[Life] 3 Tips for working from home with kids: Schedules, Cupcakes and A Box of Wine

This is officially the three day anniversary of me wearing these pants. I should probably take a shower…

My kids are off school for spring break, which has re-adjusted our previous re-adjustment to home life. To cope, I’ve created some schedules for them and myself to keep things chugging alongside me working from home. As crazy as all this is right now, I’m trying to soak it up because I know I’ll miss being around them all day once they’re back at school and I’m back in the office at my day job.

Being home is part of my goal with becoming a full time author. So this is a trial run of sorts. I’m still waking up extra early to get in writing before their day and my work day starts a few times a week. Even with all the craziness going on, I’m not watching the news and I think that calms me down and keeps me focused on what’s in front of me and what I can control.

Here are my top 3 tips that have helped me cope with working from home:

1. Printed schedules - I went out and bought a printer when everything started. The kids have needed it for their school work, but also for other projects I’ve come up with. I created a daily schedule for them with check marks next to each item. When they finish a task, it’s a check. If they have 5 completed checklists they can choose a movie, tv show or game for us to buy and download.

2. Everyone gets out of pajamas in the morning! We all wake up, brush teeth and have breakfast. I’ll admit sometimes I’m putting on the same pants I wore the day before, hence my three day anniversary and they’re not exactly business pants (hello sweats!), but it helps us.

3. We’re coloring or drawing every day. On their checklist is a spot for them to color or draw with me. Even though we’re all in the house together, it doesn’t necessarily feel like we’re getting in as much quality time. So, if it’s on the checklist, it means they want to do it and I’m reminded that I do too (see above about missing this later). Solo time with the kids without my phone nearby where we can talk and I can listen is so important and has helped with their anxiety about the whole situation.

Those are my tips! Not to say I’m not also becoming a master bartender/wine bottle opener because oh hell yes, that’s happening! But we’re all doing the best we can. I hope you’re safe and healthy!

Maya xx

[Writer's Life] Confession

Hiya!

I have a confession.

As much as I love writing, sometimes it makes me want to pull my hair out and scream (and possibly cry!). For every story that pours out of my fingertips lightening fast, there are some books that take a little coaxing and nudging.

The past few months, I’ve been getting to know a new group of guys. The FU guys are revealing their quirks, secrets and even more to me, while I’m working on the last book in the Kings series. It’s a bit like finishing up a summer at camp, while also meeting the new people in your new school. You’re feeling each other out and getting to know each other, but also super scared to leave your old friends behind.

For a long time, I struggled to get a handle on exactly who Nix, Berk and LJ were and what they were trying to tell me. There were outlines, notecards and post-it notes everywhere. Mountains of crumpled up paper and entire documents deleted.

But the Trojans are seriously talking now. Every day, I’m getting more and more of their stories down, scribbled on notebooks, quick voice notes, and scraps of paper are all shoved into my writing folders.

It’s been a trying few months with the end of the school year madness, summer schedule craziness and day job hysteria. My plate is well and truly full, so I’ve been writing long into the night when the words hit me.

I’ll have lots of exciting news coming up in the next couple of weeks once I get The Second We Met off to my editor. It’s everything you’ve come to expect from my characters and I know you’ll love these two and the rest of the guys as much as I already do!

If you missed the sneak peek of TSWM, you can read it here!

Are You Up For The Challenge?!

So, I made a thing...and if you hate it then I didn’t make it and forget you ever met me! LOL! This is why I’m doing when I should be writing. It’s the Maya Hughes Reading Challenge. Isn’t it so pretty? It also goes along with my new Reading Order page!

Isn’t the little printable so pretty!? You can print it out! Pin it! Or keep it online and check the books off as you go. I got the idea when a reader said she was keeping track of my books in a notebook and I thought maybe I could come up with something a little cuter to use.

What do you think? Are you up for the challenge?

CLICK HERE to download the Maya Hughes Reading Challenge printable!

2019 Plans! And a Super Fun Halloween Quiz! Don't Miss it!

I’m so ready for Halloween! And by ready, I mean completely unprepared beyond reason, haha! My girls have changed their costume ideas at least ten times in the past five days. At this point, they are going to be zombies. Princess zombies!

If you’re feeling up for a little fun, I’ve got a halloween treat quiz you can take. Make your perfect pizza to find out which Halloween candy you are!

I’m gearing up for a writing intensive next few months to get everything ready for 2019. Can you believe it’s almost 2019?! I still feel like we were just into back to school mode.

I’ll have one more release this year with Alexei’s story in Under His Scars. He's the reluctant mob boss trying to make the family business legitimate and protect his brother. But a chance meeting has thrown all his exacting plans into chaos and it's not just his heart on the line anymore.

In early January, when some people might still be nursing those New Years Eve hangovers, the second chance romance that readers have been knocking down my door for arrives!! EMMETT and AVERY!!!! There will be some beach action to get you through the cold winter and some crazy hot time between the sheets!

Add Ruthless King to your Want to Read list!

The rest of the plans for 2019 are taking shape and they are out of this freaking world! Stay tuned…

Without further ado, here is your quiz!!