The Life That Wrote With Me
I always had this vision, a dream of a dedicated office and library, which I thought I had to have in order to put a story on paper.
I have never been more happy to be proven wrong.
As a SAHM of four daughters, most of the chapters of Breathing Freely were hammered out while my twins, about a year old at the time, were napping. I’m sure many parents can attest that naps aren’t always predictable, even more so with twins. Sometimes, one would decide it was social hour and fight the sandman so hard they’d wake the other. Giggles would ring out through the monitor over the roar of the sound machine. Other times, naps were easy. Both twins would lay down and sleep for hours. This was when the moments between Lou and Wes truly came to life and took over my mental space.
Some evenings, my older two would be playing their Nintendo or watching a movie while Jamison played COD with his coworkers. I’d sit beside him, laptop open, and the twins would turn our bodies, the couch, and our poodle into an obstacle course. Tiny elbows and knees to the ribs happened alongside commas and quotations. “Down. Broke him.” and “Heading to the load out.” coexisted with keystones and giggles.
These core memories never would have happened if I’d been shut away behind a door. I could have been surrounded by shelves filled with my favorite genes. Inspiration from authors I admire could have whispered to me from time to time. But, I don’t think Wes and Lou’s story would have been the same.
Living my chaotic life— changing diapers, cleaning spills, and fixing dinner— while writing kept the feelings that shaped the world of the Woods & Watersseries real.
I have more time to write now that the twins are full-blown toddlers and prefer to dig their elbows and knees into their older sisters’ ribs instead of mine and Jamison’s. It’s one of those small things you don’t realize you’ll miss until time has stolen it. Children don’t keep!
With the increase of “free time,” I’ve broadened my focus. The second installment of The Woods & Waters series isn’t the only thing I’ve been working on. I’ve also started this blog, something I never could have pictured I’d enjoy as much as I do. I find fulfillment in sharing what I’ve learned and experienced with you all.
I’m also working on a fantasy manuscript review for an up and coming indie author; another facet I’ve added to my site since discovering my love for helping other authors — assisting them in going from manuscript to published novel via Author Consulting.
Whether it’s another author’s manuscript in front of me, my blog, or my own novel being shaped, I still get visits from all my littles.
I always dreamed of writing in a room filled with books, but I found my greatest inspiration in the little hands reaching for me, the voices calling my name, and the people who hold my heart.
Gotta go, someone just called for Mom,
Haleigh
