How to Write When the Sky is Falling

I don't know how many writers have to write when everything around them is in utter chaos. I have a wonderful wife and two magnificent sons still in the house, aged 15 and 9, and it is not uncommon for them to be louder than one of my middle school classrooms!

My brother who is writing his first novel now, has only the wife to contend with. And he emails me complaining about the constant interruptions. I know what he means. I told him imagine how it would be if he had the kids on top of that.

So what do I do? I don't ignore the wife, that's for sure. I do want to stay married after all. And I most certainly don't ignore my sons. I have been there for them virtually every day of their lives. I must say that if there is anything I did right in my life, it was being a good dad.

But I do know when I can focus on my writing. And it takes focus. I am fortunate to have the ability to block out the distractions and concentrate on what I am doing. I think I developed that skill during my years as an artist. And now that I'm into writing books, that skill has carried over.

So if anyone out there has a problem with distractions, practice blocking everything else out. Pretend you have tunnel vision. And then one day you will see that light at the end of the tunnel!