Cara Putman: Homeschooling, Writing and Laweyering, Oh my!

Your family has grown since our last interview in 2008. Tell us a little how your newest addition has changed the dynamics of your family.

Daniel joined us in December and is a delight. Of course, I’m still tired and praying he’ll start sleeping through the night, but really he’s added to our family with a sweet personality.

Besides being a writer, mother, and homeschooler, how else do you fill your days?

Each summer I teach business law to MBA students at Purdue. I also teach classes at our local homeschool coop, and do some legal work. Add in shuttling the kids to all their activities and it makes for a full schedule.

What drives you to juggle so many plates and do you ever feel like they’ll come crashing down around you?

I know it looks crazy, and some days like tomorrow are really nuts. But I am constantly evaluating what I do…at least once a quarter. I also believe God made me with a drive to be involved in lots of different ways. It just means I’m tired some days, but when you’re doing what God wants you to, it doesn’t seem like work so much as a calling.

What are some practical things you do to balance all the areas of your life?

When I’m teaching, I have someone come to our house to watch the kids. I have to leave by 7:30, and it keeps things simpler for them and me. I also have her stay a few extra hours so I have time to write and run errands. My husband and I decided that as I got more contracts I would need some help to have pockets of time that weren’t in the middle of the night to work. That has helped though I don’t have anyone right now. I also try to minimize some elements…for example, I love to speak, but right now don’t speak more than once a month. It just isn’t the time in our family for me to do much traveling for speaking. Maybe someday, but I’m trying to be aware of where we are as a family.

When do you find the time to write, and do you ever feel like you’re neglecting your children?

The bulk of my writing is at night after they are in bed. And because we homeschool, I don’t feel like the children are missing anything when I might grab an hour or two in the afternoon. In fact, we’d set up with one of our friends to come do Spanish and science experiments with them an afternoon a week to give me a break and them some enrichment. So my husband and I tend to get creative. But realistically, I don’t get writing done during the day without a babysitter. The one who gets neglected is my husband…I’m still trying to find a good balance there.

What do you do to encourage yourself during those days you feel less than adequate?

I have to trust that God will equip me to do what He has called me to do. And that He loves my children even more than I do.

What would you tell writing moms and dads looking for that agent who will sell their first book?

Go to places where you can get to know that agent. Usually it will be a writing conference. Listen to them speak. Watch how they interact with others. Get to know their personality. You have to like them and vice versa because you will trust them with large portions of your career.

How many books are you contracted for this year? Tell us a little about them.

I am currently working on three contracted works, one full length novel and two novellas. All three will release in 2012. The full length novel is a contemporary romantic suspense set on Mackinac Island, MI. One novella is in the collection you’re writing in, too. I’m excited to see these stories come together about four neighbors who all solve mysteries around their jobs in the Washington, D.C. Area. The final novella is one of four set around a common geo-caching contest.

What will do if the next contract never comes?

Pray and ask God what’s next. I love teaching and can always practice law. But it will be fun to see what God would have next.

Do you have any unfulfilled dreams? When do you think you’ll get to pursue them?

I’d love to spend time traveling in Europe.

What would you tell other moms and dads who have given up on their dreams?

Ask God if it’s time to dust off the dream. And if He says no, then ask Him to plant a new one in your heart. Without a vision, the people perish.

Be sure to leave a comment for a chance to win Cara’s book A Promise Forged from Ohio Brides.