In my Brainstorm e-bulletin I suggested a few ways writers could find additional time to write. One was to take your family to the movies but instead of going in yourself, go to nearby coffee shop and write, and pick them up again when the film is over. I suggested that you and they can talk about the film on the way home.
One reader wrote: "What a horrific vision of the effect of the creative mind on family life! If my dad did that to us he'd have to get a taxi home. I know writers need space to think, but the idea is that they create it for themselves, not pay their family off to give it to them..."
Hmm, was my suggestion really anti-family? In my experience, kids love to tell you in great detail about a film or TV show they've seen, and asking them why the characters did what they did, what else could have happened, etc. is a great way to get an exchange going. They get much more engaged because they know something you don't know, and (for once) an adult is asking them for their knowledge and opinion.
What do you think? You can add a comment here or send me your thoughts at [email protected]
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