Write at Home: Featuring Christa Parrish

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Welcome to Write At Home, a monthly feature here at HOTM. Marybeth Whalen will be introducing you to homeschool moms who write: curriculum authors, novelists, nonfiction writers, and popular bloggers and more. Many of us are deeply inspired by these moms who seem to “do it all.” This feature will provide you with a glimpse into their everyday lives.

This month we are featuring Christa Parrish, author of Home Another Way. I loved Home Another Way and highly recommend this excellent novel. Christa is a single mom who homeschools and writes award winning novels. We can all learn a lot from her!

Christa, you are a single mom who homeschools her son and writes. How do you balance all the demands on your time?

Honestly, my balancing act tends to be a bit wobbly, but I’m learning to be better. My two biggest challenge areas are my tendency to procrastinate, and my habit of taking too much on (i.e., an inability to say, “No!”). This year was particularly difficult, as I didn’t realize how much I would have to do with the release of one book, the deadline to write and edit another, plus the five Jr./Sr. High School-level classes I prepare for and teach outside the home during the week. Having that rather hectic experience, I’ve been able to take on less commitments, as well as focus on the ones I’m most passionate about.

What’s your best time saving tip for a busy mom?

Taking a few moments to plan ahead a little can make life easier. You’re all laughing at me now – of course that’s true! But I tend to be the laid back, “go with the flow” type gal, so things like remembering to take out something for dinner in the morning, or stacking all the things I need to bring with me for the day near the front door, that helps.

How did you get started writing?

I always wrote, though I never imagined myself a writer. It was something I loved, along with acting, about which I was told, “You’ll never be able to make a living doing that!” After college, however, I felt the pull to explore some more creative outlets, working in various capacities at a theater company, and with a newspaper. After my son was born, I left journalism to stay home with him. When Jacob was about three, the idea for Home Another Way came to me. I had done very little writing in the years before

How did you get started homeschooling?

I always intended to homeschool, from before I had children. I had a good public school experience, but knew I wanted to give my children things the public school simply can’t offer – individual attention, an ability to focus on areas of interest, flexibility in moving between skill levels, and a wealth of experiences beyond the classroom.

What advice would you give a homeschool mom who wants to write?

Have realistic expectations. Homeschooling is your primary ministry, and may not leave much time (okay, probably won’t leave much time) for writing, especially if you have younger children. But, if you can carve out for yourself an hour a day, or even three times a week, you will eventually see the fruit of that bit of time.

Also, find a writing time and style that works for you. At the beginning of my writing journey, I read so much about getting up early to write, putting in two or three hours before the kids wake, disciplining myself to write every day. I tried all that advice from seasoned authors – and more! – and only became discouraged as I couldn’t be consistent in any of it. But that’s not me. I’m not a morning person; I write better in the late morning and early afternoon (which rarely happens because of homeschooling or teaching), or late at night (after 10 p.m.). I’m also a streaky writer; it’s stressful for me to write every day, to sit down and pound out words when I’m not sure where the story is going, or things simply aren’t falling onto the page the way I hear them in my head. Once I was able to get into a groove that worked for my natural style, the process became somewhat smoother. You’re unique! Write like it.

Your novel, Home Another Way, was a finalist for the ECPA Book Of The Year. Where were you when you found out and what did you do?

I was home; my editor called to tell me the news. I called my mother and my agent to tell them. And then I scrubbed cat vomit.

Yes, cat vomit.

One of my most fervent prayers since I received my three-book contract with Bethany House is for God to do whatever is necessary to keep me humble. And He has a sense of humor, I tell you. Not five minutes after I hung up with my agent – I’d been on the phone with him for about 35 minutes, all the while him telling me how important this award was, how unusual it was for a first-time novelist to be nominated, how it would make other publishers stand up and notice, and help my career – Jacob yelled, “Mom, there’s cat puke all over the bathroom floor!” And as I wiped up the mess, I laughed and praised the Lord. How could I not be humble on my knees, a foul-smelling blob of vomit in front of me?

Describe your typical day.

I don’t have one! With my teaching schedule, each day is a bit different. But most mornings begin with personal devotional time (for both Jacob and I), chores, answering email, and some school. After that, we go where the Lord blows us.

What is your favorite thing about homeschooling?

Seeing Jacob grow and change every day; hearing him excited about the things he’s learning; watching him become more independent, more compassionate, more like Jesus. Sharing the journey with him. I can’t imagine missing those moments.

Thanks Christa for stopping by today to share with us. We know you are busy working on your second novel and I can’t wait to read it!

Marybeth Whalen is homeschooling mom to six children ranging in age from teen to toddler, as well as a speaker for Proverbs 31 Ministries. In her writings, she addresses things like burnout, dealing with interruptions, and handling homeschooling from a very practical perspective. Be sure to visit her blog, Cheaper by the Half Dozen.