Life has a funny way of throwing delightful curveballs, doesn’t it? For me, those curveballs have recently come in the form of the sweetest, squishiest grandbaby! Just when I thought my days were perfectly filled with crafting stories and connecting with young readers, along came my granddaughter, and now, another precious little one is on the way!
It’s safe to say my life is brimming with joy, laughter, and a healthy dose of delightful chaos. Between snuggles, playtime, and all the wonderful moments that come with being a grandparent, you might wonder: how do I find the time to write new books and promote the ones that have already hit the shelves?
Honestly, it’s a constant dance, a delicate balancing act that keeps me on my toes. There are days when the words flow easily and other days when I’m knee-deep in baby giggles and caretaking tasks. But here’s the thing: I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
My love for writing and sharing stories is as strong as ever. These new additions to our family have only fueled my inspiration. Watching tiny expressions, seeing the world through fresh eyes, and rediscovering the magic of childhood—it’s a wellspring of ideas for new adventures and characters.
So, how do I balance being Yaya and an award-winning author?
👶Embrace the snippets: Gone are the days of long, uninterrupted writing sessions. Now, I seize every quiet moment. Fifteen minutes during a walk around the block? Perfect for brainstorming. A quick half-hour after the little one is asleep? Ideal for reading editors’ notes. Every small chunk of time adds up!
👶Prioritize and plan: I’ve become much more intentional with my schedule. I set realistic goals for my writing and promotion, breaking them down into manageable tasks. And yes, sometimes that means saying no to things or postponing others, but it’s all about making sure I dedicate time to both my family and my passion.
👶Find joy in the juggle: It can be busy, no doubt. But I truly love my job. The act of creating stories, the excitement of a new book launch, and the incredible privilege of knowing my words bring joy to children—it’s wonderfully fulfilling. And when I combine that with the immense happiness of my growing family, every busy day becomes worthwhile.
It’s a beautiful, messy, and incredibly rewarding journey. My grandbabies are a constant reminder of the wonder and magic that exists in the world, and that’s exactly what I strive to capture in my books.
Thank you for being on this journey with me, supporting my stories, and understanding that sometimes, life’s greatest adventures happen both on the page and right in our arms.
Yaya and Ember ©2024 All Rights Reserved
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