I'm finally back in writing mode. Over the last week, I managed to write 2200 words of a short story and added 1000 words to my novel. Monday through Wednesday are mornings I have set aside to write and do nothing else. This week I was going to dive into my novel and get a huge chunk of it knocked out.
But the mommy gig comes first, and one of my kids is sick.
My immediate impulse this morning was to give up on writing for the day and try again tomorrow. But he's comfortable on the couch watching TV and resting, he isn't puking, he's been fed, and I'm right here at my desk if he needs me. So I'm going to write in half hour chunks this morning and see how it goes. I feel like I should be sitting next to him and feel incredibly guilty, but the fact is he's fine and isn't feeling neglected. I am probably annoying him by fussing over him instead of letting him sleep it off.
I know it's mostly mommy guilt that makes me want to walk away from my desk. We can never do enough especially when our kids are sick, even if we are doing everything. And maybe a little bit of what I'm feeling is procrastination - a sick kid is the most excellent excuse for not writing. But I know I'll feel great about myself if I write even a few pages, and I'll feel terrible if I don't. So I write.
Oh, I think definitely fit in what you can! There is no reason to do nothing and hover when they are as comfortable as they can be! Hope you get at least some work done and that sick child is better by tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteWrite a little and then check on him. If he has the TV, he's probably happy!
ReplyDeleteHart - I was able to edit one chapter and write 1000 words so far. Good enough.
ReplyDeleteAlex - He seems comfortable. I think TV helps kids take their mind off of it when they feel bad. His little brother is planning on taking care of him after preschool. Should be entertaining for me.
I finished my first novel by writing only when my son (who was three or four at the time) napped. It can work to write in short spurts, if that's all you can manage time-wise. As long as your son is comfortable and has everything he needs, you should be able scribble out a few words. We mothers are notorious for our guilt, aren't we?
ReplyDeleteDon't let guilt slow you down. Kids being sick usually mean they sleep a lot. That's a great time to write.
ReplyDeleteYou're there, you care, you'll do what you can - can't see any need for you to feel guilty about writing while he rests.
ReplyDeleteHope the little guy is soon up and well. Life butts in now and then. Nothing to be done about that. I never minded when my mom went off to do her thing and let me sleep it off.
ReplyDeleteHe's feeling much better now, but I'm exhausted. Thanks for all the kind words.
ReplyDeleteGlad he's feeling better. My hubby's on his fourth day of the flu and my son was puking until 4AM, and I am tired. >_> I've been catching up on blogging in between running around the house and trying to make sure everyone has what they need. It's so hard when the family is sick!
ReplyDeleteHow old is he? It could be because they're older, but my kids would get annoyed with me if I tried to hang with them when they were sick.
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