May 31, 2006 9:50 AM
Juggling being a mother and writer
Lexie recently asked me how I find the time to write so much. I have to tell you that learning to write professionally must be a lot like learning to play a musical instrument. In the beginning it is very, very hard work and not so rewarding. I used to be lucky to write 500 decent words (meaning words someone would pay for) in 3-4 hours.
I waited for ideas to come one by one, never knowing what I would write about next.
Today I can produce a decent article of 1000 words in an hour or two. It no longer involves blood, sweat and tears. I enjoy myself while I do it and am pleased when others enjoy the fruit.
As far as Ideas go, right now I have a list of 28 things I want to blog about and 12 articles I would like to write - not to mention the two books I'm working on which are due 8/1. Writing is my default position and I can barely stop the flow - but must to take care of my family. And let me make it clear, I do still enjoy taking care of my family!
But Lexie asked how I do it. I actually teach on this subject at Writer's Conferences in a workshop called "Juggling Home and a Writing Career." I am in the process of getting CDs of that workshop and others I do. Anyone who is interested, please email me and I will make sure you get a copy. I will be offering them at my website - www.barbaracurtis.com which is in the process of a makeover as it is about five years overdue for one. That website will eventually contain links to all my books and articles and information on speaking topics.
Remember that for four years my kids have been in public school, except for this year (and next and then who knows?) while I've been homeschooling Maddy. The first year after we moved to Virginia, I did not write at all as I was establishing our family here, finding doctors, doing IEPs, etc.
But for the past three years, I've had a big chunk of time during the day. I also have been known to get up at 5 and write while my family is still sleeping. And as I said, I write more efficiently now.
I really believe that 90% of the writing process takes place away from the computer. As Agatha Christie said, "The best time for planning a novel is while you're doing dishes." I agree. Other best times include the shower, laundry, in the car - anytime someone isn't talking to me or I to them, I'm thinking and putting together ideas. When I sit down to write, I may not know where the process will take me, but there is so much seeded ground, I'm confident it will take me somewhere! Like now, for instance :)
One of he wonderful things about being a mom is that so much of the work we do involves our hands but not really our minds - which means our minds are free to grab hold of ideas and allow the Holy Spirit to lead us into putting them together and producing new insights. This helps us become better at raising our children and improving the next generation.
A mother's intellectual input and spiritual insights are invaluable to her children. Though your husband is the spiritual leader, if he works you are the one with vast quantities of time available to guide your children's thoughts. If it doesn't come naturally for you to talk in depth with your children, it's never too late to learn.
I like what Florence Littauer said. "My children knew that where two or more were gathered, there Mother would give a sermon." What a wonderful opportunity to have an audience for your deepest thoughts and new ideas!
And who knows what God is preparing you for later on in your life? I was a 100% dedicated mother for 12 years before I started writing (at the age of 46). I never dreamed what God had in store for me. I just enjoyed what I was doing. I was obedient. I was so grateful to have found Jesus after years of turmoil, years of rebellion, and years of spiritual wandering that that just a simple life with my family was completely fulfilling.
I never looked for anything else, but somehow God was preparing me for it. I write only at his pleasure. If he takes is away, that is fine - as it was fine when I went a year without writing, really thinking it was finished.
But today I write. As much as I can in the moments I have available. I write to teach others what I've learned about being a mom, about being a believer - and once in a while what I've learned about being a writer.
I appreciate those who hear those of you who sift through my words to find anything God might have wanted you to hear - and your patience with me when things just don't click. Thanks for all the times you've let me know my time (and my family's) wasn't wasted and that my words mattered after all.
Love,
Barbara
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Gerard Ter Borch's Woman Writing a Letter, painted in 1655.
Comments
Thank you for this. I've been plotting books and articles myself while driving, dish-washing, showering... Now if I could just remember to write them down! ;-)
Posted by: blestwithsons | May 31, 2006 10:41 AM
What a beautiful post! I've found everything you've said to be true for me too. I've finally started a blog as a way to begin to share all that I've been musing about for the past 20 years while raising my family. NOW, I finally have the time to send it all out! Thank you.
Posted by: e-Mom | May 31, 2006 9:34 PM
Thank you so much Barbara for this post. It made my eyes leak a bit because of the shot of encouragement and confirmation that I'm on the right track.
I'll definitely reference this post in the workshop I'm leading on Saturday at a writers' conference, partially thanks to your encouragement.
I'll have to print this post to reference off line as well.
Consider yourself hugged!
Posted by: Lexei | June 1, 2006 6:38 AM
