How did motherhood change your creative practice? Even before I became a mother, I constantly wished I had more time to write. Of course, now looking back, I realize I did have more time in those before times. I went on long hikes for inspiration. I lived next to the beach and visited her every day. That had all been a part of my creative process. When I had my twins in 2020, I couldn’t afford to live by the beach anymore in my charming little one-bedroom illegal in-law unit. And I didn’t have the time to write every day. Now I treat my writing sessions for my books, short stories, and poems with the professionalism that I treat my paid work. I use timed writes and word count goals to keep my projects from stalling. I must. I only have certain days and certain hours that I can dedicate to writing my own works. I had previously thought doing timed writes would lead to sloppier writing. But really my process of editing-while-writing changed to writing unabashedly and editing afterward. And the truth is, I always edit afterward anyway, so it really benefited me to write a lot quickly and have more material to work with during the editing phase. I’m really looking forward to the day where I get my inspirational walks
I like this quote: Because I share my stories, the self-expression that exists in my writing has purpose beyond my own joy, comfort, and healing. In sharing it, I am extending that joy, comfort, and healing to my community.
Love this! “I think back on this naïve attempt at my vocal artist career with fondness. I’m quite happy I so brilliantly failed at it.”
And how experience in performance arts feeds your confidence in the writing world—how all of these creative facets work together. Really enjoyed learning more about Susan’s background.
“I purposely have multiple pieces out on submission at all times so that I cannot dwell, so I can always be looking ahead to the next opportunity. And when we get an acceptance, we get that hard-won celebration.”
I can relate so much to this quote: 'Now I treat my writing sessions for my books, short stories, and poems with the professionalism that I treat my paid work.' Since becoming a mum (especially the second time around), I've mastered squeezing every drop of efficiency into the time I have for writing, even if it lasts only 10–15 minutes!
I like this quote: Because I share my stories, the self-expression that exists in my writing has purpose beyond my own joy, comfort, and healing. In sharing it, I am extending that joy, comfort, and healing to my community.
Love this! “I think back on this naïve attempt at my vocal artist career with fondness. I’m quite happy I so brilliantly failed at it.”
And how experience in performance arts feeds your confidence in the writing world—how all of these creative facets work together. Really enjoyed learning more about Susan’s background.
Loved this bit on submissions so much:
“I purposely have multiple pieces out on submission at all times so that I cannot dwell, so I can always be looking ahead to the next opportunity. And when we get an acceptance, we get that hard-won celebration.”
I can relate so much to this quote: 'Now I treat my writing sessions for my books, short stories, and poems with the professionalism that I treat my paid work.' Since becoming a mum (especially the second time around), I've mastered squeezing every drop of efficiency into the time I have for writing, even if it lasts only 10–15 minutes!