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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: The Writer's Life (05/13/10)
It was 11:30 at night as I sat in my favorite recliner with my computer in hand. The blank screen begin to staring at me. The wheels of my mind begun to twirl as I think about what to write. Yet, nothing would come to me. I was aggravated and confused. It threatened the very existence of what I do. Writing is all I know to do and what would I do if I could not write. That is what happens sometimes in the writer’s life.

I struggle to find the confidence to begin the story I am about to write. It can be a
challenge at times. I must go out and find the story and then the thinking caps must come on. Concentration can be hard when distraction arise.

I remember one night while in the middle of an awesome story line my concentration was broken and distraction began to set in. It was frustrating.

“Grandma, grandma, come play with me. Let’s play some blocks. Please grandma!” My granddaughter asked urgently.

“Grandma is busy right now sweety. I need to get this done. It is important. Can you find something else to play with right now so I can finish. After grandma gets done I
will play with you. I love you; now go find something else to do.” I begged her.

My granddaughter, Faith, came back suddenly with zeal and vigorously asked me to participate in her game of blocks. Her face became a look of gloom defeat. She was not happy with me at all. She struggled to find something to amuse herself with.

“Grandma, please will you come play with me? I need you grandma!” A wave of guilt washed over me as I listened closely to the words that were coming from her mouth.

I sat looking at my computer and I had only managed to write a few words on my once blank pages. I was feeling compelled at the moment. It became clear to me what my priority was at that very moment. It was not about what was written on the pages.
It was evident that the priority needed to be with my granddaughter. She clearly sent a message to me at that moment. It was a defining moment for me as a writer. In some ways, you could say this is also a part of the writer’s life. Every writer must learn to balance between their work and family relationships.

My heart new what I needed to do but my mind would not let me go their for a while anyway. Yet, my mind kept looking at that page on my computer. I wanted so much to finish what I had
begun but my heart told me the answer I needed to hear.

You see sometimes in a writer’s life we must make choices that reflect who we are as a person and as a Christian. You will know the right thing at the right time to do the right thing. Sometimes it can be a pull to do what is right, when you look at your
computer and then at your desk and realize what is there to be done.
I can tell you I sat there saving my work and closing my computer rejoicing over the choice that I had made. I knew it was the right thing to do. My time was needed somewhere else. I knew there would be another day to complete the work that I had started. Who knows maybe even I would be able to create something better than what
I began by waiting another day.


A writer’s life is one of priorities. Choices must be made when it comes to family and
work. Just like anything in life! You must choose which is more important. Yes, my writing is important but the impact that I can make on my granddaughter’s life is
more important than my writing life.

“Grandma, play with me now! I want to play blocks with you, please!” She asked one
more time.

“Sure honey, I love you, let’s play!” I said as I watched her face light up. It made it all worth it.

“Okay grandma, here is your block. Let’s make a house!” She insisted.

“Okay baby girl, we will certainly make our house.”
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This article has been read 1086 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
AnneRene' Capp
05/20/10
Wish I had a grandma like you :)
Dead on and absolutely correct...our priorities need to be in order. God, family and others in need, should come first.

I so felt your struggle with getting your writing done and being pulled in another direction, so good job conveying what we all struggle with.

Your heart for writing, shines through this so want to encourage you to stop by the free writing courses in the forums under "Writing". The invaluable lessons will propel your writing career.
Dusti (Bramlage) Zarse
05/21/10
What a common struggle among writers! I'm sure we've all been there, hands hovering over the keyboard, words dancing just outside of our reach, we're almost there, and then...reality beckons. Haha. Very relatable.
Mildred Sheldon
05/21/10
I loved this. Sounds like so many people I know. Setting our priorities and leaning on Christ to help us achieve the impossible is beyond my understanding, but if I rely on Him I can do more than I've ever imagined. Great job and right on point.
Timothy Klingerman
05/23/10
I can relate to what you shared. Yesterday, my son came to me while I was writing and asked me to come throw a baseball with him. I will only have that opportunity for a few precious years. The great thing about your piece is it teaches me that I can look forward to playing with the grandkids too! It is great to feel wanted!
PamFord Davis 
05/24/10
Priorities are hard for all to balance. Pastors and their families have stories to tell....single parents...school students, etc, etc. You are so right! Writers are pulled between good and best.
Noel Mitaxa 
05/25/10
Don't we all need our grandmas... I appreciate your honesty over how to juggle your timing, your priorities and your perspective. Well done.
Phee Paradise
05/26/10
As everyone else has said, you made a good point that I can take to heart. But I'd like to add that you repeated your points several times. I think it would have been stronger if you had trusted your reader to get it the first time.

Your dialogue is good and I can just picture you talking to your granddaughter.
Beth LaBuff 
05/26/10
That inner struggle, I've been there many times. I enjoyed reading your "take on the grandma dilemma" and the topic. :) Nice work!
Patricia Turner 
05/27/10
A Grandma with the right idea!

I echo the recommendation to check out the free writer's areas on the site - especially Ann's and Jan's posts in the forums. Watch out for changing tense.

Keep writing. You did a nice job here.