tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3934041490878801751.post209099981736940041..comments2024-03-17T12:30:03.009-05:00Comments on Teaching Authors--6 Children's Authors Who Also Teach Writing: Nature, Vacuums, Kitties, and Sundry ThingsCarmela Martinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15543808551988338496noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3934041490878801751.post-15160425917694846542009-11-19T16:04:39.926-06:002009-11-19T16:04:39.926-06:00Thank you, wise mamas everywhere!
It's easy...Thank you, wise mamas everywhere! <br /><br />It's easy to enjoy the moment when they're saying, "I love you, Mommy." It's a little harder when it's, "I wish I had a new mommy."<br /><br />Thanks for the inspiration, the commiseration, and the reminders of where to find joy in the moment!Jeanne Marie Grunwell Fordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3934041490878801751.post-50391000779019233172009-11-19T11:12:01.828-06:002009-11-19T11:12:01.828-06:00My oldest son recently told me that if he had as m...My oldest son recently told me that if he had as much free time as I do, he would have cured cancer by now.<br /><br />The middle one once told his teacher that I didn't work. When pressed (she knew what I did), he said "well, she makes lunches."<br /><br />I decided I needed a PR agent.<br /><br />I agree with what the others said. I have clung to that Katherine Paterson quote many a day.<br /><br />I also practiced storytelling in doctor's offices or long lines at the grocery story. I "changed the subject" many a day by suggesting we hit the couch and read. I read and read and read.<br /><br />That's the best prep a writer can have. Keep on keeping on.Sarah Campbellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04306229509907096254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3934041490878801751.post-25463964823399714302009-11-18T23:03:34.631-06:002009-11-18T23:03:34.631-06:00"Mommy didn't get much work done" is..."Mommy didn't get much work done" is inaccurate, my dear friend.<br /><br />Mommy got a BOATLOAD of work done...just not the work she THOUGHT she was supposed to do. Mommy got MOMMY WORK done.<br /><br />Take a deep breath. <br /><br />Tell yourself that your agenda may not be the universe's agenda today. <br /><br />Be present for yourself and your kids. <br /><br />Feel the steering wheel, feel your girl's hand in yours (really feel it), smell the booksmell in your classroom. <br /><br />Remember to breathe.<br /><br />This day is yours.April Halprin Waylandhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10760393691320267240noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3934041490878801751.post-3780200968688964902009-11-18T01:25:34.830-06:002009-11-18T01:25:34.830-06:00These were the years when I learned that I didn...These were the years when I learned that I didn't have to be in a mood to write, or have the correct pen, or a good outline, or any other excuse that keep words from hitting the page. <br /><br />I used to sit at breakfast every day and list the next 3 things that needed to happen in my story, and I promised myself to write at least 2 of those things. Sometimes I wrote on the floor, or in the car while the kids slept or at the park, but simply promising myself I'd write the next 2 things whether it was 50 words or 500 kept me from giving up entirely.<br /><br />It's not easy but one thing I've come to appreciate very much is how good it is for my children to see me working hard at something I love. That is worth a messy house!Rosanne Parryhttp://www.rosanneparry.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3934041490878801751.post-6701278541932536022009-11-17T14:10:07.705-06:002009-11-17T14:10:07.705-06:00Who wrote this entry? Hm...sounds like my life. :)...Who wrote this entry? Hm...sounds like my life. :)<br /><br />My only saving grace is that my son still naps for about 90 minutes in the afternoon while my daughter is in school. Other than that, it's all found time - whether it's while the kids are playing together or my husband is playing CandyLand with them. Sometimes I sit down to write after they go to bed. Other days it's before they get up. Sometimes on the weekend, I'll declare family nap time, meaning my husband and son nap while my daughter plays quietly in her room.<br /><br />Oh, and my house is messy. Watch out for toys on the floor. Hey, something's got to give! :)Michelle Sussmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16107477002733143764noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3934041490878801751.post-25735642275838004832009-11-17T13:18:59.432-06:002009-11-17T13:18:59.432-06:00Well, Jeanne Marie: it's obvious why you excel...Well, Jeanne Marie: it's obvious why you excel at writing Soap Operas!<br />Katherine Paterson wrote in her collection of essays Beyond the Gates of Excellence that the very people who take us away from our writing are the very people who give us something to say!<br />And, I happen to think reading is often the same as writing,especially if you get in the habit of reading as a writer.<br />Treasure and love up those characters of yours!They're enriching your writer's plotline!Esther Hershenhornhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12016897434029543881noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3934041490878801751.post-28082232380995246552009-11-16T22:31:22.758-06:002009-11-16T22:31:22.758-06:00JM,
Let me be the first to reassure you--it's ...JM,<br />Let me be the first to reassure you--it's all grist for the mill. And, as they say, "this too shall pass." The only thing I can add is something I read on another blog: "The days are long, but the years are short." I know it doesn't feel like it now, but these times will soon be over. So let go of the guilt of being unable to keep "butt in chair," and enjoy your kids.Carmela Martinohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15543808551988338496noreply@blogger.com