Balancing Motherhood and Writing: Crafting My New Series and Sharing Some Helpful Tips

Hello everyone! I’m thrilled to share a sneak peek into what I’ve been up to lately. As I dive into the final edits of The Space We Leave, the first book in my upcoming Grand Mesa Men series, I’m filled with excitement and a bit of nervous energy. The manuscript is heading to the copy editor this Monday, and I’m already knee-deep in editing the second book, There's A Fine Line.

I’ve spent just over three years working on these books. I’ve felt a lot of guilt for them not being published sooner. When I think about it being four books going out at once though, it helps a little with that. I do want to eventually talk more about my decision to “rapid release” this series and why I don’t think it was a good idea.

For today though, I want to focus on tips to help YOU get your book finished. 

Navigating the complexities of indie publishing while being a mom to two wonderful young children has taught me a few tricks on managing time and creativity effectively. Today, I want to share some of these insights, hoping they might help those of you embarking on your first writing project, or anyone looking for a nudge to balance writing with parenting.

Writing Amidst Motherhood

Writing with young kids in the house means embracing unpredictability and being ready to adapt. Each morning, from 6:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., is my sacred writing block. This is when I pour my heart into writing or editing before starting homeschool lessons with my son. It's a quiet time when my creativity flows uninterrupted. Kids are surprisingly able to understand and adapt to a routine. It only took a couple of days of me saying “mommy is working” for both kids to understand that during this block I will be “at work.” Even my two-year-old gets it.

Now, there are times where she wants in my lap, but I can write and hold her when I need to. The point is, kids understand a lot more than we give them credit for. It’s hard to work from home because kids and those dishes are distracting. It’s easy to stop writing and start “mom-ing.” But, if you block out time to write, stick to it. That’s my absolute best piece of advice. Schedule the time - write - and then deal with whatever else afterward.

I’m not saying ignore your children. You may need to pause to take a kid to the bathroom or fix a snack. That’s okay. Just focus on sitting back down afterward. Don’t allow yourself to be pulled away for longer than a pause during your writing block.

I’ve been a night owl my entire life. I have been actively trying to go to bed earlier and get up earlier. It is easier to have the time to myself before my kids wake up. However, there are plenty of nights where I stay up late and work while they sleep. Obviously, when my son is waking me up at seven or so the next morning, I’m exhausted. But, that’s part of the deal when you’re writing as a mom. Find the time that works best for you - and get sleep! You’re no good to yourself, your kids, or your story if you can’t function. 

For all the parent writers out there, remember: it’s possible to pursue your passion for writing even in the midst of parenting. It might require waking up before the sunrise, staying up late, giving up some TV or reading time, or rearranging your schedule, but every minute spent writing is a step closer to your dream. 

Tips for First-Time Authors

One mantra I swear by is: you can't edit a blank page. Don’t worry about perfection on your first draft. Instead, focus on getting your thoughts down. If you stumble upon a challenging section, leave a note for yourself in the draft and move forward. You can always come back to it later with fresh eyes.

Google Docs for Editing

Google Docs has been a game changer for me, especially with its features like adding comments and the ability to highlight text. Sharing documents for feedback is also incredibly straightforward. After the digital edits, I print my drafts double-spaced, giving me ample room to make notes and edits in between the lines. And a little tip for those who print their drafts: use Bible highlighters as they don’t bleed through the paper.

Once I buy a new laptop, I plan to download and try Scrivener. It has a lot of really cool features (from what I’ve seen) and I’m excited to see if I like it more than Google Docs. I’ll keep you posted on that. If anyone has used it, I’d love to hear from you! 

New Tools and Resources

Recently, I've started exploring how AI, specifically ChatGPT, can assist in my writing and research. It's a fantastic tool for generating ideas, refining dialogue, or just getting unstuck with a plot point. If you haven't tried it yet, I highly recommend it. I know there are a lot of mixed feelings surrounding AI. I too was skeptical at first and there are some things surrounding AI that I’ll probably always be wary of. However, I see AI as a tool. Writers use all sorts of tools to get the job done. AI can be a useful tool. Do I think authors should have a book that is 100% AI generated and market it as their own? Absolutely not. However, AI has been both useful and fun when it comes to bouncing ideas. It’s like having a writing partner who is always available.

I believe that authors should be transparent when they’re using AI. My favorite, JF Penn, uses a disclosure in the back of her books indicating that she’s used AI. I like to ask AI for help with action beats when I have long strings of dialogue. I also like to ask if things sound realistic, if they’re confusing, and if the grammar is correct. There are a lot of ways that AI can help you during the planning and research stage, but it can also help during the editing stage.

If you’re uncomfortable using AI to help with scenes, I still recommend checking it out for research and editing. It is a great tool that can and will do a lot of good for the writing community. Most search engines, including Google use AI as well. If you’re online, you’re using AI. It’s just a matter of how aware of it you are. 

When it comes to technology, I believe that we are going to use it. “We” meaning society. You can choose to learn it, and learn it well, so that you can operate to the best of your ability within that space. Or, you can refuse and in a lot of ways be left behind when it comes to your craft and marketing. I’m not saying it’s perfect. And, I’d never agree with using AI for harmful purposes - including images and text about someone without their consent. However, when used appropriately and transparently, I do believe it can be a valuable tool for writers.

If you’re on the fence and want some AI positive information to help you get started, I obviously recommend The Creative Penn. Joanna’s YouTube channel is a plethora of information about AI.

In Conclusion

Every writer's journey is unique, especially when balancing it with family life. What works for one may not work for another, but the key is to find your rhythm and stick with it. Remember, the only way to move forward is to keep writing, keep editing, and keep dreaming.

Thank you for following my journey. Join my newsletter to stay tuned for more updates on The Grand Mesa Men series, and happy writing!