Deeanne Gist - www.deeannegist.com - Inspirational Romance Author

Tuesday, August 16, 2005

Where Are The Children?

I had four kids in four years. I began my writing career during "naptime" when they were 6, 5, 4 & 2. (They are now 18, 17, 16 & 14.)

You know the adage "if you want something done, ask a busy person?" Well, that was me. Because the busier you are, the more organized you have to be with managing your time. And naptime was sacred. Nothing was allowed to interfere.

When they got a bit older and didn't require constant supervision, I could extend my writing time bit by bit. They always let me know if I was spending too much time at the computer, though. I will never forget my youngest at a very young age approaching me as I typed away. He placed both hands on my cheeks and turned my head so that I was looking him in the eye.

"Are you listening, Mommy?" (My fingers were still going even though my eyes were on him.)

And that's when I knew. It was time to shut her down and be a mommy again. Though my kids no longer have to resort to such tactics, the dear husband has been known to do this if he is feeling like I love my computer more than I love him. :-)

Once I became published, they each had rather revealing reactions (for more specifics click here). To date, not a one of them has read my book. Both girls plan on it--but Harry Potter comes first. (Priorities, don't ya know.) My oldest boy asked for the book quite sometime ago, but has yet to crack it open. My youngest boy has no plans whatsoever to read it. After all, why on earth would anyone read anything if it wasn't required by school??

The biggest adjustment for them has been believing me when I say I'm working. In there mind, I'm not working, I'm only writing.

posted by Deeanne at 11:26 AM

5 Comments:

Barb said...: Maybe if you gave Sunbonnet Woman big round glasses, sent her to Witchcraft and Wizardry School, and gave her friends and enemies midevil (or at least British) sounding names, you could suck your kids in to your next book??
Deeanne said...: Yeah, well, daughter #2 finished HP and today I caught her re-reading The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. And that movie doesn't come out until November or December.

Yeah. I'm seeing how it is. Mom is waaaaaay down on the list. :-)
Barb said...: The grizzled prospector eyed Sunbonnet Woman's luscious figure and sack of gold as he sidled up behind her. "Sunbonnet Woman," he whispered in her ear, "that pointy bonnet a yorn is mighty purty. Howdjuh like to come up to mah cabin for some jerky and a little romance?" Sunbonnet Woman spun around and whapped the filthy man with her bag of nuggets. ZAP! "You're a toad!" Sunbonnet Woman shrieked. Suddenly, the little prospector croaked confusedly. Sunbonnet Woman righted her magical bonnet and brushed off her skirt, then leaned over and tickled him under his chin. She smiled. "You'll not get your hands on my beauteous bod OR my fortune, you little amphibian!"
Might be worth a shot, at least. You could try to insert a wardrobe and lion figure if daughter doesn't bite on the witch and toad concept....
Deeanne said...: Ah, Barb. You do my heart good. Thanks for that chuckle.
Barb said...: It's a little ruff--I'm still perfecting my craft... :oD