Freelance Writing and Raising Toddlers

Lindsay Maddox is a very successful freelance writer. She is also a mother with toddlers at home. I wanted to do this interview with her to find out how she copes with the kids and a writing career. How she finds enough time in the day to get everything done and keep her sanity in the process.

I know you'll love Lindsay as much as I do after the interview. She is a very smart, sweet lady that everyone should get to know. Be sure and check her articles here on Associated Content out!

Angel: How long have you been freelance writing?

Lindsay: I just signed up with Associated Content in April of 2008, so about 7 months or so, although I didn't submit my first magazine query until July.

Angel: How old are your children?

Lindsay: Colby is in the midst of his tumultuous 3s and Lily is a feisty 13 months old.

Angel: They are home with you all day, correct.

Lindsay: Correct! Next year, I think we'll enroll Colby in a preschool program (he's already begging to go to school like his friends).

Angel: When do you do most of your writing?

Lindsay: I write during Lily's morning nap for about an hour while Colby plays independently. However, I do most of my writing during the two hours of Colby and Lily's afternoon nap.

Angel: Do the children provide interesting writing material?

Lindsay: Oh, for sure! They are absolutely my source of inspiration for much of what I write in my Silly Mom Thoughts Blog. I enjoy writing all of the funny things down, both for entertainment for my blog followers, and so I can have these memories preserved for my kids to read when they get older. (I think some of it will make some great embarrassment material when boyfriends or girlfriends come over.)

Angel: How do you take care of the kids, write, and run a household all at the same time?

Lindsay: *Chuckle* Well, lets just say my hubby is #1, the kids are #2, writing is #3, and cleaning the house is... #1008 on my list of important things to accomplish during the day. Not that we're living in a pig sty or anything, but really, what is the point in cleaning windows when the kids are just going to grime them up two minutes later? I make it a point to clean something every day, be it a load of dishes or laundry, or tidying up a room or the bathrooms. Honestly, my husband is the cleanest one in our house, I am very lucky.

Angel: What advice would you give other young mothers with toddlers who wish to get into freelance writing?

Lindsay: I would say that if it's your passion to write, you're probably already doing it in your own journal, so why not blog and make money for it. Starting with a blog is a great way to ease into freelance writing. After that, creating an Associated Content account is a good next step, followed by querying magazines to see if they want to publish your writings. Take it one step at a time, and pretty soon, you'll find that you're hooked!

Angel: Do you have some examples of your work you'd like to share?

Lindsay: My own personal craziness can be found at my blog Silly Mom Thoughts

http://www.sillymomthoughts.today.com

My favorite AC article is 7 Ways to Entertain Your Toddler at Dinner http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/878321/7_ways_to_entertain_your_toddler_at.html?cat=7

In addition, I just signed on to eHow where I wrote my favorite: How to Bring Back Romance after Baby Arrives

http://www.ehow.com/how_4561448_back-romance-after-baby-arrives.html

(As you can see, the mom thing is my preferred area of writing. ;)

Angel: What is your greatest writing accomplishment?

Lindsay: My greatest writing accomplishment just occurred last week when I placed first in the Accentuate Writers Anthology Contest. I was both shocked and humbled by this unique opportunity and am tickled to see my name in print when the book comes out in February. I am also driven to take part in more contests and try to further my writing abilities through writing fiction short stories.

Angel: Is there anything else you'd like to add?

Lindsay: Hmm, nothing that I can think of. Other than I love your interviews, Angel, and I feel privileged that you considered me for an interview. Thank you!

And thank you, Lindsay. I love doing interviews. It gives me a chance to get to know people better and hopefully pass some interesting information along. Plus, I'm naturally nosey.

Lindsay certainly has a good head on her shoulders. She has managed to combine a wonderful family life with a brilliant writing career. What more could a young, aspiring freelance writer ask for?