Dear Sisters:

Here we are mid-summer already—the time for vacation, fun, and writing! Are we doing it? Have we made a ROUND TUIT as President Kimball challenged us to do for other important tasks?

I recently read an article by Michele Rader in Writing for Dollars that I believe we can all use, whether or not we have the extra challenge of small children.

First, she suggests that finding time to write isn't as easy as it sounds. "No sooner did I sit down in front of my computer, both of my children would run into the room to claim dibs on the keyboard. Even when I chased them away and firmly announced that Mommy was going to write, they would bombard me with a thousand questions and requests."

Obviously the problem exists with older children, spouses, siblings, roommates, whoever you share a home with! Rader's proposed solution is to announce your working hours and then stick to them. She posted a "Writer at Work" sign on her door and delegated the household chores. She wasn't successful overnight, but with persistence—and a few checks coming in the mail!—she soon had her family's support.

I no longer have small children. I don't even have a husband. But somehow or other distractions manage to creep into my writing time and pull me away from my computer. My writing challenge to you this month is to make your own sign "Writer at Work." Then set aside a block of time, even if it's only 15 minutes. Next, dedicate a place for your writing. Now. Do it every day. (You may rest on the Sabbath.) The Lord will bless your efforts as you diligently work on increasing your talents.