Motherhood and Writing

By Kelly Bridgewater

           

In addition to being a writer, I’m also a mother of three rowdy boys. I think the part of me that understands the concept of why a motherhood works is the same part that allows me to invest time in my writing, even through the craziness called life. There are similarities between writing and raising boys into mature Godly men.

1.)    Devote Time

At the core, motherhood brings many problems, but a mother who spends time with their children every day, either through helping them with their homework, allowing a “date” night, or playing games, motherhood can be rewarding. You might not see the results right away, but over time, this little stolen moments where the children have your undivided attention can develop a deeper relationship between the child and the parent.

In comparison, the manuscript becomes longer and richer the more time you devote to writing. Right away, the story may disappoint because there is a sagging middle or characters are two-dimensional, but by spending more time with your butt in the chair, the more emotions run through the character. The tension jumps off the page, waiting to grab the readers’ attention. With the time given to your writing, the novel can be revised to maybe actually become published. (We can all pray.)  

2.)    Improvement

As a mother, look for ways to build your children’s character up. Encourage them when they accomplish little tasks, such as gathering the trash, wiping the table after a meal, or earning an A at school. Overlooking the little tasks can be detrimental for a children’s growth. The more time you spend praising your children, the happier and closer your relationship with your children.

In writing, it is important to keep reading a number of writing books to improve your skill. Using the advice of a mentor or a critique partner, your writing should improve by leaps and bounds. Like your relationship with your children, your writing will improve.

3.)    Revise to Near-Perfection

Being a parent, sometimes you have to punish and correct your children when they do something wrong. Even though it hurts the parents as much as the children, parents who punish their children prove they care about the path the children are heading down and want the best for their children.

Likewise, in writing, if you submit your manuscript without doing some extensive revision, then you’ll probably receive a rejection letter, which could hurt your feelings and give you the desire not to write ever again. You revise because you care about your final manuscript. You want the best to meet the eyes of the agents and readers, not a sloppy first run through.

I love being a mother almost as much as I love writing. Investing your time in your work is such an important part of writing and approaching it like a mother armed to raise Godly children can be a lot of fun. I wish you all good luck with your writing as a “mother” to your current work in progress.

Kelly Bridgewater holds a B.S. in English and a M.A. in Writing from Indiana State University on the completion of a creative thesis titled Fleeting Impressions, which consisted of six original short stories. She has been published in the Indiana State University Literary Journal, Allusions, with her stories titled “Moving On” and “Life Changing Second.” In fall 2011, she presented her essay, Northanger Abbey: Structurally a Gothic Novel, at the Midwestern American Society of 18^th Century Studies Conference. Kelly’s writing explores the ideas of good prevailing over evil in suspense. Kelly and her husband reside with their three boys and two dogs.