Whenever I tell anyone I’m using motherhood as an excuse to start writing novels they look at me like I’m bonkers. But you’d be surprised how conducive a new person is to writing about the world.
Firstly, they go an awfully long way to giving you the discipline that’s needed to be a proper writer. It’s remarkably motivating to have a small creature attached to you who could go off at any moment. I know I can rely on about an hour and a half of quiet time, so that’s now how long it takes me to write my 1500 words.
Secondly, and this is actually entirely an addendum of the above, they remind you what’s important. I am at home with my son because I’ve managed to convince myself and those who are close to me that I’m a writer. So if I stop writing… Well, I’d just have to go and get a proper job, and I doubt I’d be able to bring my son along.
The third reason is the one that brings me to this week’s prompt:
‘Seek the wisdom of the ages but look at the world through the eyes of a child’ Ron Wild
I’ve studied writing for forever. I could tell you exactly what you need to do to produce something worthwhile. And yet there are still moments when I am trying to write and I have no idea what I’m doing.
I could think about the accepted wisdom, about the writers whose work I admire. I could think about the theory, about the tricks I know would manipulate my reader. But actually what works better than anything else is to think about my child.
My child, who has no idea of what a cliche is or why you might want to avoid one. My child, who can help me see anew the world which has made me weary over the years. My child, who inspires a fresh approach to the most mundane of experiences.
I spent years as a grown-up trying to conjure the time and the confidence that I needed to write, but it is only since I’ve been a mother that I’ve been able to make that a reality.
The wisdom of the ages has its place in what I do for sure, but it is my son who is my biggest inspiration.
Sophie is... 
Wow, amazing post. I absolutely love this. I love that your son has given you confidence and purpose and that you feel able to do something you love because of him/for him. My children inspire me everyday, but I sometimes forget quite how much, thank you for the reminder. And, thank you so much for linking to #ThePrompt x
Thanks Sara. I think Arthur plays such an important part in my writing because he’s literally strapped to me whilst I do it! It’s become natural to pause when I’m getting stuck and to look down at that sleeping baby and try to see things from his perspective… It was nice to be able to put that into words, so thanks again for a great prompt! x
i love this post. it reminds us that sometimes we as adults can over think and over complicate. its lovely to read about your livelihood being your inspiration. a good read and best of luck with the novel x
Thank you. I really do have a tendency to overthink things, and one of the best things about being a mum is stripping back to what’s really important! x
Lovely and so true. Our little ones truly do inspire us in so many refreshing ways.
Certainly not always in the ways we’d expect… Thanks for your comment!
I guess when it comes to writing its always better when its done on instinct – oh sure you can have all the research and schooling in the world but without being able to offer your reader the world anew (in the same way as a child is picking up on everything in their world anew) then it will never ‘take’. #ThePrompt
Absolutely – I’m generally a thinker, and plan my novels carefully, but the real trick when it comes to the writing stage is to let go and allow something else to take over. Arthur just helps to remind me of that sometimes…
Great take on this weeks prompt and lovely that your son is your inspiration too 🙂 #ThePrompt
Thank you – I do feel very lucky to have him helping me along the way 🙂
Pingback: Listening to the world | Sophie is…