Yesterday I introduced the writer, Darah Zeledon, mother of 5 small children. Today we continue our interview with this Warrior Mom, who manages to slip in time nearly every day to work on her memoir or add a post to her blog.
What do you do when an idea hits you and you’re otherwise engaged?
Ideas typically start flooding my mind while on the road running my morning errands. By mile 20, when my toddlers pass out snoring, I’ll pull into a gas station and scribble on my note pad, and won’t come up for air until the kids wake up.
At other times, when I feel the urge to purge my mind of an idea, I’ll reach for anything: a greasy napkin, a tattered envelope, the dorsal side of yesterday’s gas receipt, my kid’s field trip permission slip, anything to unload. In that, I am the epitome of creative. [See “Writer’s Block” on Darah’s blog.]
If I am unable to relieve myself from this explosion of ideas during the day, I’ll steal away late at night. After the children have finally fallen asleep and I’ve spent time with my adorable husband, I lose myself in the world of words until the wee hours. Sleeping very little, at night, I am fueled by adrenaline and my passion for writing—and by having sucked down inordinate amounts of caffeine throughout day.
About Darah: Aspiring author, business owner, and fitness enthusiast, Darah Zeledon just returned to the US after residing for nine years in South America with her large brood. Darah´s humorous and optimistic perspective on raising her children in today’s unstable world is strongly influenced by her experiences running a household and various businesses abroad.
Darah holds a BS in clinical psychology and an MS in international relations. None of her education or work experience has prepared her for the most challenging feat of all- mothering five “active and relentlessly inquisitive” children.
Read more of Darah’s musings at:
The Warrior Mom.
Find her on Facebook at:
Warrior Mom: Straight Talk from the Heart.
For more tips on finding time to write, see Polish and Publish: The Indispensable Tool for Creative Writers.
Brava, Darah! When my daughter was of school age, my writing time was between 8 P.M. and 3 A.M. You are doing great! And you still manage to look fantastic, too!
Love,
Monique
Thanks for the comment, Monique. I’m always impressed with (and inspired by) how people manage to find time for their writing. What do you write? – Lynette
Wow. Darah blows me away with her energy and persistence. It’s great and inspiring, although I do worry that Darah might implode one of these days between caring for her family, writing and putting herself last. Be careful please!! That caffeine and little sleep syndrome could cause your health some trouble…be sure to take care of yourself! (would Darah even see this? If not, maybe you could pass along my concern) Otherwise, I admire her squeezing in time to write whenever she has a chance. It’s a wonder she has time to breathe, let alone write – with all that she does. Brava!
You are the best!!!! I love reading your blogs! From your oldest friend in the world! You are so super talented! Stay focused on your dream! Xoxo
Hi Kelly:
I take it your comment is addressed to Darah ;-)! and yes, she’s super talented, so I hope she gets her fabulous memoir published!