Home Busy Freelancer  Bookstore  Classifieds

April 2003 Column

I'm not one to brag, but on one point I'm sure: Those of us who write from home are masters of multi-tasking. Often I hear the term multi-tasking used in conjunction with work; or with home; rarely though with both.

Most mornings before I sit at my desk to work, the washing machine is whirring and the dishwasher is humming. I can't seem to write unless something productive is happening on the housework end of my life.

I don't just sit and read the paper. I read it with a notebook and pen next to me in case a story idea pops into my mind. Taking trips to the library to replenish my children's book supply is the perfect time to check out a few research books. For leisurely reading only you understand.

Work from home parents have even become experts at multi-tasking in crisis mode. That sick child at school call. The one that always seems to come in when we're on deadline. After a quick trip to pick up the child in question, we settle them on the couch with juice, their favorite blanket and a video. As we write or edit we simultaneously monitor a fever or push the child to drink fluids.

Then there's the ever popular multi-tasking by phone. We've all done it. Trying to make an appointment for an interview while finishing up another article. Talking to your child's school while editing the latest chapter of your book.

Work from home parents have honed multi-tasking to a fine art. In a way that top executives would never understand.

Carla Charter is mom to Samantha (12), Halden (5), and Mathew (4). In addition to being a mom, Carla is a freelance writer specializing in newspaper and magazine journalism. Among her publication credits are Woman's World, American Indian Report  and New England Business Journal. Online she has been published in Scubasource.com and Military.com. She teaches creative writing courses at Mount Wachusett Community College in Gardner, Ma. Recently her novel Across Lots has been serialized at http://www.newenglandwow.com. She may be reached at cjfreelancewriter@earthlink.net.