Greetings & Salutations, my fellow writers and readers!
Today, I want to share another glimpse into my writing realm – a world that is as chaotic as it is rewarding. As an indie author, mother to three teenage boys, a wife, the primary caretaker for my aging grandfather, and a proud owner of several pets… my days are anything but ordinary, especially around this time each year…
My days start early, often before the sun rises. The first order of business is getting my boys ready for school. Anyone with kids knows this is no small feat. You would think that them being teens makes it easier… HA! The joke is on you with that line of thought. Between the last-minute homework crises, the endless search for missing socks or athletic gear, and the breakfast debates (at least, that’s what we’ll call them on here), it's a vortex of activity.
As the remnants of summer vacation has now faded away and the school year is off to a running - or perhaps flying would be more accurate - start, the chaos reaches a new level. The back-to-school season brings a flurry of activity – shopping for supplies, re-adjusting to new schedules, and navigating the emotional rollercoaster that comes with the start of a new academic year. It's a time of excitement and stress, as we all try to find our footing in the new routines. Add in having to take each kid’s extracurricular schedule into account when planning anything, plus husband’s schedule, and my grandfather’s nurses… it’s a whooper of a doozy!
Once the kids are safely off to school, I steal a few precious moments to write, or at least attempt to. As an indie author, every minute counts. Whether I'm drafting the next chapter of my "Warriors of Anaa" series or brainstorming new ideas, these quiet moments are my sanctuary. But they are often interrupted by household chores, pets, and most importantly, the needs of my elderly grandfather, who requires constant care and attention. Being the primary caretaker for my grandfather is both a privilege and a challenge – as any caregiver of the elderly can attest. His stories and wisdom are a source of inspiration for my writing, but his care demands a significant portion of my time and energy. Balancing these responsibilities with my creative pursuits is a delicate dance (if you guys only knew how clumsy I am, you would realize just how silly that “dance” comment is... seriously, chairs and tables beat me up all of the time!).
Afternoons are a blur of activity. Between school pickups, extracurricular activities (soccer, cross country, football, track, boxing, weightlifting, etc.), and managing the household, there's never a dull moment! My dogs, ever the loyal companions, add their own brand of chaos to the mix. Whether it's a walk around the neighborhood or their backyard playful antics, they remind me to take breaks and enjoy the simple pleasures in life. After all, small things mean big things! Oh, and don’t even get me started about the cacophony of them “singing” whenever the mood strikes… even the cat joins in! (I not-so-secretly love their songs… and possibly encourage the madness. LOL!)
Evenings are a time for family. We gather around the dinner table, sharing stories from our day. It's a time to reconnect and recharge (after the argument over the last homemade biscuit or piece of pie happens, of course). Then comes the evening walk with my pups… and the mighty battle against the little vampiric bloodsuckers that attempt to feast on my delicate flesh (mosquitoes... seriously, the ones here in Florida seem to be on steroids or something!). Once the kids are in bed, I return to my writing. These late-night sessions are when I find my flow, diving deep into the worlds I've created... and setting myself up to be exhausted the following day.
Life as an indie author and caretaker is a constant juggling act. There are times when it feels overwhelming, but there are also moments of pure joy and fulfillment. Writing is my escape, my passion, and my way of making sense of the chaos. It's a reminder that even in the busiest of lives, there's always room for creativity and connection.
To all the indie authors, parents, creatives, and caregivers out there – you're not alone. Embrace the chaos, find your balance, and keep writing. Your stories matter!
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