Oh Summer

Holy cow I've been a bad blogger. It's summer people forgive me. Summer is one season I do love. Although, it took on a different meaning when I was younger, well BK (before kids). After kids, it's totally different. I still love the beach days and the warmer weather, but it takes on a different feel. I do like spending time with my kids, but like every other mom out there, at times, I need a break.

Now summer is tiring. I enjoy going places with my kids, watching their faces light up when they discover something new, but I'm tired people. I'm counting down the days till school. You see the other thing that happens is writing time is squished down to the size of a pea. For me, I'm a scheduled person and when my schedule is jolted for a long period of time, mama gets cranky. Writing is my outlet and makes me feel human. It's true. It's a part of me and when it disappears for long periods at a time, it equals one unhappy lady.

Since writing time is a tiny window, my brain begins to melt. Yeah melt. It basically feels like a monster has come and taken the creative part of my brain and is holding it hostage. But this will pass. I know it will. Every year I get my time back. It's trying to handle the time away from my writing. I feel like  the well in my head dried up. I'm trying to do little things, but even that is hard cause I can't focus right. I'm trying.

I try to put things in perspective. At some point my kids will be teens and won't want to talk to me or need me so I should enjoy this and I do. There are times though a break is needed for personal growth and that's what I have to figure out in the summer. I need to still learn how not to feel guilty about writing when my kids are home. If they are quiet watching TV or playing, (work with me it is a rare occurrence) I should jump in and write, but I can't focus cause I'm anticipating an interruption or the next Hunger Games in my family room.

Life is like this. Learning to spread yourself to others while keeping you happy. It's not easy and is always a work in progress.

How about you? If you are a parent, how do you keep a writing schedule in the summer?

Have a great weekend!!

Insecure Writer's Support Group

I can't believe a month has gone by. I know I say this every time I post for this group, but seriously, the months are passing by fast. Anyway, thanks to the amazing Alex J. Cavanaugh for hosting and organizing this wonderful group. Go check out the other lovely folks who participate.

 

 So, lately I've been out of touch. Mainly because I've been focusing on my writing. And now, I'm about to head down into the revision cave again. Yes, I got some feedback on my MS, and well, it's not terrible. Shocking for me. I do have some cleaning up to do and some things will change, but I actually have a story to work with. I plan to query this one. I'm not sure when. I'm trying to give myself a loose deadline, which I'll keep to myself . . . for now.

 

Last year, I pushed and pushed to query, and guess what, the story wasn't ready. I had written and revised that darn thing on and off for almost four years. I've learned a lot since then so my process is different and I'm more sure of my ability to put words on paper. I continue to challenge myself and grow as a writer. My focus is on my writing and strengthening, not solely getting an agent.

 

That was my focus before. If I got an agent, I would be respected and the non-believers would believe that I can. Where that can be true, I also must prove that I can . . .to me. You see, having an agent isn't the end. Sure, you have arrived and moved up the writing world ladder, closer to that publishing dream. But with that comes more demands, expectations, and pressure. The pros and cons do apply here just like they do with every part of life. But from what I've seen, it's also not all wine and roses. Things happen and getting an agent doesn't mean that you will be published or even remain together. Breakups happen. The thing is--nothing is certain.

 

What I do know is that I want this. I do. But I want to do it right. It doesn't mean nothing bad will happen, it means that's not my only focus. It's where I want to be at some point--when I'm ready. Of course, if an agent was interested in my work tomorrow, I'd be sending it ASAP. It just means my focus is writing, strengthening, and continue writing the stories I love. I will follow my path and not listen to those who don't believe. Cause one day, it will happen.

 

What's your focus?

 

Where do you want to be?

 

Have a great day!!