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"Trying to clean the house with kids inside is like trying to brush your teeth while eating an Oreo." Writing with kids home for the summer is IMPOSSIBLE. But in less than two weeks, they return to their regularly scheduled programming, er, um, back to school!!!
After surviving TWO family vacations with the kids, I have only outlined, researched, and added a few chapters to my WIP. While vacationing in Michigan, we went blueberry picking. Think of the time it takes for the fruit to ripen before you can actually enjoy them. You can't pick blueberries all year long. The season lasts only a few weeks. Sometimes you just can't write. During those times, I choose to outline or research or read all the books. I can't wait to get back to my regular schedule of writing. I love my crazy kids, but summer is a whirlwind for me.
How's your summer? Have you been busy writing? Taking a break? Looking forward to fall?
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| Blueberry fields |
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| My daughter experiencing Lake Michigan for 1st time. |
Mmm, look at those buckets of blueberries! My kidlet isn't in school yet, but I can imagine I'll get lots of things done while he's away. And that Oreo quote is spot on, lol!
ReplyDeleteI wish I could take credit for the quote:) It's just a saying I heard once. I have loads of blueberries in the freezer!!!!
DeleteSounds like you've had an amazing summer. And I don't think of those times as lost as far as my writing is concerned--if anything it makes me and my life and therefore my stories that much richer.
ReplyDeleteYou're right. The time spent with my kids is priceless material to be added to my books. (paybacks are golden;-)
DeleteThe cleaning part is absolutely true. Haven't cleaned the house properly since the first one was born 3 years ago, and since we just had a second it will be at least another four until the house is empty enough to make any progress.
ReplyDeleteA couple of vacations in July derailed my writing, but I think I'm back on track now. As long as I can wrangle the book back under control...
My oldest is 17. I don't think I've thoroughly cleaned my house in like almost two decades. It's nice to take a break from writing, but I'm anxious to get back!
DeleteI feel like I've been on a writing break forever, and I don't even have kids to distract me! Hopefully I can get back into it soon. I like how you have other things you try to do when not writing.
ReplyDeleteTaking a break can be very helpful. Just get back to it soon:)
DeleteSummer is really tough for writer parents. There are days that I watch my nephews and on those days I can't get a single things done. I am too frazzled. But summer for kids is coming to an end. YAY! :P
ReplyDeleteIWSG co-host Write with Fey
So, you feel my pain! Boys:)
DeleteI just had an Oreo ice-cream today :) Summer is indeed tough for writer-mothers who also have to do lots of other kid duties.
ReplyDeleteYum and, yes,laundry!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
DeleteEnjoy time with your kids - they will be back in school before you know it.
ReplyDeleteEver thought about eating an Oreo Cookie right before going to the dentist?
Yes, I will...enjoy the kids, not the Oreo/dentist combo :)
DeleteYou achieved more than me! My summer has been dominated by a house move, undergoing renovations to our new home, and keeping the kids happy in the mix. So not much writing, except a bit of freelance stuff to bring in pennies. But I'm happy in the new house, it's more comfortable than the last, and I think it's going to inspire me. Only two weeks til school starts here!!!
ReplyDeleteMoving is tough. At least, you have a new space to begin all the new books, right?
DeleteI've done some writing this summer, but I've hit a lull as I transition between projects. Not sure how Back to School time will work out in my favor, now that I have an 18 year old taking a "gap year" and living at home while she decides what she wants to do. My alone time will be ... um, not as alone.
ReplyDeleteUse her as inspiration! As long as my boys are still in the house, they are fair game.
DeleteResearching and outlining are just as important as writing. In fact, researching can give you amazing ideas for your WIP that you never imagined before. Those blueberries look so yummy!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with this! Researching Chicago (even though I lived near Chitown for many years) has given me fresh, new ideas for my fantasy novels.
DeleteWe went blueberry picking last week. The berries were huge! So good. I send my kids to camp for some of the summer to write, but those days are coming to an end after tomorrow. Sadly school doesn't start here until Sept. 10.
ReplyDeleteOoh, hang in there!
DeleteI know EXACTLY what you mean! This has not been a very productive summer as far as writing is going with all my kids home. But, it's been great for working through my TBR list!
ReplyDeleteWe picked wild blueberries in Maine! They were on top of this mountain after we hiked to the top and it was so cool to pick them and eat them. Very fun for my kids! :)
Reading is much easier with the kids home. Writing, not so much. Maine blueberries?! Yum:)
DeleteAh yes. My husband and I scrubbed the house clean on Saturday. By Wed, it was a mess, thanks to the kids. :)
ReplyDeleteHope the productivity skyrockets for you!
I'm just waiting for them to vacate the premises on Tuesday. Then fall cleaning can commence.
DeleteI really miss having my kids home all summer but I have the best of both worlds now, 13 grandkids. I go pick a few up until I'm done then I get to take them home. It is awesome.
ReplyDeleteThat said I have been an absolute summer slacker and I am feeling big time pressure now to meet some fall deadlines.
Good luck with getting back to your schedule. just think by the next #IWSG, oh my...
WOW! That's terrific. Once the weather changes, I think we'll all be back to writing on a regular basis.
DeleteThey go back to school in two weeks? Wow, you guys start early.
ReplyDeleteYes, but they get out early too. The balance of life.
DeleteI can only imagine how cleaning up with kids in the house would be! It's like trying to empty a sand pail while they're filling it back up twice as fast! Someone above said you guys start early? Kids here in Nashville have already been back in school for a week. They started August 3rd in most of the Nashville area, I believe. But they have fall break, spring break, and a long Christmas break. We didn't get that much time off during the year when I was a kid.
ReplyDeleteHa!! Yikes, that is early.
DeleteI'm a teacher who has to go back to work next week, so I'll be doing less writing. I always get so much done with two months off in the summer.
ReplyDeleteI remember those days. I feel your pain. But I will say those days inspired me the most. With a classroom filled with fifth graders, you can't help but be inspired to write.
DeleteLoved your Oreo simile! Kids are great though, aren't they?
ReplyDeleteYes, when they're sleeping. Just kidding!! :)
DeleteSometimes we need a break, and that's okay. Blueberry picking sounds like a lot of fun. I felt like I took a break from January-June with my writing and am finally getting back to work.
ReplyDeleteIt pays to take a break! I know I'm more productive when I can't write. I'm always anticipating when I can get back in the game.
DeleteHi Jennifer. It has been especially busy here. too - and my kids are all grown! I've had blueberries and blackberries to pick here at our house and now I just noticed that the grapes are ripe! And we've been doing major landscaping work on a lot in front of our house. But, looking on the bright side, I've learned how to drive a tractor. I love tractors - they are a great time saver when there's a lot of work to be done. I am looking forward to getting back to blogging and writing on a more regular basis.
ReplyDelete