Advice for Writers Who Are Also Parents: “Everything is copy.”

So you may have noticed that my post this morning was late. Here’s why: life. More specifically? Kids.

My whole life as a “real,” soon-to-be published author, I’ve also been a real, extremely sleep-deprived parent.

It’s been really intense – lots of skin of our teeth moments and exhaustion. But you know what? I’ve realized that I wouldn’t have it any other way. My kids (and husband!) are what motivate me and inspire me, make me laugh (and occasionally cry) and give me cuddles. And yes, I’m really tired. And all too frequently – like this morning – things don’t go quite as planned. But that’s life. And without it, what would I have to say, to write about?

I know what you’re thinking. Isn’t this supposed to be a post about advice from writing veterans?

So here’s a great little tidbit from the wonder that was Nora Ephron, in her amazing book of essays, I FEEL BAD ABOUT MY NECK: “Here’s what a parent is: a parent is a person who has children. Here’s what’s involved in being a parent: you love your children, you hang out with them from time to time, you throw balls, you read stories, you make sure they know which utensil is the fork, you teach them to say please and thank you, you see that they have an occasional haircut, and you ask if they did their homework.”

And now you’re wondering how that relates to writing? Well, Nora’s got that covered, too: “Take notes. Everything is copy.”

This tired but happy mama, for one, is abiding by the master.

*This had been posted by Karma, because Sona is trying to turn her morning around and we’re a team here at The Debutante Ball. So here’s how to find out more about Sona and her book, TINY PRETTY THINGS!