Thursday, August 6, 2009

So long, summertime...


As I bid a fond farewell to summer and see my older two kids off to school each day, I find my thoughts turning back to writing. I recently penned a short story and had so much fun with it! I've also been working on a project with a certain fantastic sister of mine. *wink*

Some of you have wondered if I'm actively querying, and the truth is, I'm not. I have a few queries floating around out there for a couple of different projects, but for the most part I've decided to take it slow and easy and enjoy each day as much as I can. There have been times when writing was all-consuming; when I was not writing I was thinking about it. And as thrilling as that was, I'm striving to find the perfect balance between family and writing. Because I still have a little one at home for this final year before she goes to school, writing will not quite be a full-time endeavor --- and I am okay with that.

Does the change of season affect your writing? Where are you in the writing/querying journey? How do you find balance?

~Suzette

P.S. My dear friend Angie Lofthouse has a short-short story in a contest, and I would love it if she won! (Voting closes August 22nd.) Check out her blog, Notes from the Writing Chair, for details... and for a FREE CHOCOLATE contest!

13 comments:

Jessica Nelson said...

You sound very balanced. Not sure I am, lol, but I do feel the same, that since my little ones are home writing is not something I need to rush, though I do set a schedule for myself.
I hope you enjoy your pace and the scenery! :-)

Wendy Paine Miller said...

Suzette,
Your description of how you are querying is exactly how I'd describe how I'm going about it. You might be the only other person I've come across to put it quite like that. It resonated w/ me.

The picture is gorgeous!
~ Wendy

Jen said...

My query process is the same. This time around, I'm taking my time and making sure my query is as perfect as I can possibly make it. Time consuming, yes, but I believe it will be worth it.

My writing does change with the seasons. While I love summer and the warm weather, fall and winter are my prime creative times. I always look forward to that first frostly morning! Though I work full time, I still enjoy sneaking in some writing while I'm at work! Hey! I'm in front of a computer all day! I've got to make it fun somehow :)

Jen

Angie said...

Thanks for the plug, Sue. I am soooo lucky that I got to read your short story. I noticed you guys got a Kreativ Blog award, but I'm afraid I don't remember who it was that awarded it to you.

Clementine said...

Yes, Miss Suzette! I'm right there with ya. My baby girl starts Kindergarten on Monday and life will take a new turn. It's been challenging to write while she plays around the computer, but these days won't last forever and I don't want to miss them. Enjoy your family!

Amanda Bonilla said...

Can you believe summer is over?!?! And I didn't even make it to Utah. *sigh* Don't give up on me!

School starts on Aug. 31st and I don't have to leave for work until after noon! That means four or five free hours, ALONE, with my writing! WOOHOO!

Danyelle L. said...

Time is like a river I'm standing in: I can't tell the difference between the water that's gone by, the water I'm in, and the water that's coming. Fortunately, I have a time-conscious husband. :)

I'm at the fun querying stage. >.< I generally write when the chipmunks are napping or in bed. Or when the Beloved Spouse Creature is home playing with them. :D

Jessica L. Brooks (coffeelvnmom) said...

Haven't gotten to the point yet where I can query. In all honesty, I thought I would be there already. As for my three going back to school - that was today, and it was lovely to work for three hours in silence. My plan is to work a bit in the mornings (on days I work) and then in the evenings once the school chaos has been dealt with. We'll see. Some days something just comes over me, and I can't STOP writing. But lately those days are few and far between.

Stephanie said...

Hi Suzette,
Me too! Me too! I am desperately searching for the balance. Earlier this year I decided to write a memoir and heavens to Betsy, I carry a pen, paper, recording device everywhere.
Great to hear I am not alone in my struggle for balance!
Thanks for sharing.
Stephanie

Andrea Cremer said...

Suzette, I've nominated you for a Kreativ blogger award :)

Bethany Wiggins said...

I remember a time when I thought querying was fun. Now I know that it is a lot of work and a lot of rejection! I have learned so much from the process, though.

As for balance, it is impossible to find balance when one part of your life weighs 500 pounds and the rest is a mere fifty. Hold one part in each hand and you're bound to tip. I guess dealing with the imbalance is where I am finding balance. That being said, I like where I am in life and wouldn't give any of that 500 pounds up for anything.

Unknown said...

I don't think my writing changes with the seasons, but then again, I haven't even been at this a year yet and summers tend to be long here!

By the way, I'm completely in love with that picture! That's my idea of peace and perfection!

Suzette Saxton said...

Thank you all for your beautiful comments. I've found myself returning to them many times over the past few days.