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Jun 9, 2022Liked by Hattie Crisell

Ugh the life/writing balance is almost none existent for me. It doesn't help that I also have absolutely no will-power to avoid distractions, which are basically everywhere at all times. I made a podcast about it, the tag line being "trying to write, whilst trying to live" *praying hands emoji*

I have two kids and the summer holidays are bearing down on me, and even though I know that now is the time to cram in as much writing as possible, I fritter away all the hours my children are at school and then panic write in the 45 minutes before pick up. It is VERY reassuring to know that i'm not alone...thanks for the solidarity Hattie! Hope you're on the mend from the pesky covid soon x

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I'm very very impressed that you have kids AND write AND made a podcast. There might be no balance but you're still getting stuff done. I think most of us are veering back and forth between getting one thing right and getting another thing right anyway – that's the closest we can get to balance most of the time. Thank you for the well wishes! x

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Get well soon, Hattie!

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Thanks Wayne!

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Thanks for taking the time to write this, even though you are not well. Hope you feel better soon.

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Oh not at all, I'd done most of it before the Covid really kicked in. Thanks Tony.

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Kenneth definitely needs to add a line about family! I loved this Hattie, really resonated. I’m listening to the George Saunders episode again on my commute - it always cheers me up, so thank you for that too. I hope you manage to rest today and feel much better soon x

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Thank you! Ahh the George episode... It will always be one of the best x

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Oh, feel better, Hattie. Covid has a way of sneaking up on you when your defences are low. Like other virus’. And I do find, that after a good rest, you have a great surge of energy, as though things have been percolating away inside you ready to be put into action once you are you up and about again.

On another note. I have only recently discovered you and am enjoying your podcasts immensely. It is terrific to listen to other writer’s processes. They makes me feel normal and also inspired.

I am a late bloomer. I have been writing since I was fourteen but only now, at nearly sixty, am I able to put that writing into novels.

Thank you for your very wonderful work. I hope there is somebody there to bring you cups of tea.

Feel better soon.

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That’s so nice that in my pathetic state this morning it almost made me cry – thank you Ann! Congratulations on your novels – I bet they’re all the better for being fuelled by 50-plus years of observation and experience.

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You’re very welcome, Hattie.

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