Family, Faith, and Writing Books: My Beautiful Chaos
The Juggle Is Real
I wish I could say I’m the kind of person who has perfect planners, a spotless home, and a tidy little writing desk with a vase of fresh flowers. In reality? I’m writing this between folding laundry, reheating my coffee for the third time, and answering “Mom? MOM??” every five minutes.
That’s life as a wife, mom of one, and author: equal parts chaos and blessing, with a lot of caffeine in between.
Family: My Why (and Sometimes My Excuse)
My family is both my biggest cheerleading squad and my biggest distraction.
My husband encourages me when I doubt myself, and my child—well, let’s just say they keep life very… lively. Whether it’s asking me to read a favorite story for the tenth time, or sneaking into my writing time to ask for snacks, my child has a way of reminding me what really matters.
Family isn’t in the way of my writing—it’s the heartbeat behind it. They’re the reason I want to tell stories about love, courage, and hope.
Faith: The Anchor in the Storm
When the to-do list is longer than my first draft and I’m questioning why I thought writing another book was a good idea, my faith keeps me steady.
I pray over my words (and sometimes over my patience). I remind myself that this calling to write isn’t separate from my faith—it’s an extension of it. Stories have always been how humans pass on truth, beauty, and hope.
Also, let’s be honest: sometimes I’m just praying for uninterrupted writing time. And yes, God hears those prayers too. 😉
Writing: My Creative Lifeline
Writing is where I get to be me—not just “mom” or “wife,” but Penny the dreamer, creator, storyteller. It’s where I pour out the ideas swirling in my head, even if they arrive at inconvenient times (like at 2 a.m. when everyone else is asleep).
Do I always get it right? Nope. Sometimes I go days without touching my manuscript because life gets in the way. Sometimes I sacrifice sleep to chase a plot twist. But writing reminds me that I’m still a person with passions, and that matters—for me, and for my family who sees me pursuing my dreams.
The Balancing Act (Or, Attempting It Anyway)
Balancing family, faith, and writing looks less like a perfect scale and more like me juggling while riding a unicycle. Some weeks, the “wife” role wins (hello, date night!). Other weeks, it’s “mom” (because childhood only happens once). And sometimes, writing takes center stage when inspiration strikes.
And that’s okay. Balance doesn’t mean equal—it means giving what matters most your best energy in the moment.
Why I Wouldn’t Trade It
Here’s the truth: it’s exhausting sometimes. But it’s also beautiful. My child gets to see me chase dreams, my husband gets to cheer me on, and my faith threads through it all, reminding me that the chaos is purposeful.
At the end of the day, I wouldn’t trade this messy, magical mix of family, faith, and writing for anything.
A Little Encouragement
If you’re a mom, wife, or just someone juggling way too many hats—know this: your creative dreams are still valid. Your family and faith don’t have to compete with them; they can actually fuel them. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it.
So go ahead—write the thing. Even if it’s one page at a time between snack breaks.
FAQs
Q: How do you make time to write with family life?
Short answer: I don’t “find” time—I steal it. Early mornings, late nights, and yes, sometimes in the car waiting for activities to finish.
Q: Does your family inspire your stories?
Absolutely. Sometimes directly (the whimsy of childhood), sometimes indirectly (my husband’s patience when I get lost in writing land).
Q: Do you ever feel guilty choosing writing over chores/family time?
Yes. But I’m learning grace. The dishes can wait. Stories can’t.
