And I mean that in a writing sense. I can hardly get anything done!
Here’s the story…I’m a stay-at-home mom with two children, ages 5 and 8. Yeah, fun…so NOT! I used to have a licensed daycare in my home but, thanks to all the wonderful readers out there, I was able to close that up just over a year ago and focus on being a full-time writer. What a myth that is! (at least while I have kids at home)
*sigh*
If I’m not constantly aware of what they’re doing, my kids create trouble. Sounds familiar, right? Try being a creative person with two very creative children raised on superheroes, Doctor Who, Harry Potter, and every other science fiction and fantasy show out there. A virtual smorgasbord of ideas.
To give you an idea of why I can’t focus on writing, just a while ago, I caught them playing with the garage doors. One was hanging on to ride it up and down while the other hit the button. Guess who the supposed evil little mind behind that idea was…the 5 year old! This is the same child who used to draw with toothpaste on her bed, paint her bedroom carpet with softsoap, and streak the cat with yogurt. My evil little genius. She’s a master of creating chaos. Our oldest used to be the organized one (master of order), but the youngest’s influence has rubbed off on her. It makes my life difficult.
On top of normal housekeeping chores, I have two masters of mischief to divert my attention. Before school was out for summer, the youngest was actually easily entertained, but with a sister to back her up, it’s been nothing but trouble since school was out. If they’re not fighting, they’re cooperating on something they shouldn’t be doing. Only about 10% of the time is there true peace and worry-free time, and that’s scattered about in random minutes throughout the day.
So, this is why work has been going very slowly this summer. I don’t expect to get a first draft of Soriel done until early October.
Next summer, if my sales income stays steady, I will hire a part-time nanny, so I can continue working on the stories you enjoy. For now, I’m counting down to the first day of school, because youngest will be in kindergarten. Hallelujah!
Heh, I spent the last week taking care of EDM as Fluffy when to VA for her cousin. It was very… difficult to get things done while I was playing single parent. I feel for you, but you know my motto: “Keep on swimming.” Eventually, I got what I needed done, just takes longer.
Enjoy it while he’s so young! You can actually get stuff done when they’re younger. Once they hit about 3-4 years, not so much.
I can get housework done, but writing requires a certain focus that I can’t get when the girls are free to cause trouble, fight, etc. And it’s the quiet that is most disturbing. That is when kids are doing something they’re not supposed to be doing. Beware!
I found a nanny for the remainder of the summer and it feels great to be able to write without worrying about the kids. I feel free and the ideas flow again! I can’t wait for school though!