Right now, my writing life is thriving: I’m closing out a long-awaited Blaze contract; doing some ghostwriting and freelance editing; I’ve got an Urban Fantasy concept that I am totally in love with and can’t wait to get started on.
I also have a three year old with the cold from hell, who has thoughtfully shared it with me.
When I started writing and selling ten years ago, I had a full-time day job, and wrote novels at night. I’m discovering that “the boy,” as I call him online, is so much more than a day job on so many levels. I love the kid: seriously, I adore the little guy. I love how he makes me laugh. I love how he tells me that “teeter-totter” is “Spanish for ’see-saw’.” I love when he dances in the living room and sings Route 66 or Perry the Platypus.
But I also can’t just get him down to bed at 7:30 and expect to crank out a scene or two, like I used to. At this point, if I don’t get draft done by 5 p.m. I am toast — the creative brain seems to check out then, after a full day of “playing” and riding herd, trying to get him to do what needs to be done without completely crushing his spirit. Thankfully, he’s finally entered preschool, which is where he keeps getting new and creative variations on the cold-from-hell. Were it not for preschool, I imagine I would not be able to get any of my projects completed. Since a good chunk of our living expenses draws from this, obviously this concerns me.
If you’re a work-at-home Mom, I would love some advice. How the heck do you juggle, especially the ones under five? Are you managing to make a living as well as raise a kid? How do you keep your writing brain from draining like a dead battery? And how do you manage to keep yourself somewhat sane?
2 Comments
Cathy, it’s tough. I won’t kid you. Without putting him in daycare, or getting a friend or family member or babysitter for a couple of hours, you might not really get some time until he starts pre-school. And even then, the free hour or so goes by so fast.
I have triplets plus one, so I had 4 children under the age of 3 at one point in time. I was lucky to get a shower, let alone get some writing in. I finally broke down and got a sitter, took my laptop to the library at a set time 3x per week, and wrote.
Now, I’m not published like you, but that’s because I still can’t concentrate enough to finish a book. But I’m still hoping. You’ve already finished several, so you know what to do there. Add to that my children are all 8 and under, and I work part time, and I go to grad school. No writing is getting done now.
But I did finish a screenplay at the library. I’ve had a few industry people read it and they liked it. So that’s something.
Trade babysitting favors, or just get a sitter, and take yourself and your laptop to the library. You’ll be surprised at how much you accomplish.
Best,
Brenda
Holy cow, triplets plus one! Just my son makes me crazy. You are a writing goddess! And you work part time… AND you go to grad school. I’m feeling like a real slacker here.
Husband just went to part time from full time, so he’s helping watch the boy more… you’re right, working at the library has been helpful. Thanks for commenting. And fingers crossed on your screenplay!