Feature Mom - Cindy Watson

My name is Cindy. I’m a mother and a writer.

It took me a long time to be able to admit to the latter without feeling like I was pulling the wool over someone’s eyes – to say it and truly mean it. Telling people you’re a writer can be a scary thing, especially if you’re unpublished. It’s like you’re admitting a dirty little secret. Until you have a book on your name with it, it can feel as though you aren’t truly a writer. I was a journalist for a number of years and continue to write some freelance, so I’ve had articles in print. But having a book published would mean so much more.

I’ve been writing stories for as long as I can remember. When I was in the fourth grade, I attended a Young Author’s Conference with my bound, laminated and fully illustrated tale of love and betrayal in hand. (My mom was my publisher.) While other kids were outside playing, I was curled up on my bed with either a book or a binder of loose leaf paper, writing away. When my grandparents wanted to get rid of their ancient typewriter, I volunteered to take it. I used it to type out manuscripts and I still do to this day.

As I got older it became harder to find the time to write. I never seemed to follow the sacred rule of writers: ABC. Apply Butt to Chair. I would think about writing, but never get down to it. Or I would start something and then get busy and forget about it. If I’m being honest, most of the time I just wasn’t motivated.

Then in May 2007, my daughter was born. With that, my passion was reignited.

I’ll admit I still don’t write as often as I’d like or should, but it really hit me that this was the one thing I truly loved to do. I want my daughter to follow her dreams and do whatever makes her happy, but she needs to see it to live it herself. So, every day during her nap time, I sit in front of the computer and get some writing done. Some days it’s five pages, some days it’s only a few paragraphs, but the point is I’m doing it. I know the ideas in my head are not going to write themselves, so I can’t look for time to do it – I need to make the time to do it.

Documenting my daughter’s life is another thing I’m passionate about. I began to create albums with photos, journaling my thoughts and ideas. This has now become a business venture, as I recently signed on to be an Independent Consultant for Creative Memories. Now I can help other people tell their stories, and watch that passion spread. (Visit my page at https://www.mycmsite.com/sites/cwatson to find out more.)

My daughter’s birth triggered something else – an introduction to children’s books. I read to my daughter a lot, and I began to make up my own stories and rhymes for her. So far I’ve completed two picture/board book manuscripts that are looking for a home.

The other thing my daughter has taught me: to accept what life dishes out and know it will all work out in the end. Even if my stories never get published, I know I created them and that my beautiful little girl was the inspiration.

For more about me, or to contact me, please visit my blog at http://www.cindywatson.blogspot.com/

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Thanks Cindy! I'm so happy to have your insight here. I was also reluctant to label myself as a writer. Sometimes it still feels like I'm just pretending to be one. I can't wait to see what the ABC rule produces for you - If it's anything like what I've seen so far, I'm sure you'll know success.

H