By Nikki Wilson
You get to hear from me twice this week. Which only makes sense since I missed my post a couple of weeks ago. But I will make this post short, maybe. I just want to share a link to a post by Shannon Hale about juggling writing and motherhood. How you fit writing into your life as a mother will vary for each of us. This is something I'm struggling with right now in my life. I don't know why I thought that once my kids got older they would be more self-sufficient. I guess in some ways they are but in other ways they are even more needy. This past year was filled with football games, cross country meets, wrestling tournaments, track meets, dance recitals, band concerts, and various other activities. No I don't have to be at every one of them, but I also know that this part of my childrens' lives is but a short time. I want to be a part of those memories. But I also want to show my children that with hard work and commitment, you can accomplish your dreams. I'm still trying to figure out how to balance it all which will require a lot of trial and error. I just need to remember to be patient with myself and to trust that my journey is unique to me and my family. And I just have to trust the spirit and do what feels right at the time.
What ways have you found that help you balance being a mother and being a writer?
I have to make the time to get away from the distractions my home brings. While I love and adore my 9 distractions (hubs included), sometimes going to the library for uninterrupted time has to be priority. My kids also know that when I'm working at home, that when my timer goes off, I'm back on the "mom clock." During the school year when I only have two little ones at home, I have one day I swap kids with my sister. It gives each of us a day or a few hours to do what we want. That is my writing day and I cherish it. But I have had to be honest with myself lately, while I really want to be a successful writer, right now I want to be with my kids more. My writing takes second place today but who knows what tomorrow will bring. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteA year ago I was made great progress going to the library twice a week after work. This past year the kids activities got in my way of doing that. But now that my oldest got her drivers license I'm hoping I can fit it into my schedule again. Though it means getting over my paranoia Everytime my daughter ryou he's the car keys!
DeleteI really couldn't justify fitting it in until my youngest was in first grade. Then I took one day a week when I did nothing but write--I got other people to pick my kids up from school, I eschewed showering, my husband new he was on the hook for dinner, etc. It took me six months to write a whole book but, hey, it got published and finaled for a Whitney Award. I wrote the next book pretty much the same way but my kids know that when I'm writing, to leave me alone. They also know I will be totally available on non-writing days.
ReplyDeleteA couple of years ago I committed myself to Nanowrimo and my husband stepped up and made dinner every night and helped with the kids and I was able to accomplish my goal because I knew it was just for a month. I need to get into that mind set again.
DeleteBTW, I bought Miss Delacourt has Her Day only to realize it was the second book in the series. So I stopped reading it so I can buy the first one! I have to be honest, I bought it based on cover alone!! I love that cover!
I meant "knew" not "new". (sheez!)
ReplyDeleteI was like Heidi - I didn't really have time until my first one was in school. Then I did carve out regular time. Now, I tend to stay up late, when my family is in bed. Sometimes I pay for it the next day, though. I think writing time changes over the years, depending on what phase of life you are in at the time.
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