Between my human family and the fur/scaly/feathered family, I never know what my day will be like. I write when I have a moment to myself. During the school year, that's typically easier while my son is in class (except the days my husband is off work). During the summer, it's incredibly challenging to find time to write. Someone always wants something or needs to go somewhere.
When I was still in elementary school. I remember telling my grandmother I wanted to be a writer when I grew up. She laughed and said that wasn't a real career and more of a hobby. I was sad and believed her, so I focused my attention elsewhere, even though I continued to write. When the economy became really bad back around 2009-2010, I lost my day job and for more than half a year I couldn't find a job. So I started writing again. When I started earning as much in royalties as I'd made at the day job, my husband encouraged me to write full-time. And that's exactly what I did.
The funny thing is that my grandmother started writing for a magazine around that same time. She never said what drove her decision to submit an article to them, but I sometimes wonder if it had anything to do with me chasing my dream. She's no longer with us, so I can't ask her, but the last six years of her life we grew rather close, always discussing our writing.
It's not something I do every day, but yes, I do tend to check my reviews once or twice a month. The good ones always make me smile. The bad ones are a bit harder to swallow. I always remind myself people like different things. Just because one person didn't like my book doesn't mean no one will. It just wasn't the right story line or set of characters for that particular person, and that's okay. When it comes to writing, you need thick skin.
Make sure you don't focus solely on your craft. Take time out to do something fun or spontaneous. Maybe it's a trip to your favorite coffee shop or bookstore (without toting your laptop with you). Or go see a movie, take your family on a one-day adventure, or sit quietly and read your favorite book. It's so easy to burn out or feel defeated. You have to take care of your mental and emotional health, even though it will be the hardest thing you've ever done.
