The Busy Mom's Writing Toolkit: Resources for Crafting Your Book On-The-Go
There's something about travel that always makes me want to put pen to paper and with the end of the school year in sight, a family holiday might allow you to work on your book.
It’s a break from the demanding routine of school drop-offs, homework, and making packed lunches and even if you don’t write, travel can be a huge source of inspiration and ideas.
Pre-kids, I spent a significant part of my career as a travel writer and I've written thousands of words on planes, trains, in airport lounges, and hotel lobbies.
Then kids came along and I had to become much more intentional about writing on the go! All it takes is a forgotten laptop charger or a bored child to remind you that writing will not happen today.
The demands of parenting can challenge even the most determined writer so over the years, I’ve developed a tool kit of resources to help me craft on the go. As a result, I’ve enjoyed family vacations while taking some creative time for myself.
It does take some planning though - while travel is exciting and fun, as moms, we’re often doing the lion's share of organizing everything.
While an on-the-go writer's tool kit won't solve everything, it will help you get the most out of your vacation, both for yourself and your family. With that in mind, here are some of my essential tools and tips for writing on-the-go as a busy mom.
Organization & Planning Tools
The first step is to understand what you want to achieve. If you’re at the idea stage, your goal might be to keep a record of travel experiences for future inspiration. If you’re writing, it might be to write 100 words a day. It could be a research-driven goal or an editing goal. Whatever it is, keep expectations low. The last thing you want to do on vacation is stress about word counts.
Before a trip, I create a rough schedule of what we’re going to do and see. I include details such as timings, which family members are joining, meal options, and rest times. While this might seem a little extreme, it highlights the gaps I could potentially use for working on my book. While it might not all go to plan, doing the research in advance shows possibilities you might not have even thought of. Could Aunt Sally babysit for a couple of hours? Does the resort have a supervised kids’ club?
Also consider your stage of writing. If you’re at the idea stage of a book, you might want to use your destination as a setting - if that’s the case, how can you prepare?
What areas do you want to see?
What cultural references might you want to learn more about?
Which people might you want to talk to?
What resources can you bring back?
Secondly, how can you record these experiences? Will you keep a travel journal or document through your photos and/or notes? Perhaps, use voice notes as reminders so you can write them up once the kids are in bed.
Ultimately, the more you know about your destination in advance, the easier it will be to identify and utilize those potential writing opportunities.
Digital Devices
When I travel, I keep it as light as possible. I take my laptop (MacBook Air 13 inch) and my iPad Mini. I used to take my iPad Air as well but it became too heavy to manage with all the kids' stuff.
I also have a small travel pouch for my mouse, chargers, USB adaptor, screen wipes, AND an international socket adaptor. My TUMI backpack (not cheap but such a good investment if you work on the go) has a separate space for the tech leaving the front section for everything I'll need for the kids which, as we all know, can be a lot. Keeping it separate helps me stay organized and access the right thing at the right time.
The next tip, and perhaps the most important, is to keep all your writing stuff on one platform - that includes research, notes, drafts of manuscripts, feedback, outlines and so on. If it’s all in one place, and ideally, searchable, you won’t waste time trying to find the latest version of your manuscript or an important piece of feedback.
Personally, I use Google Drive but other options could be DropBox, Scrivener or Plottr. Whatever it is, make sure you can access it easily. I also use a Notes app on my phone (Google Notes, in my case) to capture ideas on the fly.
Research Resources
While most research can be done online, there are instances when you need access to specific information. Online libraries and databases can be invaluable and are worth signing up for before you travel. I use apps such as Libby, Borrow Box, and Kindle to make sure I can access information I need and are easy to use on my phone or iPad Mini. I also make sure I have the contact details of anyone I’m interviewing or researching.
That being said, whenever I travel, I like to find the local library. It’s free, my kids love it, and I get to browse - a win for everyone. And of course, is it even a vacation if you don’t visit the local bookstores? Immersing yourself in the literary culture of your destination can yield huge amounts of inspiration.
Networking and Collaboration Opportunities
I belong to several online writing groups, many of which have members globally. A few months ago, I was planning a trip to San Francisco and I needed to find a writer-friendly cafe. A quick message in a Facebook group and a few minutes later I had a list of places which I then included in my schedule. Wherever you go, a quick Google search will give you some online groups to choose from.
Here are a few more ways to utilize and expand your writing support system when you travel:
Join the local co-working space - most of these have short-term options.
Consider a short writing retreat - if you can manage it, a couple of days away while your partner spends quality time with the kids can be invaluable (for both you and them!)
Document your trip (safely!) on social media and build a connection with writers in your destination.
If you have a writing partner or accountability partner, consider continuing to check in on an agreed basis.
Establishing a Writing Routine
It’s not easy to find time to write on a family trip. There’s a part of you that might feel guilty. There’s also the fact that family holidays can be hard work especially when the kids are young. Here are a few suggestions to help:
Set the bar low - this is not the time to set high word-count targets. Instead, focus on small but regular mini-goals. Anything beyond that is a bonus.
Make the most of transit times - flights and train rides can be a brilliant opportunity to put pen to paper.
Get the kids involved - encourage your children to document the vacation with you. If they’re very young, they might draw a picture. For older children, they could write a journal or put together a collage of photos.
Research family-friendly spaces in advance - I’ve spent hours in soft play areas and I always choose one with an adjoining cafe and great staff roaming around. While the kids are playing, it’s usually enough time to get some ideas or words down on paper.
Most holiday destinations offer things like kids clubs and babysitting services - book in advance (to avoid disappointment) and use the time to write.
I love showing my children the world - we make memories that last a lifetime and it cements our relationship as a family. Saying that, it can also be hard traveling with kids, with each age bringing its own challenges.
However, I tend to find I’m a better parent when I do something for myself.
I hope these tips and strategies help give you a little bit of creative time to work on your own projects, while having a fantastic family adventure. Besides, I find I’m a better parent when I do a little something for myself!
Do you find the time to write while on vacation or prefer to take a break from writing?
Do you find travel inspirational?
Which destination are you planning to visit this summer?
