Contrary Muse: How Does Your Writing Grow?

Ever been frustrated while writing?

I know, STOOPID question. So if we all experience it, what is the solution?

I used to be able to stay up after the kids were in bed and write until three a.m. Heck, I used to be able to write while the selfsame kids ran around me, screaming and causing themselves bodily injury.

Now…not so much. I’m nodding off at about ten o’clock each night. Don’t ask me to get up early. No, I’m too artistic a soul to be an early bird. For realz, people.

I suppose it’s possible I’ve developed A.D.D. during my autumn years, but for whatever reason I cannot seems to write these days without complete and total non-interruption from the outside world. It’s gotten to the point where if I really want to write, I need to book a hotel room for the weekend. I can crank out 20K words that way. But my wallet scoffs at such indulgence on a regular basis.

I know a private office might help, but all available rooms are occupied by the afore-mentioned offspring. My neighbour raises hounds across the valley and I fear I will run screaming over yonder if I hear them baying for one more second–should I attempt to write outdoors. Oh, have I mentioned I homeschool? Which also means every table area is covered with books, books, and more books–and not the fun kind. It seems I have no place to go.

My bathroom is echoey…and also is a bathroom.

My basement is drafty.

My bedroom has the only flat screen TV with the Roku.

I’m at my wit’s end.

So I’m asking you, with a hint of desperation, what are your little secrets to extruding a bit of word count from your daily life?

Do you have a motivational calendar with pithy sayings each day to rev you up?

Do you read your prior day’s word count for inspiration?

Do you have a contractor who will build an office add-on for free?

Do you angle your legs in uncomfortable positions and meditate?

Have you sold your soul to Calliope?

She does seem pretty nice.

But back to my desperate plea.

Help.