Life seems to get in the way of my writing. The flu, three children, a husband, managing office work that piles up faster than I can organize, housework, soccer, too much homework to supervise, holiday pressures, and general doldrums have provided more than plenty of opportunity for numerous excuses and bad creative behavior.
When I do write, my husband and children sometimes get resentful of my time away from them, voicing their disappointment when I’m at my laptop. My writing is usually done on the sly, in tidbits, spread thin.
Right now, writing seems to be my double-edged sword. If I write, chaos erupts and my family is unhappy. If I don’t write, the household runs more smoothly, but I’m restless. It’s a tough balancing act to maintain peace in my writing world, where sacrifices must be made, and sometimes it’s difficult to see how, and if, we can all win.
Gah! I don’t mean to sound so dire, for my children are the world to me and I will move mountains for them. Deep down, I know they believe in me and my writing, in a shout-it-from-the-rooftop type of way, but they are young and they still need me. As I do them. And that helps me get through the tough days.
I’m writing about this because sometimes it’s just nice to know there are people out there who understand how difficult it is to write when others depend on you, but write anyway, and find a way to make their dreams come true.
I want to be that person. I will be that person.
I am that person.
And I know you are, too. That is all.
Write-a-Scene Writing Prompt: Write a scene (okay, this may take chapters to explore, but start off small) where your protagonist is faced with a double-edged sword–two choices–one favorable, one not so much. What do these choices mean for the protagonist, for the other people in his/her life? Who will suffer the most? Will anyone win? What does your protagonist do? Why? How do others react? Remember to evoke emotion, conflict and consequences.
Now get your butt in the chair and write.
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Vivian, I love your strikethrough and your positive attitude. You are that person!I find it amazing how little writing time I actually need to make myself feel good about it. Even a half hour makes me content.
Yes, you are that person. But I'm sorry it's been so hard to be her lately. Be gentle with yourself. It's all step by step by step.
Waving to you from my own foxhole, Vivian, and thanking you for your eloquent post. It *is* a difficult balance, isn't it? Though from my vantage point, it looks like you manage it beautifully.
Thanks for the cheer, PJ! If I wrote faster, I'd be happy with a half hour. I'm glad you get your time!Jeannine, Thanks for the reminder and kind words. I appreciate it!Amy, You're so sweet. Here's to making the balance work for us!
write there with you :)I must say, however, that my husband and children seem to like me alot better when I do carve out those moments for writing…. it does something for my brain… makes me a much more pleasant wife and momthanks for your prompts! They give my brain something to play with and make me happy too!
We ARE in it together because I am that person, too!BTW, great writing prompt and totally useful for what I'm working on right now. Thanks!
Sally,I'm glad these writing prompts make you happy. Thank you!Sherrie,Yay! We'll make this together! Make this writing prompt work–you can do it!