I follow a lot of writers and I think, those people aren’t like me. They seem to have it all together and I don’t even know if I’m wearing pants.

I don’t have a neat and organized place to write. Heck, I don’t have an organized life. I keep trying but because I have a choice to use my limited time to clean or to write, I choose to write. I often sit in my recliner after supper and write while my husband plays on his computer or watches a movie. If I am lucky, I get a few minutes in the morning and maybe even a few minutes in the afternoon. I write whenever and wherever I can.

There are only so many hours in the day. I work full time, help my husband with his business, try to be a good daughter, wife, mother and friend. Since January we’ve had our eight-year-old granddaughter. My writing time has become even more precious.

I love to write stories. It’s my passion. I have been writing since I was in fifth grade. I have written plays, essays, poems, songs, short stories and full novels. I like to stretch my creative legs and see what else I can do, experiment with different genres and techniques

I worried for a long time that I didn’t fit the perfect model of a real writer with my hectic, crazy life. But then I realized that there are as many types of writers as there are books written. We all write differently, have different lifestyles, and perhaps there’s another messy, complicated writer out there who needs to know it’s okay if you still have Christmas decorations up in June.

It’s okay if the dishes and laundry are washed but not put away.

It’s okay if you leave other people’s messes for them to clean up.

It’s fine to choose time with friends or family instead of cleaning house. I do make sure the kitchen is cleaned before cooking and especially if I’m taking food off. I make sure the laundry is done and the bathrooms are clean. But if you want to come see my house, you need to make an appointment in advance. But if you’re coming to see me, you are welcome anytime. I will even clean off a chair for you to sit on.

I will probably never be one of those put-together people who have immaculate houses and look stylish. I focus my attention and energy on being in the moment, whether it’s taking my granddaughter to the library or doing errands for my mom. They come first, but when it’s time to write, I will push stuff aside and sit down with my laptop and write.