Many of the InspyRomance bloggers are mothers, either to grown children (some with grandchildren to enjoy!) or to children still at home.
Some, like myself, are still in the exciting (but exhausting) phase of toddlerhood!
One of the most common comments I get when I talk to people about my books is “I don’t know how you do it all!”
Can I tell you a secret, dear reader? Sometimes, neither do I!
Today, I thought I would give you a behind the scenes look at what some of the things I and the other mothers here at InspyRomance do for the sake of writing our next book.
For some, it looks like writing in the car during ballet or baseball practice. If the kids are in school, some have the school day. Others homeschool and work around lessons.
It might mean letting the laundry sit and your kids watch a movie because you’re on a deadline. Sometimes, it means a supportive partner takes the kids on Saturday morning to give you an uninterrupted period to work. I’ve even been the generous beneficiary of a friend who lets me work at their quiet house, since ours hasn’t been quiet in years!
Often, it means working after the kids go to bed or waking up before them to hit your wordcount goals for the day. For me, it means sometimes we eat a lot of take out or frozen pizza! It is also tons of fun to explain to your kids that you write stories, and show them your books when they arrive in the mail.
Most of all, it means being flexible and rolling with the punches. Because some days – writing just isn’t going to happen. And that’s okay. When God has called you to be a mother AND an author? It’s especially important to realize which comes first. I often find myself convinced I can’t do it all, but God is faithful!
He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.
1 Thess 5:24
In October, my husband and I got a big surprise – a positive pregnancy test! It brought with it a lot of joy and a LOT of morning sickness. Unable to work or write for almost two months, it was increasingly difficult to give myself grace. I am so thankful for the support of my fellow authors who sympathized with me, encouraged me, and gave me permission to simply take care of myself in that season.
Now that I’m back on my feet and in front of my keyboard, I am getting back in the groove of my #authormomlife. And I really missed the “author” part of that while I was sick! The baby is due in June, and my #authorlife and #momlife will take on a much different balance this year than last. I did have to postpone the release of my next book, Longing for Lily, but I wanted to make sure it was the best book it could possibly be, and that meant I needed more time.
Time is definitely one thing there is never enough of during the #authormomlife!
Now it is your turn! Is there anything about the #authormomlife that surprised you, or do you have any questions about what it is like?
Tara Grace Ericson lives in Missouri with her husband and two sons. She studied engineering and worked as an engineer for many years before embracing her creative side to become a full-time author. She loves cooking, crocheting, and reading books by the dozen. Her writing partner is usually her black lab - Ruby - and a good cup of coffee or tea. She loves a good “happily ever after” with an engaging love story. That’s why Tara focuses on writing clean contemporary romance, with an emphasis on Christian faith and living.
It’s not possible to do it all, all of the time.
Hi Tara, Congratulations on your exciting baby news! 2021 will be a busy year for you. 😊
Congratulations! I hope everything will go well for you and the baby!
Hi Tara! Congratulations on your happy news. Best wishes and happy writing.
Congratulations on your happy news!! I’m not a Mom, so can’t imagine juggling being a Mom with other things. However, I’ve watched family and friends do it, so I know it can be done. My closest experience was working full time and going to college. One semester, I took 4 classes, one of which was on Saturday mornings. I look back now and have no idea how I managed to do it taking 2 or 3 classes, much less that one time I took 4!!! God gives the strength to get through, though, for sure!
Congratulations on your pregnancy! I’m glad you have friends who encouraged you to give yourself grace and take care of yourself. That is so important.
Congratulations! I remember the days of two little ones, but we did not have the experience of a third pregnancy. Even with two, my days were SO full. Looking back, I kind of wish I’d carved out a little more “me time” during those years and started writing sooner than I did. Blessings on your growing family!
That is definitely the truth!
Thank you! I am excited for everything that is to come.
Thank you so much, Marilene!
Thank you! It will be a challenge to keep it up, but I love it – and that makes it worth it!
Indeed He does! Thanks for sharing!
Community is essential! Thank you so much.
Thanks, Valerie! It definitely helps to have something that is “mine” to work on, even if it is a challenge to squeeze it in sometimes.
Congratulations Tara! Wishing you a peaceful pregnancy and a healthy new baby!
I was blessed to be able to be a stay-at-home mom to my kids but certainly can’t imagine also working at home with littles! I’m sure once you figure out a routine, it would become easier. Like you said, it helps that you can give yourself grace when you have days where you just can’t do it all! And having an understanding spouse & friends is a huge help :-)
Congrats on the upcoming little one! What a blessing.
Congratulations!!! You can do it with God’s help!
I’m not an author mom BUT I can relate.
I had a part time job and was finishing up my bachelors degree with four kiddos (3 mo, 2 yo, 4 yo, and 6 yo) not so long ago… I have no idea how I did it…with all As lol
God’s grace and help from my hubby and mom <3
This article was directed at me, right? :-) I have a preschooler and kindergartner right now, and life is crazy. But I also just had my fourth book release and two more releases for later this year. Some days, I feel like I don’t have enough time to do it all, and other days I write four chapters in a few hours. My husband is great and makes sure I have time when on a deadline to sequester myself in the room without interruptions. Other than that, naptime and kids’ bedtime is work time for me for now. But in a year and half, they’ll both be in school …
Congratulations ! Our 2 children are are a year and 8 months apart, and it was a little challenging, and I was very blessed to be a stay at home mom, even though I didn’t work it was a little tough, some days more than others. I can not imagine how hard it is for working mothers. All will go well because we have a Very Loving God who always has our back. Have a Great rest of the week and stay safe. God Bless you and your family.
Congratulations! What a blessing.
Thank you so much!
In my book – any stay at home mom has the hardest job in the world!
Thanks so much!
Wow! That sounds like a challenging, busy season of your life!
And yes — the help is so important!
Yay you! Thanks for sharing as a fellow authormom!
Yes! No matter what else you are doing, staying at home is not an easy job!
Thank you so much!
Congratulations on your exciting baby news. My baby days are over, but it is so much fun to have grandchildren, and I am thinking 2021 might be a great year to get one more little grandchild. Let’s all pray for a happier 2021.
Thanks for sharing! And congrats on your pregnancy! It’s so hard to show ourselves grace, but so necessary. Hope the rest of your pregnancy goes well. God bless!
Congratulations on your baby news! My brother and sister-in-law are expecting their first child in August which will make me an aunt for the first time, which is exciting. Do you ever incorporate cute or funny things your kids have done into your stories?