Speaking from my heart - as a writing mother of a wonderful, very active nine year-old son - I know the majority of the other writer moms are just as excited as I am to have your child or children home with you for the next three months.

You're thrilled that they made it successfully through the third grade etc... You're somewhat relieved that there is no more homework... no more fundraisers... no more school activities...

You're almost as excited as they are to go to the pool every day... to sleep in... to stay up late on week nights...

However, you're also fighting that little voice inside your head that keeps asking you - "But how are ever going to find time to write this summer?" and "What are you going to do with the kids when you have to work?" (even if it is at home...)

Do not fret over those questions. Help is here... Or atleast tips for writing mothers to try to survive this summer.

1. Forget about writing in your office - grab your laptop or if you do not have one - resort back to the tried and true notebook and pen - and take it to the pool, the park, the baseball game, the swimming meet, the band practice etc... with you.

2. Use your alarm clock - do not indulge in the temptation to sleep in as your children are... Pretend you still have to get up to take them to school like you did for the past nine months. If you actually get out of bed at 7 or 8 a.m., you will have at least two hours to yourself to write in peace.

3. Allow your child to have a friend or two sleep over... This will certainly require your supervision - but it will also provide hours of fun and playtime for your son or daughter without you directly participating. Keep your office door open and work with one ear and one eye paying attention to what the kids are doing...

4. Spend the day doing something entertaining and exhausting with your children (like taking them to an amusement park). Devote the whole day to them. By nightfall, they will probably be more tired than you and thankful for the true time you shared together... When you finally get home, they will either crash in their bedrooms or be content to do something that does not involve you. Run to your office and write...

5. Be honest with your child. Kids appreciate honesty more than parents realize. Tell your son or daughter the truth about your time, your work etc. Discuss your latest writing project with him or her. Ask for their input. Listen to what they say. Then get to work...