Friendly Friday - Rebecca Talley

Rebecca Talley grew up in Santa Barbara, CA. She attended BYU where she met her sweetheart while she was serving as the FHE "mom" and he was the FHE "dad" in their student ward. Love blossomed for real and they are now the parents of 10 wildy-creative and multi-talented children. They live in rural CO on a small ranch with a dog, cats, a spoiled horse, a herd of goats, and a miniature donkey named Starla.

Rebecca is the author of a children's picture book, Grasshopper Pie (WindRiver 2003), and three novels, Heaven Scent (Cedar Fort 2008), Altared Plans (Cedar Fort 2009), and the soon-to-be-released The Upside of Down (Cedar Fort 2011). She's also written numerous children's stories, some of which have been published in the Friend.

Time to Write

I think the question I'm most often asked is how I find time to write. The simple answer is: I don't. I have to make time to write. I believe that we all make time for those things that are most important to us, and for me, writing is important enough that I make time. I used to knit, crochet, sew, play the piano, redecorate the house frequently (much to my husband's chagrin), and do crafts. I do none of those things now (well, I did a lot of sewing and house redecorating when we had a wedding last summer). I also don't watch a lot of TV, shop at the mall, or hang out with friends.

I'm a list person, so I make lists of things I need to accomplish each day. I find that when I have things scheduled I don't have to be stressed about getting them done. I just check off each item throughout the day. If I have extra things to accomplish, I will put times next to each item so I can see that it's possible for me to get everything done. It's a great stress-reliever for me and allows me not to get sidetracked by other things. Besides, at my advanced age (according to my kids) my memory needs every boost it can get and lists help me remember what needs to be accomplished every day. Writing is included on my list M-F. 

I generally do my scripture studying, reading, exercising, cleaning, laundry, and playing with my kids in the morning and then settle down for some writing in the early afternoon when the kids are napping or playing. After I write, I then help older kids with reading and homework, start dinner, do more cleaning, and prepare for dinner and any activities we have scheduled for the evening. Some days, if I have appointments in town, I have to forego some things, including writing, and that's okay.

My family always comes before my writing. I'll stop writing to answer a phone call from an older child, to pick up a kid from school, to talk to my husband, to take care of a sick baby, etc. I've also found that as I focus on serving Heavenly Father that He blesses me with time to write. I do my part to manage my time as best I can and He helps me to get everything done so I can write.

It's always a balancing act, to be sure, but it's not impossible. I know writers far busier than I that write 2-3 books a year. I think it goes back to prioritizing, and then managing those 24 hours we all have in a day. If writing is important enough, and we ask Heavenly Father for His help, we'll be able to make the time to write.

You can find out more about Rebecca by visiting her website at: http://www.rebeccatalley.com 

Rebecca's new book, The Up Side of Down, is due to be released in January 2011 and can be purchased HERE.

More about the book:

“Hmmm,” the doctor muttered.
Natalie wrinkled her forehead, almost afraid to ask, and said, “What does that mean?”
“You do know you’re pregnant, right?”
Her breath caught in her throat. “Excuse me?”
“You’re pregnant.”
Her heartbeat thundered in her ears. “I’m what?”

Natalie Drake certainly has her hands full raising a large family, dealing with her difficult mother, and maintaining a relationship with her rebellious teenager. Just when things seem to be going smoothly, she finds out another unexpected surprise—she’s going to have a baby. Faced with so many challenges, Natalie must learn to trust in a plan that isn’t what she imagined and discover that every situation has an upside.

Beloved author Rebecca Talley carefully creates this touching and heartfelt story that is sure to inspire you. With true-to-life characters and situations, The Upside of Down will reignite your faith and remind you of the importance of family.