Motherhood creeping up on me – how to handle the "no buffer" problem?

therealbereth 2019-09-23 14:40:31 UTC #1

Hey everyone.

I've been a bit withdrawn from Tapas lately, and it's because I'm now in week 37 of my pregnancy – which is also the reason why I haven't been able to work for a while now, and only managed to get out a few updates every two weeks or so... only even that is a fight rather than something I would call quality content.

My fantasy novel is planned, the end already written in notes; Act I is done, I've recently uploaded the start to Act II (planned are five in total), so it's not like I'd abandon this project anytime soon (hello, I've been working on that world for YEARS now, I'd be stupid lol).

But not updating in a while sure must seem like it to anyone following Mirai's Tears.

So I'm debating... Should I:
1) take an actual hiatus, with an update explaining in brief that I'm on "maternity leave" here on Tapas,
2) give a short heads-up (also in the form of an update, of course) that updates will come in irregular spurts,
3) just... not say anything, since I've already mentioned some timing and buffer issues in an Author's Note back in July?

I am asking solely for what would seem best from a reader's perspective, not factoring in (yet) how much strength I'd have in the time nearing and following the little one's birth. I would weigh that against any advice you folks give out... because I can't seem to warm to the idea of just leaving the novel sitting there until I can update in full force again.

Mirai's Tears is also in "noteworthy" right now, so I kinda feel... obligated not to go on full hiatus??? I'm torn. Help please. xD

amberberry 2019-09-23 14:57:11 UTC #2

I think announcing a hiatus is definitely the best way. Then your readers will know what is going on and know that you'll be coming back later on. It'd probably take more stress away from you since you wouldn't have to think about getting updates out as much and could even work on building a buffer instead.

But at least notify your readers officially. Author's Notes are easy to miss and some people just don't read them. And especially since you've mentioned it in July, many people might have forgotten about it. So definitely let them know what's going on, whatever your decision will be.

Lyric 2019-09-23 16:47:05 UTC #3

I also recommend taking a formal hiatus. Babies bring unanticipated changes to life's schedule. If you can jump back into your writing quickly, that's great, but if you can't (for whatever reason) you haven't made promises to readers (or yourself) that you can't keep. Wishing you well!

Maps 2019-09-23 17:09:38 UTC #4

First off, congrats again! I’m sure this is an exciting time for you!

I’d go with 1 or 2 personally, but it sort of depends on how much you are able to do and how many times you’ll get “waves” of inspiration.
I know when I need a break, I usually have a day or two sometimes where my inspiration is back and I am able to start writing again. So giving myself a long-term haitus would probably not work since I know I’d want to post again when I’m able to (I’m always too impatient when I have a chapter ready to go to not go ahead and post it)! I also really need to create a weekly schedule...
But at the same time, you can always take a long-term hiatus and build up your chapters when you have time and are able to write. That way, you’ll have a nice buffer for when you return (and you might want one for when the baby comes)!
I noticed when creators haven’t posted in a while and haven’t said anything, I always wonder if they’ve dropped the project or are on a hiatus. That’s why I think it’s helpful to mention something.

machimaquiaveli 2019-09-23 18:24:46 UTC #5

First, congratulations. second, it depends on how much personal information you want to give up. It's not an obligation to explain why you are going on a hiatus, just say real life got in the way and I think your readers will understand and respect your privacy.

Also, if you are worried about your novel not being "noteworthy" if you go on hiatus maybe you could program a few updates in advance and later you would only have to worry about the comments.

I think you know yourself better than anyone so you know how much you can/can't do so act accordingly and don't try to push yourself too much. Your health is more important than anything else.

Hope this helped. Good luck

joannekwan 2019-09-23 18:26:53 UTC #6

I'd announce a hiatus with the reasoning being 'big life changes' or so and give a rough estimate of when the next update might be.

azzy-m 2019-09-23 18:30:21 UTC #7

I'd say go on a hiatus. You deserve to spend every moment with your kid, at least for a few months, and not worrying about the next update.

CodeMonkeyArts 2019-09-23 21:00:46 UTC #8

As someone who recently had a baby and was definitely feeling "I CAN'T DO ANYTHING RIGHT NOW" all the way from the 36 week to the very end and afterwards, take a formal hiatus. Your health is far more important right now. Take the time you need for yourself

beta1042 2019-09-23 23:29:20 UTC #9

I recently had a baby about 6 months ago. I took a short hiatus and made an announcement about baby on the way. Then I left my readers with a long list of recommended reading of comics and novels for them to enjoy while they waited. Worked fine for me! Also, Congrats!

If you're curious to see it's at the end of Episode 70(https://tapas.io/episode/1350812)

therealbereth 2019-09-24 10:18:19 UTC #10

First of all, thank you all for your feedback (and the best wishes ha ha xD), I wasn't expecting so many replies. You made me smile after I just had to visit social services, which always sucks. Now a bit less though.

I've always been open with tidbits about my private life because I think it helps people connect and see me as human rather than "only" a creator/brand (and maybe not feel bad about themselves if they face similar issues), so I think I will definitely notify my readers of the "maternity leave" thing – they know about the pregnancy already anyway. ^^

Either way, your answers have helped me immensely to quell that feeling of obligation. And I think all you recent/newly "hatched" parents are right, it's probably unrealistic to think that I'll be able to update anytime soon after giving birth. BUT MAH PRIDE. Never easy to shove that aside, but you're right, of course. Thanks for setting my head straight.

Huh, that's a nice idea! I like how you made it part of your actual update. Sadly, I won't be able to do that – no buffer, no concentration for another chapter. Sigh. But the recommendations are definitely a nice touch.