There is no easy way to figure out how to raise kids and how to write a novel. I thought it was difficult at first getting through that first novel that took me seven years, but it seems like just immense procrastination now. Not to mention all the writing style changes I underwent.
Before my triplets, I was working on my first manuscript that is now a published novel, and I only had my two daughters. It was hectic but seemed manigable since they were at ages where they were able to be a bit more self-entertained. It was still sporadic writing here and there because, let's face it, 2 and 3 year-olds get into stuff.
When I started working as a Correctional Officer, I started up a new project. I had finished the first draft of Volkenheim, but then I shelved it. I was still working with the theme of Soul Mates, but I still had not gotten serious enough about my writing to get it published.
Then, here came to curve in mine and my spouses life: triplets. We had only planned for one more kid, hopefully a boy, and we wound up with three more girls. It is ironically funny, really. But, after those first few months with the triplets, especially when all three of them were home and out of the NICU, it was like a fire had been lit under my butt. I was now serious about getting my manuscript out there.
However, getting it there proved to be the biggest balancing act and one I was not too good at. I was still working on finishing my Bachelor's degree, had the triplets to take care of (and my other two girls), make sure I was keeping up on the house, and then, among all this chaos, I had to get down and begin editing and revising my book. Yikes! Let's just say there was a lot of irritability going on, and that sneaky procrastination kept popping its' head up. So, I tried some suggestions of my husband, and made some smart goals. Also, with his help, I collaborated with my mother-in-law and Grandmother-in-law to have them help me edit and revise. Anxiety led me to have more outbursts. School was annoying and I had to force myself to not laze about all day hanging out with the triplets and playing phone games.
I have gotten the hang of it a bit, now. I try to get my gaming done in the morning, along with chores, so that I have the rest of the day for writing, reading, social media platforms, and hanging out with those cutie triplets! I finally feel a bit at ease, but I cannot let that take over. And, I only started feeling this ease when my schooling was done. Priorities. They just kick my butt sometimes. And I find I have to keep revising them, just like I had to on my manuscript. It was worth it though.
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