Monday, September 21, 2009

A Glimpse at the Future

A lot of my writing friends have children but not all of them make time for their writing in the same ways. Some religiously write while their kids are at school, others get up early or stay up late (either way they sacrifice sleep), and those with small children squeeze it in wherever they can.

I've often wondered what kind of writer/parent I'll be, and this weekend I got a preview. We picked up our nephew Friday afternoon and Saturday I was determined to work on my latest chapter, so I opened my document and wrote a sentence here and there. I stayed close enough to it that I'd think about the next line while supervising my nephew while he played with Owen, then sit back down and write another paragraph.

It's certainly not the fastest method in the world, but I was happy to discover that I can be productive this way. I've gotten so spoiled with my non-existent schedule that I've wondered how I'll function when I go back to the real world.

I also figured out another trick: knock them all out.

16 comments:

Janna Leadbetter said...

LOL, welcome to my world! :P

That's a very heartwarming picture.

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Janna, I figured you would appreciate this. :)

Sara Spock said...

OMG. That's adorable! That's pretty much the only way I get things done, sleeping boys. I'm too easily distracted. And my only writing lately is of the scholarly type. I'm okay with that ;-)

Jenna said...

What did you slip them? Can you send me some ;)?

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Sara, I'm especially impressed with you since you're in school too, but now that you say you're writing mostly academic stuff that makes sense. I hope you can squeeze in some fiction here and there!

Jenna, it's called a day at the beach without Melanie. Then milk.

Jenna said...

Ah, yes. Sunshine, exercise, and milk will do the trick.

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Amazing, isn't it? I have a feeling Owen is going to sleep all day -- our nephew wore him out!

Robin said...

That's a hilarious picture! I always knew you could do it, Melanie! ;)

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Robin, I was half watching tv, half reading, when I realized they were all unconscious. Nice. :)

Nadine said...

Adorable photo!!! And great that you were able to write as well!

JLC said...

That is very cool! Isn't it interesting that kids can pretty much fall asleep anywhere, but when it is bed time, they are fully awake! :) Glad you got some writing done too!

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Nadine, I was impressed I accomplished so much with him here!

JLC, fortunately that was shortly before bedtime so we just transferred him to his bed. Easy peasy. :P

Maribeth said...

Yep, you've learned my secret. If only I could get mine to sleep more. Sweet, blissful quiet.

Benjamin Solah said...

I guess I've had romantic ideas of being a SAHD and writing instead of working. Surely it can't be as bad as work?!

But then again, I haven't actually tried it out yet so my male brain may be totally underestimating things.

Anonymous said...

Childless by choice, so not a problem I have to face. :)

But for those of you who do have kids- I really admire how you are able to balance things and find time.

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Maribeth, it was nice while it lasted.

Benjamin, I'm both terrified and excited to try... I think I may be underestimating things as well. :)

Gypsy, it is admirable.