The writer-parent life can feel like trying to do ballet on a broken ankle in a bog.

We must marshal creativity, time, and funds like any other writer, all while feeding hungry mouths, cleaning up bodily goo, and pretending to be a tree. Or a squirrel. Or Maleficent.

But if we’re not going to quit writing—and since the hope and prayer is we’re parents for life—what other choice is there but to try our best to do both?

Read on for inspiration and tips on how we can survive (and thrive!) as writer-parents.