Writer and creative block expert Susan O'Doherty's teaching an interesting-sounding seminar tomorrow night at Mediabistro in NYC:
How to balance your job as a mom and your job as a writerWow, sounds fascinating, I wish I were invited. But I couldn't go anyway; because I'm holed up in a hotel alone, with deliberately intermittent Internet access, trying to finish a book project. It's a rather extreme solution, though it's yielding some significant progress.It's possible to be both a great mom and a successful writer, but it takes organization, perseverance, and the willingness to set firm boundaries. Most of all, it takes the belief that your ambitions are important and worth pursuing. If you are a mother who writes -- or wants to -- this seminar will help you develop a blueprint for your own success story.
In this seminar you will learn:
How to identify the personal and career goals that matter most to you
How to let go of perfectionism and just do the work
How to set "office hours" -- and stick to them
Techniques for resisting emotional blackmail from your kids, your spouse, or your boss
How to start taking yourself seriously as a professional and command respect from your family
Strategies for developing emotional support systems, emergency child-care backup, and professional networks
I guess my problem is, I struggle with recognizing either the needs and feelings of my family or the expectations of my publisher as "emotional blackmail". Also, I have a hard time "commanding" them. [Wait, that's two problems. Also, I'm horrible at rewriting continuity or outlining or something! Also math!]
If only there were a seminar for dads. But since there's not, I guess I'll just muddle through. If any writer-dads have some actual, useful advice besides [or including?] the dreaded Barton Fink, feel free to share your feelings in the nurturing, accepting space below. Moms who "dabble" in writing, [good for you!]: I don't know what possible relevance your experience might have, but feel free to join in.
Managing Motherhood and a Writing Career, $65
WHEN Tuesday, August 14, 6:30-9:30 pm
WHERE mediabistro.com, 494 Broadway [mediabistro.com]
Plagiarism seems to be popular these days. You could try that..?
[very 2006, i'm afraid -ed.]
Well, I'm not a dad yet, but I can say the most important aspect of managing your time is to write honest prose that doesn't withhold. So many people are afraid to present the truth, but when you do, your writing shines and takes less time.
And, ultimately, you'll alienate all of your friends and family, which will free up your schedule :)
I only let the kids out for meals and 15 minutes of exercise. It's the only way I can get anything done, assuming there isn't anything on TV.
[when do they learn to get their own food?? -ed.]
I would wager that the same techniques, tricks, and schemes apply for freelance designers. I'm about to go full-time freelance so any advice would be literally appreciated while I try to deal with the guilt of working from home while the kid is in daycare... all the time while my wife brings home the steady paycheck, insurance and real-life smarts.