Money isn't that much of a motivator for me unless it's accompanied by self-satisfaction.
~ C. HOPE CLARK, MOTHER OF TWO
Unlike many careers, you don't have to retire from writing upon reaching a certain age, or ever! A writing career can last as long as you like. In fact, the beauty of a writing career is that it will help your mind stay alert and healthy, both today and as you get older. So don't limit your writing career; just let it evolve as you evolve. Let it ebb and flow alongside your life circumstances. Let it grow alongside your kids!
Your children will always be your children, and your writing career will always be your writing career. When your kids leave for college, you can write about that. If they move to the other side of the world, you can write about that — or even better, go visit them and write about that! One of my mom students with a grown daughter did just that, and will soon have her essay published in Transitions Abroad.
Other moms I have taught write for national magazines, daily newspapers, online publications — you name it, they write for it. And they enjoy it. Some are being invited to submit their first book proposals. Now that's exciting! And this could be you someday, if that's what you want.
Think of the first year of your writing career as a grand experiment: Try some different possibilities before you narrow down your options. If a project grabs your attention, or you think you might gain good, solid professional experience, jump on it! If you try one specialty — say parenting articles — only to discover you don't enjoy writing them as much as you thought you would, you can always reassess and try again. That's the beauty of a freelance writing career. You always have options and you control the direction, so trust your instincts and choose!
Regardless of how you ultimately proceed in your writing career, remember that your answers to these four questions will ultimately make all the difference:
Is my idea appropriate?
Have I paid attention to the important details?
Am I acting like a professional?
And … Did I follow-through?
The same ideas mentioned at the beginning of this book are still the most important! Why not apply them to what's on your writing goals list today?
For free resources for writer mamas and to learn how to connect with other writer mamas in your area, please visit www.thewritermama.com. Visit www.thewritermama.com and share your experiences with other writer mamas. You can also check out the Writer Mama blog and download free resources for writer mamas and writer mama circles.
I wish you the best of luck in all your writing endeavors!