Writing Excuses 20.33: Raising Children as a Metaphor for Writing
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Aug 17, 2025 This discussion explores the intriguing parallels between raising children and the writing process. It emphasizes nurturing individual voices, whether in kids or characters. The importance of accepting evolving expectations and the emotional struggles of judgment are highlighted. There's a focus on the need for adaptability and openness as both children and stories develop. Lastly, it addresses the role of self-forgiveness in writing and encourages reflection to nurture creativity in both parenting and storytelling.
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Broad Goals, Individual Outcomes
- Parents often start with broad goals like wanting children to be happy and successful.
- The joy comes from watching them achieve those goals in unique, individual ways.
From Table-Shouting To Taiwan
- Dan contrasts one son's study abroad with earlier childish behavior to show personal change.
- He notes parenting strategies changed as the child matured.
Process Changes The Project
- Stories often change because the writer's relationship with the work evolves during creation.
- The book can become about something different than the original intention.