Balancing Life and Writing
I started writing Murder Justified in 2016 but the story didn’t start off as a book. One day I had a cool idea that wouldn’t get out of my head so I wrote it down. Little did I know, my small idea would grow to become chapter one of a published action thriller novel. The reason it took me so long to finish my novel was because I had other duties and responsibilities that took priority in my life.
Although I dream to become a New York Times best seller, family time is more important to me. I would be willing to settle and work a regular nine to five job before sacrificing my healthy relationship with my family. But after four years, the foundation has been laid. I finished my book and my children have had me at their school events and activities. Our relationship is stronger than ever. I had to sacrifice sleep and hanging out with friends, but my friends will understand. God, coffee, and the work ethic I learned from my parents is what kept me going through the sleepless days. Especially from my father, he doesn’t mess around when it comes to work. Don’t get me wrong, balance was difficult but I found it was a no brainer when picking what to give up for a short while. True friends will always be there but my kids won’t be children forever, a child needs a present father.
After picking what was most important in my life, things fell into place and I thank God for that. When I look back at all the things I did over the years, it still amazes me at what got done. I have purchased a home, remodeled my entire house, and added a 240 square foot room addition to the house. I have date nights with my beautiful wife, have routine playtime with my kids, helped my dad build engines, got promoted at work, invested in people, and the list goes on. I have even binged watched a few TV series, but you know what? I kept pressing towards a goal. I will make up for lost time with friends and I will get some sleep when I can but I am satisfied and happy with how prioritizing family over everything else played out.
I am sure I could have finished Murder Justified in less than a year but that would have costed me things I would not be willing to give up. Vacation time will come later and my friends will understand. So if you all make me a bestselling author, you will free up time for a needed vacation and some extra time to catch up with friends. Thank you in advance.
