The summer holidays with children puts a lot more pressure on the parenting role. I feel at times that I’m being selfish if I want to write instead of being thrashed at bananagrams, boggle or the dreaded Monopoly.
I also find that my best writing time is mid-afternoon and evening – which is a nightmare with a family that insist on being fed. We always eat around the table which offers quality time and conversation – and we always watch some TV together – even if it is The Gadget Show – which makes my eyes bleed.
I find my brain really kicks into gear when I go to bed – so I sit next to my long-suffering hubs and write – finding myself a tad annoyed if he speaks to me – poor man. However, my time is curtailed by hubs who wishes to sleep so he’s not tired for work in the morning.
I don’t want you to think I’m an ungrateful woman – I have a wonderful hubs, and two daughters who bring more joy into the house than disruption. I love them dearly, but I’m also exceedingly passionate about writing – in fact, it feels more like an addiction – and not one I wish to be weaned off.
So, I do acknowledge that managing writing with a family can have its drawbacks – but it can also add fodder to thoughts and actions for characters in the WP – unless of course one is writing about a blood-thirsty psychopath – one definitely hope not to have one of those around the dining table.
Happy Word Flow One & All
Hemmie Martin 