[NancyBrooke]

After reading Inglor's post mentioning a small daughter I got to wondering, how many of us have kids and do they impact our writing?

I have an almost 3 year old daughter and she impacts my writing in that I used do get most done while she was napping and now she's giving that up! Oh, well.

[BittenBuggy]

Aww, this is a sweet thread. I have two kids, a 4 year old little girl and a 7 year old little boy (who is in first grade, but I didn't vote in that catogory). I don't think they impact my writing necessarily, they impact the time I get to spend on the computer, but I'd much rather be with them!

Having children has impacted my writing though. You don't know what love really is until you have kids, well, not unconditional love anyway. And I think that it changes your views on some things, you are more patient more compassionate, less self-absorbed (Sind will tell you I'm still working on that one)

Anyhoo, my two cents, anyone else?

[Thuriniel]

I have two little ones ... a 6 year old girl and a 3 year old boy. I do think that having kids impacts your writing ... they teach you so much! The last chapter I wrote for my fic has a newborn baby in it ... well, I can honestly say that that baby was very much so based on my little girl !

As far as writing time goes ... well, this year my daughter started first grade. And my writing time has been cut in half at least, since my most productive time is early in the morning. Even if I get up at 6 to write that barely gives me an hour because I need to drop writting to get my kid ready for school. Last year she was in afternoon kindergarden and I was basically posting one chapter every two weeks ... now I'm lucky if I post one chapter a month.

But they're so worth it!

[artanisoflorien]

Hi! I'm new to the site....in fact, this is my first post in a forum. And of course, it's about my little fella! I have a 9-month old little boy.

As for how he's impacted my writing, I wrote my one and only posted fan fic mostly while I was pregnant with him, and I think my pregnancy hormones are to blame for it's NC-17 rating!!

[Andreth]

I feel so old! I'm the only one so far who's got middle school aged children. That's what I get for deciding to have my first child when I was 20 and still in college.

I have three sons - 15, 13 and 4 - and I count my brother's children as well because I have to help with them daily since my sister in law passed away - two nephews, 14 and 12, and my 4-year-old niece. Which makes my writing time non-existant during the week unless I get to sneak a few spare moments in the evening. I do have to say that my oldest son and my oldest nephew are very considerate in helping with the younger ones so I can have some time to myself occasionally.

On one hand I'm dreading the 4-year-olds going to kindergarten next year because it will herald the last of the toddler/preschool days with my children, but on the other hand I'm guiltily looking forward to it because then I'll actually have free time to write.


Anna


PS - Welcome to the site, Artanis.

[Mitasova]

A son, one month shy of 2 years. And yes, he definitely impacts my writing, not only in the time-cutting sense (although that, too). But he also gives me a greater understanding (I think) of the characters' inner struggles and affections. Plus, I've lately become quite a sucker for parent/child stories. Go figure.
==

Tanya

[Panneth]

I feel so young! I'm coming up to my 20th birthday Anna, I can't imagine having a kid at this age. How did you cope? I'm barely organised enough to remember to cook and clean for myself, let alone fit all my studies. Total admiration from me

[sindohte]

Sheesh, I feel old since I have entered my third decade of life without children. I am finally at the point where hopefully things are finishing up with me in terms of school and relocation so I can finally settle down and start reproducing the next generation of Tolkien fanatics. Having kids means such unselfish devotion of time, energy and love to another being. To all of you out there with kiddies, you definitely have my kudos.

[Moralanqua]

Im childless too.

Im sick of being career driven and am wanting to settle down and be a 'Hoosewifey'.

Im actually a rarity in my town! We tend to marry and spawn young. Im the only one in my old school group who is babyless and not married!

I suppose AfroCat can be considered my baby. She rules my daily routine!

[sindohte]

[Moralanqua]

I love their names! Afro leaks less than your pair but she is non-stop attention. She's teasing the Rottweiler right now, kinda like having a bloomin toddler!

Must go stop her from getting swallowed by mouth much bigger than hers... BAD AFRO!

ps - We can be members of the Scary Cat Lady club!

[NancyBrooke]

[BittenBuggy]

Very true Nancy. I had my son at 20 (not married then) and I had my daughter at 23 (not married then either) so neither of my kids were 'planned' but they sure are the best thing that ever happened to me. I didn't get married until this past year, to a man with no children, but I plan on having more

I'm still a newlywed.. it doesnt feel like it though

[BittenBuggy]

And for the record... I have 4 (four!) dogs in addition to my kids. All of whom weigh literally twice what I do... and hubby lets them sleep on the bed

So I am a proud pet-owner! Just not of kitties.. DEATH TO THE KITTIES... ahem.. sorry, had a moment there.

[Moralanqua]

CATS RULE!