You. I. Us. is a collection of vignettes, small scenes which hint at the story beneath.
Annalisa has taken that idea to another level, because she asked 15 bloggers to ask her one question each, creating small insights into her life and writing.
Here is my question:
How do you stay motivated to exercise regularly, live healthy and still manage to write and have a family? Seriously, you're Superwoman.
Oh Murees, thank you! I don’t feel like Superwoman, but it’s lovely I give that impression. Usually, if everyone’s got the correct underwear in their draw, I think it’s a good day!
I’m lucky that my kids are slightly older, 16 and 12, and happily self-sufficient. The youngest is always busy with clubs and friends. I rarely see him at the weekends or during school holidays. It was different when they were small—they probably watched a little too much telly, and played a little too much PlayStation…
And I’ve been exercising for so long, it’s part of my week now. Working as a gym instructor helps, because I figure I can’t instruct properly if I don’t work out myself. Also, working out and/or taking the dog for a walk helps to inspire me. I’m forever scribbling notes on the back of my workout card during my cardio, or standing still in the middle of the field trying to work out a plot point.
You. I. Us.
Publication date: June 10, 2016
Genre: Short Stories (Single Author)
Amazon // Barnes & Noble // Book Depository // Kobo // iBooks // Nook
In You. I. Us., Annalisa Crawford captures everyday people during poignant defining moments in their lives: An artist puts his heart into his latest sketch, an elderly couple endures scrutiny by a fellow diner, an ex-student attempts to make amends with a girl she bullied at school, a teenager holds vigil at his friend’s hospital bedside, long distance lovers promise complete devotion, a broken-hearted widow stares into the sea from the edge of a cliff where her husband died, a grieving son contacts the only person he can rely on in a moment of crisis, a group of middle-aged friends inspire each other to live remarkable lives.
Day after day, we make the same choices. But after reading You. I. Us., you’ll ask yourself, “What if we didn’t?”
About the author
Annalisa Crawford lives in Cornwall UK, with a good supply of moorland and beaches to keep her inspired. She lives with her husband, two sons, a dog and a cat. Annalisa writes dark contemporary, character-driven stories. She has been winning competitions and publishing short stories in small press journals for many years, and is the author of Cat & The Dreamer and Our Beautiful Child. www.annalisacrawford.com
Thank you so much for hosting me today, Murees :-)
ReplyDeleteIt's my pleasure. I always love having you over.
DeleteHi Murees - great question to ask Annalisa ... but it must help her - owning a dog, producing two kids to run after, and then of course being a gum instructor - she has no choice, but to remember those exercises she prescribes for others!
ReplyDeleteLove the idea of You.I.Us ...
It's obviously helping a great deal ... after the Costa Short Story Award - brilliant that was ... cheers to you both - Hilary
The dog definitely helps! And I always try out new exercises and methods before I instruct people, so they know I know how it feels :-)
DeleteNothing worse than a gym instructor who is out of shape - good for you, Annalisa!
ReplyDeleteI certainly feel better prepared for my job that way!
DeleteAnnalisa, congratulations on your release. Your book sounds like one that will have you pondering long after you finish reading. Best of luck.
ReplyDeleteMurees, great question.
Hi Mason, I hope so. I love reading books that keep drawing me back.
DeleteIt is really so much easier to exercise regularly when the kids are older. And congrats on the new book!!!!
ReplyDeleteI was lucky my husband was happy to help look after them when they were younger - getting out of the house for an hour and focusing just on you is important too! Thank you :-)
DeleteI find physical movement really does help the thought process. Walking the dogs is a good one. Congrats, Annalisa!
ReplyDeleteI miss the walk if someone else does it, even the rainy ones like today :-)
DeleteAnnalisa, congratulations on your release. Your book sounds exciting!
ReplyDeleteThank you :-)
Deletegreat question and answer and you really do a lot - juggling writing, kids (even though older they need your attention), hubby, and just life. Day 2 is a success on the tour
ReplyDeleteThanks Joanne - just don't check my shelves for dust :-)
DeleteGreat question! I think we'd all like to know how writers juggle so much ;)! I also find a good walk helps me if I'm stuck on a plot point. Congrats on your new book, Annalisa!
ReplyDeleteThanks Rachel :-) I think when you're in the middle of a juggle, you don't always realise how much you're doing!
DeleteI agree that physical movement certainly can help the writing process. It was my favorite thing about my old day job. Great question!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the new release, Annalisa! I can't wait to read it!
It's so easy to sit down to write, and stay in the same position for hours. Jumping up and down while I make a cup of tea also works well! Thanks M.J :-)
DeleteThe "correct underwear" line made me laugh!
ReplyDeleteI wish I could write/make notes as I exercise - I'm lucky I can breathe. :)
Every so often, I'll get underpants or socks back in my washing basket - no one ever thinks to ask around (there's only 3 of them, for goodness sake), they just return the incorrect item to the laundry fairy :-(
DeleteYeah... I won't even mention what my 4 kids are doing while I write or work out. =D The juggling is never pretty, eh? (Usually my youngest son's underwear is on the floor of his room, but they're clean. Huge WIN.)
ReplyDeleteClean is all you need :-)
DeleteI had no idea you were a gym instructor, Annalisa. Wow.
ReplyDeleteHi, Murees! :)
Yes, for 7 years now, and I still love it :-)
DeleteI didn't know you were a gym instructor, Annalisa. You really are Superwoman. :)
ReplyDeleteHi, Murees!
I thought everyone knew... Although, I thought everyone at the gym knew I was a writer, but they didn't. I seem to be good at keeping my two lives separate... Ooh, a bit like a superhero... I wonder ;-)
DeleteWhat a neat idea for a book. Congratulations.
ReplyDeleteI have great respect for moms with children at home and jobs. I don't see how you find time to write. I guess it's organization. My boys are grown and gone, and it's just me and the cats, but I still have tons of things to do. Must work on that.
It helps that my husband cooks in our house. Sometimes I can write all day and then get a gorgeous meal presented to me. I'm getting quite good at housework multi-tasking though - although it looks like a hurricane while I'm doing it :-)
DeleteI think Annalisa is superwoman too!
ReplyDeleteI really want to list all the reasons I'm not, but I like the illusion, so I'm going to say 'thank you' instead :-)
DeleteWhat a fine, busy life you are living. Congrats on your writing
ReplyDeleteand the new book.