Tips for easing the writing pressure and being mum

The writing pressure of a working mum

That feeling of writing pressure and the need to get things done. This morning my daughter refused to get out of bed. I had thoughts racing through my head of everything I need to get done today which includes writing this blog post.

The usual mum stress of getting the children to school. Escalated by having to scrape ice of the car. Tipping warm water on the windscreen as I ran the engine, all I could think was it’s 7.40am and we are late.

I got both children to school on time but in our late panic we forgot my six year olds book bag. However, she had her coat, when the temperature is minus one, that’s all that really matters.

How do you manage being mum and writing?

1. I’ve realised that I need to be kind to myself, maybe slow down. You need time and space for you.
2. You can read so much about the dos and don’ts of blogging, you need to do what is right for you. We are always learning and you will learn more along the way.
3. With my current story, I’ve received different feedback on it. Remember that what someone else says about it, someone else will disagree with. Again, you need to follow your heart and do what is right for you.

4. Writing is hard, the writing pressure is real and many will agree with this. I forever feel that I’m climbing uphill. If you look at my other blog, Just muddling through life, you will see that my writing is not perfect. I’m hoping that it is improving. The lack of time and pressure to post twice a week plus, writing my stories and life, it is hard to keep redrafting and make it perfect.

5. However, remember that if you are submitting your work anywhere, then your first draft is unlikely to be good enough. It could take you many drafts before a piece of writing is the best that you can make it. Support from other writers can really help you here too.  If given conflicting feedback, you will need to go with your heart, it’s your work. Ease the writing pressure by doing what is right for you.

Anthologies

So, I’m still working on my Paranormal Anthology, I have had different advice on it and I’m now rewriting it. I’m needing to look again at my ‘‘Little girl in the snow’ story for another anthology. Both need to be submitted by Christmas and both are going to need rewriting again.  Yes, I’m feeling the writing pressure, the deadlines are about three weeks away.

Reading

A writer needs to read, it is essential, but again I’m struggling to find time. However, here are some tips.
1. If you have a Kindle reader, carry it around with you. If you then find yourself doing nothing, you can then read.
2. You could also carry your paperback around with you.
3. Try and go to bed earlier and commit time to reading.
4. To allocate an hour or more in your day off to read a few chapters.
I know that I need to go to bed earlier. I’ve had many late nights reading my Kindle in the dark. This is obviously impossible with a book.

Facebook live

Here are last weeks Facebook Live videos.

New blog post and support from friends – 26th November 2019

A new blog post and Amazon – 29th November 2019

Today

Ive been sat here typing in front of the television, I’m having a restful morning. The temperature is now seven degrees outside and I need to bubble wrap my heavy pots in the garden.  When the temperatures goes below minus one at night my plants are going to suffer.

I have the children to collect from school later.  I’m now going to get myself another mug of tea and some food.  Time for me, time to put my thoughts in order before the stress and noise of having the children at home.  I’m hoping to get more writing completed later.  Yes, I must also walk up the garden and sort out my plant pots.

For more see, Exhaustion, other writers and writing commitments