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Writing & Editing

Six Weeks Later: What I’ve Learned

by Corinne on July 7, 2011

Six weeks ago, I was in labor. It feels like six months ago–perhaps because I’m awake a lot more or maybe because I’ve learned so much from my little teacher in such a short amount of time. Here are some of the things I’ve noticed during my first weeks of mamahood…

1) I was blessed with a speedy recovery in mind, body & spirit. I almost feel like my pre-pregnancy self again (except for a few extra pounds and non-existent abdominal muscles!). During those first couple weeks after childbirth, I wondered if I’d ever feel “good” again. I was so happy to have Audrey in my life, but my time was divided between recuperating and taking care of her. Now that I’m feeling top notch again, I have more mental space, which is mostly taken up with adoring her and marveling at her growth and development.

2) I regained my passion for things outside motherhood. Writing and reading are two of my greatest loves (after my family and friends of course). At first, I didn’t want to pick up a book or open my computer. Now that my head has cleared, I’m tearing through novels and working on freelance writing and novel revisions every chance I get (especially now that Audrey is taking naps in her Bjorn carrier)!

3) My baby is a seasoned traveler. At three weeks, we drove with her across three states to visit family. At six weeks, we flew with her for the first time. Except for some minor melt downs, it was a breeze! I was stressed out about the trips beforehand, but the worry was well worth it! Sharing Audrey with our family and friends is one of my greatest joys. I love seeing Audrey sleep in her Grandma’s arms while they tour my in-laws backyard garden and having the chance to introduce Audrey to her first buddy, my childhood friend’s 4 week old daughter. If I had been afraid to leave home and travel with Audrey, we would have missed out on these treasured memories.

4) The days fly by! I wondered during pregnancy if I’d be bored as a stay-at-home/work-at-home mom. It’s the opposite. There are not enough hours in the day to pack in everything I want to do with Audrey plus my own writing and reading endeavors. Luckily, it gets easier each day as I learn how to manage my time and let the small stuff go. It also helps to have a supportive hubby and a family who can’t get enough of this little star.

I also started offering free consults for my copywriting services. Hop over here to learn more! I’m so excited to start working with new clients!

Tagged as: baby, books, family, motherhood, novel, Steve, traveling, Writing & Editing

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My Latest VegNews Magazine Article…Wondrous Weddings!

by Corinne on May 10, 2011

It was such a thrill to open this month’s issue of VegNews and see my article brought to life. It was an honor interviewing these ten fabulous vegan couples about how their relationships evolved and how they put together their unique wedding days. Each one is so special! I hope you’ll pick up a copy of VegNews soon and check out the “Wondrous Weddings” piece!

Tagged as: love, magazine, relationships, VegNews, weddings, Writing & Editing

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Clarity

by Corinne on April 20, 2011

Over the past week, I’ve found clarity and direction in my writing and my reading. During pregnancy, it’s easy to fall into the habit of reading baby-related books for nine months straight. I’m thankful that I invested time in educating myself about natural childbirth, parenting, and infant care, but I’ve missed fiction! And realizing what I love to read is helping me understand what I enjoy writing most. So when my literary agent recommended a couple books, I walked straight to the bookstore and picked them up. Life is so much sweeter when you have an engaging novel by your side.

I wrote about the uncomfortable feelings that come along with transitional phases in life last week. After the past few days, I can tell you first hand that gloom and insecurity can turn into inspiration and excitement within minutes and you never know what is going to flip the switch. It might be a phone call, a long walk, or reading an inspiring interview. Just stay open to the possibilities and a cosmic band-aid is sure to show up sooner rather than later. If you can wait out the foggy journey of the unknown, you’ll end up in a place of clarity. I’m basking in that place today, giving thanks, and soaking it in because I know, like everything else, it’s temporary.

One last note. Honesty is a biggie when it comes to clarity. I adore Young Adult fiction. It’s probably my favorite thing to read. But for some reason, probably a social one, I’ve tried to convince myself otherwise. Maybe I liked the idea of someone seeing me reading the most talked about piece of literary fiction than The Hunger Games (one of my all-time favorite books). It’s silly and egotistical, but something that I’ve had to face. No more! It’s time to slow down, approach my work with the care and attention it deserves (no rushing! no self-imposed deadlines!), and to embrace the things I truly love without worrying about what anyone else might think. I’ve got to be a good role model to my daughter, right? And isn’t that what I’d tell her?

xo,
Corinne

Photo credit: GoRun26

Tagged as: literary agent, reading, Writing & Editing, young adult fiction

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Transition: The Ups & Downs

by Corinne on April 11, 2011

Major transitions are a lot of things: excitement, insecurity, hopefulness, doubt, really high highs, and really low lows. When a big change is approaching (career transition, baby, etc.), the stakes seem higher on everything. There are so many “what-ifs” flying around that you might think having this or that in place will make everything else okay. Except, what makes today okay is different than what will make tomorrow or the next week or month okay. And when you’re in the midst of a major transition, you might not know what will fit best in your new life.

