Well, Grace will be 6 weeks old this week, and I'm still not back to my routines! Maybe I never will be. But it's maybe that's not the point. The point is developing new routines. New ways that will accomplish my goals.
Everyone says, if writing is your priority, you'll get it done. And I suppose that's true. If I was to just put Grace in the swing and ignore her all day, I'd get more done. But that's not me. I'll be honest, I judge you a little (maybe a lot) if you put writing above your children. Yes, you got it done, and yes you probably have more books out than I do. But I love my little girl more than I thought possible, and I've only known her for 6 weeks. I would never shirk her to write. And right now, she's very demanding. Hopefully though, as she gets older she'll settle into a routine and I can carve out a little more time for myself. Until then, I write when I have time - which is about 30 min. a week. Just enough to do this blog basically. And I consider that a win.
Read, then write
So, how do I get myself inspired to write again after a long break like I've had? I start reading. For me, when I'm not writing, I'm not reading either. Some people will tell you not to read when you're writing because it's too easy to take ideas from someone bla bla bla. I disagree with this school of thought whole heartedly. In fact, I think it's ignorant, and a good way to lead you away from any potential success you may reach.
If you want to write, read. It's as simple as that. Learn what makes other writers in your genre successful, and what doesn't. Integrate the styles you like into your work, and stay away from ones you don't until you have something that's uniquely you!
For example, I read Pure by Julianna Baggott recently. It was so original I couldn't get over it! Now, there were enough grammatical mistakes and difficulties with tenses that I didn't put the book on my top ten list or anything, but that's what I mean. I learned a great deal about being imaginative, and the importance of tense consistency and hiring a good editor.
So, I think for now, my first task is to start reading again. And more than just Peter Rabbit...
Everyone says, if writing is your priority, you'll get it done. And I suppose that's true. If I was to just put Grace in the swing and ignore her all day, I'd get more done. But that's not me. I'll be honest, I judge you a little (maybe a lot) if you put writing above your children. Yes, you got it done, and yes you probably have more books out than I do. But I love my little girl more than I thought possible, and I've only known her for 6 weeks. I would never shirk her to write. And right now, she's very demanding. Hopefully though, as she gets older she'll settle into a routine and I can carve out a little more time for myself. Until then, I write when I have time - which is about 30 min. a week. Just enough to do this blog basically. And I consider that a win.
Read, then write
So, how do I get myself inspired to write again after a long break like I've had? I start reading. For me, when I'm not writing, I'm not reading either. Some people will tell you not to read when you're writing because it's too easy to take ideas from someone bla bla bla. I disagree with this school of thought whole heartedly. In fact, I think it's ignorant, and a good way to lead you away from any potential success you may reach.
If you want to write, read. It's as simple as that. Learn what makes other writers in your genre successful, and what doesn't. Integrate the styles you like into your work, and stay away from ones you don't until you have something that's uniquely you!
For example, I read Pure by Julianna Baggott recently. It was so original I couldn't get over it! Now, there were enough grammatical mistakes and difficulties with tenses that I didn't put the book on my top ten list or anything, but that's what I mean. I learned a great deal about being imaginative, and the importance of tense consistency and hiring a good editor.
So, I think for now, my first task is to start reading again. And more than just Peter Rabbit...