I haven’t made up my mind whether or not to take a break from blogging over the summer. I think I would rather just see how it goes and not put any pressure on myself. I’ve edited the first three chapters of my manuscript and it’s gone out to readers, so I hope to keep going with that and aim to at least edit the next three.
Work is busy at the moment. For some reason this happens every year as we reach the summer holidays. Not that I’m complaining, but I have to work differently when the kids are around. I’ve planned most weeks to include some childcare and the rest of the time will involve them having to get on with something at home. I think they will enjoy that though. All three are exhausted and will welcome the chance to veg out. They’re not toddlers that need constant entertaining anymore (thank the Lord!).
I feel like I’ve been working endlessly to keep driving traffic to my new blog. That’s not something I can let drop and I have loads of posts I would like to do for it but haven’t had the time, especially after visiting the Allergy and Free From show. I would also like to do some blog housekeeping and I would LOVE to sort out some decent profile pictures for once, like Renee’s and Dana’s which are gorgeous. I have a feeling it would take a lot of work for someone to get me looking as good as they do, but oh to have someone do your hair and makeup, what a treat that would be.
Then there’s the reading. I have a pile of books I’d like to read and it would be lovely to take some time out to enjoy them. We’re not going on holiday this summer, but I will be venturing ‘up north’ for a family visit and taking a weekend break to Jersey with my middle daughter. I think some relaxation and reading time are in order on those occasions for sure.
Just because schools finish, doesn’t mean that everything else does, but if like me, you are the parent mostly responsible for childcare, you have to think about the six week’s holidays as a break from the norm. Take away the constant rushing here, there and everywhere and it certainly does feel like a break and I look forward to that part most of all. During this time, work comes first (as far as writing is concerned) and whatever happens over and above that is a bonus. If I manage to blog and work on my novel as well, I will be more than happy, but I’m not going to stress myself out by trying to fit everything in. I’ve had enough of being stressed and tired over these last few weeks and I’m certainly not going to add to it over the summer.
What are your plans for the summer holidays?
Sharing this for What I’m Writing.
Summer holidays as a parent are a funny time. On the one hand it’s time off to spend with your kids, no school run, and an opportunity to relax- hooray! On the other hand you’re suddenly without the structured childcare a school day gives you and you find yourself without much (or any) child-time to get anything done! Sounds like you’re going to get the balance right though and it’s a very good idea not to get stressed about having to get things done and to focus on priorities. I bet you’ll have a lovely summer! Thanks for linking to #WhatImWriting
I hope so and you know I’ll be whinging about wanting them to hurry up and go back to school by about week 4!
Sounds like a very sensible idea to not put too much pressure on yourself about blogging plans over the summer holiday; as you say, see how it goes. And I’m intrigued about your goal of driving more traffic to your other blog. I’d be interested to see how that goes – I know I really enjoyed making (and eating!) one of your recipes.
When it comes to my summer holiday plans, I’ll definitely be doing my publishing work most days, but I’ll also try to sneak in some writing for myself and of course I’ll be reading. I’m always reading… be it manuscripts that come through to me as a publisher, or a ‘How To’ writing manual, or some poetry, or some page-turning fiction…
Have a good summer!
Yes, I agree with Maddy-school holidays bring a mix don’t they. Lack of routine, relaxation(ish!) and fun times but it also brings a different time pressure. I hope you enjoy the summer and find that ever elusive balance.
I will enjoy it. Can’t wait in fact. Still one more week to go….
Completely relate to all of this! It’s such a busy time, isn’t it? Your approach seems very sensible and balanced. I’m going to take your advice and try not to get stressed over the summer trying to fit everything in…
You will have to hold me to the not getting stressed thing. See how we get on eh?
That sounds like a good plan – no pressure. My son is yet to start school but he is having a couple of weeks off nursery before he starts – the six weeks off I’ll be doing for the first time next year! I think a lot of blogs will be quiet over the summer for the same reason.
Oh, exciting times ahead for you then. Six weeks isn’t that long really. Goes much quicker than this last term has!
It’s definitely important not to put too much pressure on yourself. I know I’ll be getting annoyed and not getting much writing done during the summer holidays and I’ll need to remind myself it’s the opportunity for family time without the stress of homework, clubs and activities we’re normally so busy doing each week. The main thing is to enjoy it! I hope you have a good summer x
Yes I’m sure we will all welcome this break, but it is a long time to be out of the usual routine, including the writing.