When you follow your bliss, you’ve got a long way to fall if one of your dream bubbles bursts (you probably have a few floating around). It’s difficult to sit in that place, especially if you were pinning a little of your self-worth on it. I experienced a little bubble bursting recently and realized that sitting with those yucky feelings was not going to work. I needed to keep moving (errands, a walk outside, cooking, etc.) and of course a hug from Steve and his never-ending support helped too. Note: If you’re like me, you’ll want to reject comfort in these moments. Don’t do it. Accept the damn hug. You’ll feel better faster and it doesn’t make you weak (cake helps too).

The great thing about lows is that you know a high is probably around the corner. Plus, you start to rediscover the simpler things in life that make you happy (you were probably too wrapped up in making that particular dream come true to take time to make pancakes with your husband or take a walk with your best friend). My advice (and the advice I’m trying to take) is to take a breather. This doesn’t translate into giving up. Move forward as best you can, but don’t force things! Sometimes you need to make some room for the good stuff to flood in, rather than moving so fast that you’re driving blind.

For me, new motherhood and full time freelance writing is on the horizon. Do I know how those worlds will coexist? Nope. Do I know if they’ll play nice, and when they don’t, how I’ll manage? Not a clue. But, if this transition is anything like the others I’ve experienced so far, I’ll get through. And since I’m not giving up and new dream bubbles are rising everyday, I’ll succeed. For now, I’m practicing trust, counting my blessings, and enjoying these last weeks before my daughter arrives. Oh, and I’m loving it.

Photo Credit: rhett maxwell

Tagged as: baby, career, family, following your bliss, freelance, motherhood, Steve, transition, Writing & Editing

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My Vegan Pregnancy Article: Live at Glamour.com!

by Corinne on April 7, 2011

I’m so thrilled to be featured at Glamour.com this week! On Tuesday, my article on vegan pregnancy went live. It’s wonderful to have the opportunity to shed positive light on the vegan diet through a popular mainstream website. Thank you to everyone who has shared the link via Facebook and Twitter!

Speaking of pregnancy, today was a gift. We had an ultrasound this morning because I’ve been measuring on the smaller side and my midwife wanted to make sure Audrey’s growth is on track. Usually, your belly measurement (top to bottom of uterus in centimeters) is the same as the number of weeks you’ve been pregnant. Last Thursday, during my 34th week visit, I measured 31 centimeters.

I was a little concerned. Okay, a lot. I can be a worrier at times and of course I started picking myself (and my diet) apart, thinking that Audrey might not be getting something she needed to thrive. Of course, there’s no reason that would be the case since I did my homework and have followed a well-balanced prenatal vegan diet, but I still second guessed myself. Today, all of those concerns were put aside. Audrey is growing like a champ and is right in the middle (50th percentile) in terms of weight and size! She’s even in the perfect position for delivery:) Here she is, chubby cheeks and all. Audrey (the vegan wonder baby!) at 35 weeks…

xo,
Corinne

Tagged as: baby, Glamour.com, pregnancy, third trimester, ultrasound, vegan, Writing & Editing

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Slowing Down, Making Space & Allowing

by Corinne on March 30, 2011

I feel most comfortable when I’m pushing myself on a daily basis toward lofty goals. I sleep better at night knowing that I’ve taken a step further than what’s “comfortable” for me that day. Right now, things are starting to slow down and for the first time in years I’m allowing myself to soak in the resting, nesting, and reflection that this short period is providing for me.

My work with Crazy Sexy Life is winding down over the next couple weeks. Luckily, I’ll still be in writing cahoots with Kris Carr, so rather than closing a door, I’m focusing on my favorite part of the job. Less hours at work means more time for walks, cooking, cleaning, organizing, and figuring out what I want from this new chapter in life.

I met up with Tara Gentile this week for a coffee chat (she’s amazing-go to her website!) and she asked me what it was that I wanted out of my career moving forward. It seemed like a terrifying question, but as I continued talking it through with her, my true desires became very clear. It wasn’t easy saying them out loud because there’s that terrible part of my brain that has been telling me that I’m not “good enough” to pursue these goals. Now, I’m more focused than ever on making them a reality. Thanks, Tara!

As I clear out my physical space I’m making room for new positive beginnings to flow into my family and career worlds. Junk sitting around the house equals feeling internally suffocated. I don’t have all my ducks in a row, meaning that I don’t have a defined career path set up so that I can jump back in the saddle six weeks after Audrey arrives. But that’s okay. Again, Mr. Campbell’s words echo in my head:

“If you follow your bliss, doors will open for you that wouldn’t have opened for anyone else.”

I do have a few irons in the fire that I’m very excited about, but I’m waiting patiently to hear whether I’ll be given the red or green light. In the meantime, it’s more about putting one foot in front of the other with my writing, motherhood, and taking care of myself. The next (hopefully) six weeks are about allowing life to unfold without forcing it into what it “should” be.

xo,
Corinne

Photo credit: Matt McGee

Tagged as: baby, career, Crazy Sexy Life, following your bliss, goals, Kris Carr, Tara Gentile, Writing & Editing

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