Cindy Arora

Being a mom is tough business, but rewarding. Being a writer is tough business, but also rewarding. Put them together and you get: One really, super, busy but fulfilling life. It’s true!

These days I struggle to find the balance between motherhood, daily life and being a writer. It’s a work-in-progress. That’s for sure. But I do have days where it’s perfect. I meet writing deadlines, my son eats his broccoli, I have a good day at my job, and I even manage to squeeze in a run. But then there are times when my son cries when we drop him off at day care, I skip lunch so I can write instead of going to pick up food, and then not only do I not go for a run, but I end the evening eating a box of crackers while watching The Voice. It happens. I do allow myself to have the tired working mom pity party, but I really just try to be grateful that I have a full life, including a love for writing. That’s often enough to motivate me to get off the couch and back to the business of writing.

It’s not always easy, and I do struggle with trying to find a way to be all that I want to be personally while also being the kind of mom that isn’t distracted, because honestly, there’s nothing better than being present in my son’s world where everything is new and exciting. Thanks to him, I stop and smell the roses, we run around the grass just because, jump into leaf piles and sit and watch the fire trucks come in and out of the firehouse while eating ice cream. I’ve slowed down, and it has actually helped me become a better writer. Now, it’s with the same slow and steady mentality that I head to my computer knowing that as long as I keep writing, I will get to where I want to go.

1. Squeeze in writing during naps or after the kids go to bed. Even if it’s an hour, it does help keep your head in writing mode.

2. Schedule a writing day for yourself. Let your husband, boyfriend, girlfriend, mother or whatever take your children away for a few hours so you can have a few hours of uninterrupted writing time. Head to your favorite coffee spot or restaurant and make it a date just for you.

3. Be nice to yourself if you don’t write for a few days or a week. It happens; sometimes it’s just too much. Allow yourself the break, but get back to writing as soon as you can.

4.If you need a writing break, maybe you can spend time researching, interviewing or working on character profiles. There’s always different ways to “work” on your writing.

5. Carry a notebook. Sometimes I’ll head to the park or be out running errands with my son and I’ll get an idea for my book. I like to carry a notebook with me so I can jot ideas down. I have even used my camera phone to take photos of buildings or towns that inspire me.

Blurb: Business is sweet for pastry chef Indira Aguilar. Her indie bakery, Cake Pan, is fast becoming the talk of the wedding circuit for its unique take on cakes and homespun creations for the modern bride, garnering national recognition and drawing in celebrity clients. But while her professional life is blossoming, her personal life is crumbling. Indira may have a talent for blending buttercream into bliss, but when it comes to relationships, she’s got a lot to learn. Considering that the love of her life, Josh Oliver, is not only married, but also runs the award-winning pastry department of her fiercest competition, Crystal Cove Resort, Indira puts much more at stake than just her heart when she ends her affair with him. Rumors begin to fly as the small seaside community of Long Beach learns of her secret relationship, and Indira must defend not only her actions, but her wedding business and her reputation while trying to maneuver the choppy heartbreak waters of starting over, finding new love, and facing her past. With the support of friends and family, a fondness for butter, and a determined spirit, Indira may just bake her way back to happiness and possibly into the heart of Crystal Cove’s dishy new chef, Noah. But one thing is certain. Where there’s heartbreak, there must be cake.

**Contact Cindy: Website