Compelled to Write, Commanded to Love

I'm having difficulty juggling everything in my life right now. I'm about to embark on another move, one that will be cross-county in stead of cross-town. And this time around, I'll have a 15-month old with me. Whoa. (I know...say a prayer for me, please!)

But ever since I've really taken on writing as a full-time, part-time hobby, my life has changed. Priorities have shifted that maybe shouldn't have. (Okay, probably shouldn't have.) My evenings are spent glued to a laptop screen (and it IS beautiful...as is my backlit keyboard on my new MacBook...but I digress) instead of talking with my hubby. Now that this is to my attention - and I'm so glad it is - I have to do something about it.

Real people first. Characters second.

Of course, Christ is truly first. Perhaps if He hadn't slipped down the priority chain, real people wouldn't have. It's all about keeping your perspective, isn't it? I'm compelled to write. But I'm commanded to love.

It's that simple.

Q4U: Anyone else out there struggling with priorities surrounding your writing, job, family? How are you dealing with it?

Inspiration

Inspiration for writers is a fickle thing, I think. I get some of my absolutely best ideas when I'm not even trying to think about the. Like that last time this happened to me, I was outside walking the baby and talking to her about my WIP (b/c she's obviously very interested). Then again, today I was jogging and thought up a great idea for a plot! It has both the elements of stories I'm most interested in: romance and therapy!

Then I got to thinking if I've pigeonholed myself with these two elements. My current WIP is a suspense, but the ideas I have floating around in my head (which I'll write down later on tonight before bed in my idea journal) don't necessarily have to do with suspense - although that element could be worked in, I suppose. I kind of did that with my current WIP.

Anyway...cheers to the unexpected, un-sought-after ideas that Providence just springs upon you.