Stories, Schedules, and Sweet Chaos: How I Balance Work, Family, and Writing

As a working mom and aspiring author, my life often feels like a delicate balancing act. Imagine me in a beautiful library filled with the scent of polished wood and old books, helping patrons find what they need. Then, picture me at home—amidst toys, storybooks, and the joyful chaos of my children playing. Juggling these roles isn’t always easy, but it’s deeply rewarding. Today, I want to share how I manage these responsibilities while still nurturing my love for reading and writing.

The Library: A Place of Joy and Learning

My husband often says my position here is a ‘Divine Appointment.’ Against all odds, I got this job. Every workday, I strive to make my community love the library as much as I do. My role allows me to connect people with books that can inspire them and foster a love of reading.

Every day, I am surrounded by stories waiting to be discovered. But since becoming a mom, I haven’t had as much time to read or write as I did before. I still manage to find moments—especially now that my youngest is finally sleeping through the night. I'm currently reading Briar Rose by Susan Wiggs, which came out in 1987, and I'm thinking I need to read a cozy mystery or revenge thriller next.

Now that I’ve shared a bit about my work at the library, let’s talk about how I find time to write

Aspiring Author: Finding Time for Writing

Balancing my career with my desire to write can feel overwhelming. I often jot down ideas at odd moments—during lunch breaks, while working on a project, or even in the middle of the night when inspiration strikes. One strategy that helps me stay on track is setting specific, realistic goals. I aim for a certain word count each week, but I keep my targets manageable, knowing that some weeks are busier than others (especially with a teething toddler in the house).

Sharing drafts with fellow writers or trusted friends has also been invaluable. I’ve finally reached a point where I’m comfortable letting others know that I write sweet romance novels. If someone doesn’t enjoy my stories, I remind myself that not every story is for everyone—and that’s okay.

The Joys of Life: Practical Takeaways for Busy Moms

If you’re a working mom, you know how challenging it can be to juggle everything. Here are a few tips that have helped me:

• Establish a Routine: Create a daily schedule with set times for work, writing, and family.

• Set Goals: Define clear, achievable writing targets, like 15 minutes a day or a chapter a week.

• Include Your Kids: Involve your children in your passions, whether it’s writing or library events.

• Network: Reach out to other moms or writers for support—community matters.

• Embrace Imperfection: Some days won’t go as planned. Prioritize self-care and ask for help when needed.

Celebrating the Small Wins

As much as life can feel like a juggling act, I’ve learned to celebrate the small victories. Finishing a short story or organizing a successful library event gives me a boost of confidence. Each accomplishment, no matter the size, leads to greater satisfaction in both my personal and professional growth.

One of the best moments came recently when I held shared a workshop on World Building for my local writer's club and got to share about my latest novel as an example.

To all the working moms out there: You’re doing an amazing job. Embrace the chaos, celebrate your wins, and be proud of your unique journey.