

“Training” family members is incredibly important, so it is important to use the right terminology from the start.

The simplest way to explain it is to explain that just as daddy (or mommy) goes out to work, you have a job too – writing.

Use Appropriate Terminology

It’s imperative that you use words such as job, work and working.

Also explain that when we work, we get money. If we don’t work, we don’t get money and we can’t buy things. Ensuring your children understand these concepts in relation to your writing can make a huge difference.

Many writers have simply closed the door to their office, but that doesn’t always work; in many cases the children will feel as though they’re being shut out – not only from your workspace, but also from you.

There are ways around this problem, but it doesn’t always work. If you have young children, and you’re lucky enough that they will sit quietly nearby without interrupting, you could set rules about quiet play while you’re working.

Prepare for Quiet Play

Have a corner or a box where a selection of toys are kept. You could also have coloring books and pencils. These could be special toys, only for use in your office.

The rule would be quiet play in exchange for the chance to use the special toys etc.

Depending on the age of the child/ren, and your situation, stealing time may work better for you. Before the children wake in the morning, start your working day. Don’t have breakfast until they are awake, and this can provide anything up to an extra hour of writing each day.

If your children still take naps, grab some more writing time, and again after they are down for the night.

These quiet times will probably be your most productive.

More Time Grabbing Ideas

Here are a few ideas of how you can grab extra time for writing (not only when children are around):

Television is a huge time waster, and cutting back will free up a lot more writing time.
Visits to the doctor or dentist – use your waiting time productively.
Do you commute? Use that time to snatch some more writing or editing time.
Researching magazines – this can be done in waiting rooms. Always have a pen and paper with you and jot down details of any magazines that appeal to you.

These are just a small number of ideas, but there are many more. The more experienced you get, the more ways you will find to save time, and still spend loads of time with your family.