The kiddos have about a week and a half before the dreaded Summer Break. It happens every year and you’d think I’d be prepared for it, but every year it seems to all but sneak up on me. (Even with the daily countdown four times over!)

Sure that means a house full of teens, tweens, and a single digit kiddo or two. That alone is a SCARY thought. I am more frightened, however, by the fact that I know my writing will dwindle (worse than usual). You see, on the weekends when everyone is home, I rarely have time to check e-mail much less open Word. Reading a book, bah! (and the DH is ALWAYS gone the first three or four weeks of summer break doing derned NBA finals so I have double-duty to boot!)

I have tried taking my Alphasmart with me while I watch the little one outside–but do you KNOW how hot it gets in Texas in the summer? Last year, it made the Alphasmart screne turn all sorts of shades of warped. I’m can’t even think of taking the computer out there. Pen and paper work. I have to admit I can get several longhand pages done, so it’s not a complete loss. And I DO get more reading done–got my lawn chair in the shade, feet propped up on the bumper of my van where I can see the 7-y-o but the neighbors can’t see me to strike up a convo… I’m good there!

But… Is is common for authors to have Summer hiatuses? I know some are much more productive during regular times anyway, but I can’t help but wonder if Summer levels the, well, levels of productivity. As per some loops recently, I’ve heard there are certain times in the summer when all the NY pub houses take time off–so someone takes a break. But does that go across the board?

I suppose those without kids home to bug the crap outta ya may not even feel the affect aside from the rising temp. Still, how do y’all keep the writerly flow… flowing during those days? I am halfway to my goals and I don’t want to be sidetracked be a few warmer no-alone-time months.

NOTE: CLEARLY, I didn’t read Ames post until after I posted mine (Yesterday was a LONG day!)… LOL. Hey it’s worth a try to have someone else seeing if your writing. I’m in!