MamaWriters are excited to have my friend and paranormal romance author Annette McCleave with us today! Her second book, BOUND BY DARKNESS, has just released, and is garnering wonderful reviews. such as her 4 1/2 star Romantic Times review, which said, “An emotional read…full of suspense and danger…”
Please help us welcome Annette McCleave!
Single Authorhood
Being an author who is a single parent is both a blessing and a challenge. On one hand, working from home and having a flexible schedule means I can attend almost every band performance and school play.
On the other, it means when deadline time rolls around, my daughter is on her own for long stretches of time. Fortunately, my daughter is a young teen now and she can entertain herself. She’s also perfectly happy to eat take-out when mom doesn’t have time to cook.
Being a teen is hard. Between the raging hormones and the social issues, weathering the high school years can be tough. Finding your place in the world is overwhelming. But my decision to become an author has opened the door for a discussion with my teen that I wish my own parents had shared with me—the importance of holding on to your dreams.
I don’t know about you, but my parents lectured me repeatedly about getting a good job, being financially stable and setting goals that were achievable. Dreams never entered into the mix. But dreams sustain us—they are the underpinnings of hope.
My daughter has seen me give up a corporate career in favour of a less stable, lower-paying job, and she knows that chasing your dreams has a price. The flip side of that is she knows a well-paying job and a nice house don’t necessarily equate happiness. She’s also seen me work hard, persist, and eventually triumph. Dreams really can come true.
Because it’s just the two of us, she’s shared every part of the journey and the excitement. Every time I release a new book, as I did last week, she’s right there with me, beaming at the cover on the shelf. She even invited me to speak to her class about being an author. Truth is, if the only lesson she learns from me is to never give up on her dreams, I’ll be one very happy single parent.
It’ll make up for all the guilt. :- )
My daughter’s favourite moms-on-deadline meal is Chinese food. Do you have a favorite emergency dinner in your family? What is it?
If you’re interested in learning more about the book I released last week, Bound by Darkness, stop by my website. I’m running a release contest until the end of May, so be sure to check out the details.
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Great post! I think it is very true that our careers as authors show our kids that dreams do come true. I know when I was “growing up” I wanted to be an author, but my parents convinced me it was a silly dream and to get a college degree in something that would pay me. I did that, and hated it, eventually going back to my dream. I don’t fault my parents, they were only trying to help, and perhaps it made me want my dream more, strive for it more. But I do know I encourage my own children to shoot for the stars, work hard, and see what happens. Thanks for visiting us today!
Great post. For a long time I didn’t have the courage to do write while I was a single mother. I made all sorts of excuses about why there wasn’t time – as I sat and watched TV after Daughter went to bed. Then back in 2004, I made myself throw the excuses away and I started writing. A month later, though, I found my prince and soon wasn’t a single mom anymore. I don’t know if I could’ve accomplished as much still working and single-momming. I really admire you for what you’re doing. Keep up the good work and the good words. =o)
Hi Eliza! I think it’s so important for kids to find the career that will make them happy. Working for decades is a given for most people, so why not take the job that doesn’t really feel like work?
BE–The important part is deciding to be a writer no matter what, and you did that. Congrats on finding your prince.
Hey Annette,
Great post! That is the best lesson we can teach our children, and by example no less. I’ve recently decided to work on my children’s strengths and not nag incessantly about the weaker areas of their report cards. I’ve learned that I will never be a physicist so why should I force my girls to ace history if they hate it?
My mom now tells me to follow my dreams, but like you as a child I was told to forgo dreams and be a doctor or a lawyer
Kudos on writing such great books while raising a daughter alone!
-Tammy
Hi Tammy! Your approach with your kids sounds great. I’m betting the more you shore up and compliment them on their strengths, the harder they’ll work across the board. Thanks for sharing that.
Now that my daughter is older, I plan to share a book with her that helped me a lot: The Pathfinder by Nicholas Lore. It walks you through an exploration of what makes you happy and how that might translate into a satisfying career. Any guy who dedicates a book “For Mitra-My wife, twin flame, and inspiration” has got to be worth reading, right?
Hi Annette!
I enjoyed reading your post. I think the relationship you have with your daughter is awesome!
I have two kids both under five and let me tell you I have to get very creative with the ‘whip-it up’ quick meals. Sure mac&cheese is always a hit, but my hubby starts throwing tantrums after a while! LOL I always try to make up at least one meal and freeze it for times like that. But I like your go-to meal a whole lot more. Chinese food is my favorite!
Best wishes for an awesome year! It was a pleasure to get to know a little more about you.
Thanks, Sarah!
One of my other food solutions is anything that goes in my crockpot. I can toss in the ingredients and forget about it. Dinner’s ready when I am. Hamburger soup is one of my daughter’s favorite crockpot meals.