How writing is like homeschooling

I’ve just realised that writing books is a bit like home educating.

What next I wonder?

Why?

Well:

• the initial prospect is terrifying and you think you can’t do it
• you’re daunted by the fact it’s going to be one helluva long haul
• there’s not much tangible proof you’re going in the right direction
• there are no concrete ‘results’ until years have gone by
• and just because you chose to do it doesn’t make it easy.

And there was me thinking life would be easier after my little home edders had graduated!

But the thing is; you get over these things by just ploughing on through.

Whether on the brink of home educating or on the brink of writing a book I have some advice:

• don’t look at the long haul for now – keep focussed on doing each day
• keep reminding yourself what you’re doing it for
• keep faith with those ideals and keep going anyway, unless something dire isn’t working, then make adjustments and press on
• don’t base your judgement on mainstream expectations, focus on how your kids’ (or your books’) progress
• ignore all those who think you should do ‘mainstream’. If they haven’t experienced your route first hand what do they know about it?

And whether you’re home educating (which is also parenting and all the same things apply), or writing a book, remember that you are fundamentally doing it for love! And choice. You can make change at any time. And it’s an amazing thing that you do which takes grit, determination, stamina and courage… in case you needed reminding!