At the moment at home, I never find a moments peace to actually have a couple of hours to write.

At the moment it's excusable, we've had plenty of ups and downs these past few months, two babies on the way (one now here) and work is manic. However, even when my life isn't such an upheaval of happenings, I can never find peace to write. You can be sure, the moment I settle down, whether in my bedroom, or in the front room, I will hear 'Stephanie!' or someone will just need something, or want to tell me a tale of woe, or need encouragement, or want me to go to the shops with them, or just want to talk. I find it very hard to find quiet space in our house. Don't get me wrong, I am fine lending a listening ear, helping out and so on; however I desperately want to find that quiet space to write, and I have yet to do so.

Where do you guys settle down to write? Do you have your own place where you are not disturbed, or do you find that, like me, it's hard to find a peaceful place.

I've taken to thinking that when I pass my driving test (hopefully in the next few weeks) I might even drive out and park up somewhere, so I can write without disturbance. Maybe even find a nice spot that I find somewhat inspiring. I don't know, I'm just getting desperate!

I'd love to hear what plots and plans you have devised so you can write and brainstorm in peaceful quiet!

My bedroom is usually pretty quiet and safe, but I think my family is kind of an exception to most.

A lot of times, I just have to force myself to get any words onto a page regardless of what's happening around me. I can get pretty thoroughly distracted with internet access alone, excluding distractions of the familial and responsible variety. My best luck has been when I'm house-sitting for my pastor. I have the house all to myself, and a lovely view of the mountains.

I sit at the family computer in the living room, which is terrible since there's also a TV and a picture window there, but I can't help that. When I write really well I'm either in the car or in bed, when I'm not thinking about it.

I don't have any good place to do my writing work. I've just had to deal with it.

Usually I play music on head phones. It makes it easier to switch between 'work' and 'non-work' even when there are only small periods of work that I am able to have. My brain has gotten used to the environment of headphones being the work environment. I am able to get stuff done without as much time used up for settling down and getting back into it every time I get interrupted.

Also, when I am using headphones, I can't hear as well, and anybody who wants me actually has to come and get me; they do that less often than when they can just call me from another room; a helpful psychological behavior I guess.

Some people don't like listening to music while they are working, and I would actually prefer not to, but it is necessary, and works for me. I usually listen to the same album for days, maybe a month, before getting tired of it so that I've got to switch it out for another one. Usually the music I listen to does not have anything to do with the book I'm writing: it is just, content that has the right levels of stuff (I don't know what to call it o_0) so that it does not disturb my work. It actually ends up being different with different books, though, anyway. I tried listening to jazz for the book I'm working on right now, and it messed everything up, but it would be perfect for my next book that I'm planning.

The biggest interruption for me, aside from house chores, is my littlest brother asking me to play with him. So I've also had to begin to say no often. He's usually very kind about it. I play with him when I can when I'm not working, so it makes up in the long run. He asks me if we can go have a picnic, and I say, 'No, I'm sorry, I must work right now', so then he says, 'Alright, yes you may work.' **grins** And sometimes he just sticks around and does chin ups hanging from my elbow and makes his stuffed animal slide down my back or something.. which makes things a little more difficult, but at least I can work.

I too am in the same boat as you .... my 2 year old aint a baby anymore. So I am finding it hard to have a quiet time and place to write. I did manage to think Sunday evening and get some notes about my book im working on wrote down on index cards. So hopefully soon I can get some time and quiet to write.

*Chuckles* Juliet, with my sister almost on maternity leave and she always wants to go out, or me to drop her off somewhere as she's not working as much anymore, so that's my major distraction at the moment! However, I did drive out the other day in the car, and just sit writing. No interruptions, it was amazing.

I can imagine how hard it must be to find time with a 2 year old, Heather!

Abi - I totally could not concentrate with a TV in the room if I was writing! It sounds a bit too distracting!

Ach, house sitting sounds perfect, Kitra. I'm house sitting for my brother and sister in law in August, so it will be a good time to write!

Elizabeth, my bedroom is downstairs right by the kitchen, so it's pretty much invaded a lot haha!