Monday, January 14, 2013

Newborn Son



So, yup. One of those great life-changing events has occurred for me. My wife and I had our firstborn last month, and our little son is doing quite well.

Needless to say I’m thrilled, and happy, and sleep-deprived. But it’s all good.  Fatherhood definitely resets one’s priorities, and definitely in a positive direction. However, it also tests my resolve to continue my writing.

I know lots of you writers and bloggers out there are also parents, so I’d like to ask…how do you balance it all? When do you get your writing in? Your reading? Your editing? Your blogging? I eagerly await your experienced advice:)

12 comments:

  1. Congratulations to you and your wife..enjoy these days and don't worry about writing now at least : )

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  2. Congratulations, Mark! Sorry, no kids, so can't help you.

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  3. Oh, how adorable. Congratulations. My kid will be sixteen next month. Goes fast.

    And, you'll figure out a time to write. When my son was little I used to write while he napped. I was fortunate that he would often take two hour naps, though. :)

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  4. Congratulations - it's indeed a life-changing event. Priorities reset, and sense of perspective (what is and isn't important) likely to be adjusted too.

    For me, the entire spectrum of writing-related activities takes a back seat to work and family. This means I tend to focus on one or two aspects at a time. Writing, editing, and critiquing for example have to take turns. They do not mix in any one month. That leaves a few corners of time for reading and blogging. I manage by keeping my expectations realistic.

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  5. Balance is hard, but I think for the first few months you can toss writing out the window, unless you suddenly have a burning desire to get words on the page. Those early months are hard, and fleeting, so enjoy them.

    Congratulations!

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  6. Congratulations, Mark. Enjoy this phase of your life. Don't worry about the writing for the time being. Enjoy this time with your baby :)

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  7. Oh, congratulations, Mark. Becoming a parent changes your life.

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  8. I'm smiling huge right now. Can you see it? :D
    I'm so happy for you and your wife! You'll find the right balance soon. Until then, enjoy this amazing time of your life!

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  9. congrats mark!! --brad uy

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  10. Way to go, Papa! I think you'll be writing a lot of stories for that little guy in the near future.

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  11. Your baby is Perfect! Holy cow, look at all that hair! I just had my third child in September and I'll tell you what keeps me going. I have a passion for it, and the will to make my dreams come true. My 4 month old is now sleeping through the night so I get up at 5am to write, and let me tell you, it's worth it! My kids are important, and I don't want writing to take away from them, which is why I make the time to write. Good look with your precious boy. Give him a big hug for me!

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  12. Thanks everyone for wishing us well! Just knowing that others can manage a baby and a writing career helps inspire and keep me going:)

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