This morning I read an inspiring article in Fairfax’s Daily Life by debut novelist Poppy Gee, entitled “How I got a book deal in a week.” Catchy title! So how did she do it? She sent a query to a literary agent in New York, whom she came across via a Google search. Wow! But even more fascinating to me than the secret of her success is the insight Poppy offers into how she juggled writing a novel and being a stay at home mother:
“I wrote the novel on my laptop at the kitchen table while my two small children slept.”
“One of my most satisfying achievements as a mother was synchronising the babies’ sleep times so I could continue my writing obsession. I would write and write until I heard the demanding squawk that forced me to stop. I can honestly say I never got writer’s block because I never had enough time.”
I relate so strongly to this! I look forward to reading Poppy Gee’s debut novel Bay of Fires, a murder mystery set in Tasmania. It comes out this week. Good luck Poppy!
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About Claire
My name is Claire and for as long as I can remember I have loved writing. A deluge of inspiration hit me at the beginning of the New Year and I have decided to go with it. I have a good feeling about 2013, the year I have dedicated to balancing motherhood and creativity.
Besides writing, some things that make me happy are dancing; taking my children (Oscar aged 4 and Elsa aged 1) to the library and afterwards sitting in a comfy booth in our favourite cafe with a big stack of picture books; starting crochet projects even if I never get around to finishing them; watching my children spontaneously dancing when they hear music; and sharing my life with the father of those dancing children (especially when we’re packing our little family into a campervan and setting off on a big adventure).
I have worked as an editor, a criminal defence lawyer and a family violence lawyer in a community legal centre. Now I am following my dream of being a writer. I am working on the second draft of my novel "Make me a bird." Some days I think it might be okay and some days I'm not sure if it’s any good at all, but with the encouragement of my lovely friends and family I am sticking with it.
2013 is also my year for tackling other works in progress including writing and illustrating a children’s picture book "Leola Loves Books"; and completing a chapter book for bigger kids which has evolved from the crazy bedtime stories my little boy tells me and developed a life of its own (working title The Adventures of "Charlie and Bonnie"). I had enough on my plate already but Charlie and Bonnie are two cheeky characters who seem very determined to be written about and as always I am spurred on by the enthusiastic support of my family. I also keep busy maintaining two fresh new blogs, attempting to derive some income from writing articles,and most importantly, being a mum.
My creative energy is high but I don’t like my chances of sticking to my early-to-bed resolution. Wish me luck!
LOVE this post Claire and I can totally relate too. I read the same article with great interest. I look forward to reading YOUR novel soon. Best of luck!
Thanks Michaela
Well I don’t know about soon but I am really, really hoping to get my novel out into the wide world in some way, shape or form this year. “Fly my pretty pages” is a reference to the scary business of putting my writing out there (hopefully not by throwing my manuscript off a cliff…but by setting it free for others to interpret). Thanks for your encouragement x