Finding balance is something that seems to keep eluding me. I used to have no problem getting my books written and handling the rest of my life as well. I mean, it wasn’t easy, but it was doable.

It’s harder now. I finally thought I found a solution, and went to a relative’s unoccupied house for what was supposed to be several days. I did a lot of plotting and wrote more than twice what I consider enough for a truly “successful” day. But the next day, my family needed me. They then reassured me that they had everything under control, but I couldn’t write anymore. I couldn’t just sit and write and selfishly take all that time for myself when my family was crying out. So I drove the three hours home and didn’t write any more.

Now it’s several days later and I’ve still to write more. I’m currently in my regular writing spot – a couch in the corner of our TV room while several other family members watch TV. Sometimes I use headphones while I do this, but I haven’t seen them since I took them to my aunt and uncle’s anniversary party (I wrote words on the long car ride).

Anyway. Going out of town proved to me that I do still have the ability to write, and to write a lot of words and write well. But I still have the issue that when other matters press down on me, it stifles my creativity. That’ the balance I’m looking for – how to take time for myself and do the project I want to do, but also to care for the ones I love in the way I need to.

Also, I want to encourage you all to visit my friend Sonia Gensler’s blog today and learn about how to find community at an SCBWI conference. It’s part 2 in our blog parade, leading up to our SCBWI Oklahoma spring conference the first week of April. Check it out!