Family Life
The juggling of family life and writing a book. Sat here now my daughter is watching Ben and Hollys Little kingdom. It’s lovely to have the kids home but they can hinder creativity. Time spent with our children is special but it’s difficult when you have a book begging to be written as well.
Trying to prioritise the needs of family life and writing a book is important. My children come first and today my daughter and I have been for a walk with grandad and her two cousins. It was lovely to get out of the house and just walk. Now I’m sat at the kitchen table typing, looking at the egg sandwich that she has abandoned.
Writing my book
I haven’t worked out a new name for Cambridge University yet, and I’m now giving more thought towards the agency that my protagonist works for. I’m sure that once my first draft is completed, (at roughly – 20000 – 30000 words away). Then my second draft will be a complete reworking. I’m aware that I need to think more about showing not telling. As a new writer, this is a new concept that I need to work on. I have purchased books to help me, but it is understanding what I am reading to then be able to put it into practice. I am sure I will get there eventually but it is a daunting prospect right now.
It’s interesting how a book evolves. Lying in bed a few nights ago I thought of an idea for the ending. In the dark, it would have impossible to write in my notebook so I texted myself instead.  If I hadn’t texted myself I would have forgotten my new idea by the morning.
As a pantser, I am sometimes surprised by what I am typing. The characters will sometimes start to write themselves, which is very helpful.  There are times I will delete blocks of text but I am now trying to keep going and then edit later.
What else have I been doing?
I am still doing Facebook Live.
Tuesday and School Holidays – 23rd July 2019
Today in the rain, my book and life – 26th July 2019
July is nearly over and this month I have been working on  Camp Nano Wri Mo. I started with an aim of 10000 words, by the end of tonight, I hope to have achieved over 25000 words, I am nearly at 24000 now. My novel is now over 54000 words so I am getting there slowly. I have been including blogs and novel in my monthly word count, its all words, so in my mind it all counts.
I’m now reading more. I have a pile to read, but right now I’ve been reading a book by fellow blogger Janet Gogerty. Her book ‘Brief Encounters of the third kind’ has my attention right now. I’m sure I will soon be purchasing parts two and three.
Despite school holidays, I have another two weeks at work before a break. Finding the motivation to get out of bed, when the rest of the family are asleep is hard. Having two days off a week is good though because I can still spend some quality time with them.
I have decided to start a newsletter. You can subscribe to it either in the link on the right-hand sidebar or below this post, depending which device you are reading this on.
Today
We have had a walk today. Storms and rain have been forecast for this afternoon. Right now the sky is a grey / black colour but the sun is still shining. I’m now wondering when the storm is going to start.
I am hoping to start writing a short story or poem for justmuddlingthroughlife.  My last short story, Summer breeze and a need for music, (Written for Grammy’s Grid). I have been asked for another part. I’m considering making a part two from the next sentence word prompt.
I then hope to get back to my novel later. I am enjoying writing it despite the amount of work involved.
Family life and writing is a difficult balance but, I keep telling myself that it can be managed as I am doing it.
For more see, Research, reading and developing my writing
16 Comments
trent peek
Writing is a joy and pain for me. I envy anybody who can sit down and write novels. That’s why I just create story outlines and have others write for me. Thanks for the good read.
Marian Wood
Thankyou Trent! Yes it is alot of work.
Heather - The Blessed Mama of 4
Balancing life, family and writing is so hard. Keep up the work on your novel, that is amazing! Thanks for sharing.
Marian Wood
Thankyou Heather, thanks for your support,
LadyPamelaRose
Keep it up and you’ll do just fine!!
Marian Wood
Thankyou Pamela for all your support.
willowdot21
As ever you never cease to amaze me ,keep it up 💜
Marian Wood
Thanks Willow.
willowdot21
Pleasure 💜
You Can Always Start Now
Yes hard to believe July is over. That happens to me also when characters/story starts to write itself. Non-writers have a hard time getting their heads around that. You have control right? Me not always.
Marian Wood
Thanks Amelia. Yes the year has raced by. My characters surprise me sometimes with what happens next.
Jane Risdon
Keep writing, it is hard sometimes but after you finish (lol) it is worth it. Good Luck. x
Marian Wood
Thankyou Jane for your support x
Jane Risdon
My pleasure. xx
jennybhatia
I feel ya, summer with kids is so much fun, but no time for writing. Mine are back in school, so I’ve been able to get stuff done this week. It is truly a balance.
Marian Wood
Its defintely a balance, my daughter was wrecking things whilst I was typing earlier.. weather hasn’t helped either today.