Every once in a while, I’ll talk with a writer whose spouse is wholly unsupportive of the writer. I honestly don’t know how those writers survive. I feel so lucky to have my family’s support, especially that of my husband, Randy. As I get ready to go to NCTE, a trip that is costing money we could certainly use for household expenses, I am reminded once again of all my family’s done. These pictures are just a few of the cool things they’ve done. There are many more, including buying me poetry and writing books and office supplies for my birthday, even when they think it’s weird; sending me articles they think I’ll enjoy, and bragging about my books to gondoliers in Las Vegas (yes, seriously). What would I do without them? I hope your family is just as supportive of your writing dreams!
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I am very lucky in this department too, Laura, although I must say no one at my house has been quite as creative with the gift-giving 🙂
Yay, Susanna–glad to hear it. And, yes, my family is kind of genius at creative gift-giving. I am NOT, so it really puts the pressure on:>/
I am very lucky in this department too, Laura, although I must say no one at my house has been quite as creative with the gift-giving 🙂
Yay, Susanna–glad to hear it. And, yes, my family is kind of genius at creative gift-giving. I am NOT, so it really puts the pressure on:>/
I am blessed, too, with family support. My latest book project was poetry I wrote to accompany my dad’s art. Then my brother, who is a musician, made a companion CD. You can read about this project here: http://reflectionsontheteche.wordpress.com/illuminate/
Have a great time in Boston!
Cool, Margaret! What a wonderful family project! Thanks, I will. (And I’ll be sending your bookmark today or right after I get home:>) I haven’t put the rest of them together yet!)
I am blessed, too, with family support. My latest book project was poetry I wrote to accompany my dad’s art. Then my brother, who is a musician, made a companion CD. You can read about this project here: http://reflectionsontheteche.wordpress.com/illuminate/
Have a great time in Boston!
Cool, Margaret! What a wonderful family project! Thanks, I will. (And I’ll be sending your bookmark today or right after I get home:>) I haven’t put the rest of them together yet!)
You could make some money selling those “A Leaf Can Be” shirts — those are nice! I, too, don’t know what I’d do without a supportive wife & family. In your case, at least you’re published…all I’m doing with my writing at this point is killing time!
No, that’s not all you’re doing! But I know what you mean about feeling that way. And I’ve made little money off my published trade books. Most of my income still comes from my “day job” of writing work-for-hire, copyediting, etc., So, the publication of my trade books is a dream come true for me, and DOES feel like it’s worth all the time I’ve put in over the years, but it was a long time coming, and that familiy support is crucial. So glad your family is supportive of your following your dream. You’re really talented, and I’m sure they see that:>)
Thanks, Laura, I appreciate that. Of course, by ‘killing time’ I’m referring to my contributions to the household; every poem or PB manuscript I write helps me improve myself and gets me one step closer to publication, so that is, indeed, time well spent. Plus, I work from home doing voiceovers and copywriting, so in that respect, I’m contributing…but I still couldn’t do it without the family behind me!
Exactly–we’re in similar situations, I think. Productive and seriously working toward goals, doing what we can to contribute financially, and also following our dreams. Pretty dang lucky to have the support we do:>)
Absolutely!
You could make some money selling those “A Leaf Can Be” shirts — those are nice! I, too, don’t know what I’d do without a supportive wife & family. In your case, at least you’re published…all I’m doing with my writing at this point is killing time!
No, that’s not all you’re doing! But I know what you mean about feeling that way. And I’ve made little money off my published trade books. Most of my income still comes from my “day job” of writing work-for-hire, copyediting, etc., So, the publication of my trade books is a dream come true for me, and DOES feel like it’s worth all the time I’ve put in over the years, but it was a long time coming, and that familiy support is crucial. So glad your family is supportive of your following your dream. You’re really talented, and I’m sure they see that:>)
Thanks, Laura, I appreciate that. Of course, by ‘killing time’ I’m referring to my contributions to the household; every poem or PB manuscript I write helps me improve myself and gets me one step closer to publication, so that is, indeed, time well spent. Plus, I work from home doing voiceovers and copywriting, so in that respect, I’m contributing…but I still couldn’t do it without the family behind me!
Exactly–we’re in similar situations, I think. Productive and seriously working toward goals, doing what we can to contribute financially, and also following our dreams. Pretty dang lucky to have the support we do:>)
Absolutely!
Ditto what he said about those shirts. Those are COOOOL.
And, yes — I know a couple of writers whose spouses are like, “Yeah, but when are you going to do the taxes,” and I’m kind of speechless. And I realize anew that I am blessed, blessed, blessed, blessed, blessed. And, of course, you are, too. ?
I know! I always secretly think, if you married someone who doesn’t support your dreams, you married the wrong person. I mean, I get the whole household budget thing. I would not expect to be fully financially supported in order to pursue my dream. I work super hard to contribute financially to the household and don’t just work on my dream projects. But, honestly, it’s about so much more than money. And the spouses who make those kinds of comments aren’t generally supportive emotionally, where it matters most! We are lucky:>)
Ditto what he said about those shirts. Those are COOOOL.
And, yes — I know a couple of writers whose spouses are like, “Yeah, but when are you going to do the taxes,” and I’m kind of speechless. And I realize anew that I am blessed, blessed, blessed, blessed, blessed. And, of course, you are, too. ?
I know! I always secretly think, if you married someone who doesn’t support your dreams, you married the wrong person. I mean, I get the whole household budget thing. I would not expect to be fully financially supported in order to pursue my dream. I work super hard to contribute financially to the household and don’t just work on my dream projects. But, honestly, it’s about so much more than money. And the spouses who make those kinds of comments aren’t generally supportive emotionally, where it matters most! We are lucky:>)
It’s definitely a gift to have a supportive family–I think my husband and kids believe in me as a writer more than I believe in myself. Thanks for posting this and reminding me to reflect and be thankful for that support. I’m guessing I would have given up a long time ago without it.
And that shirt is wonderful! Have you worn it to a school visit?
I agree–there are times I’d have given up without their belief in me. I have worn that shirt to a few events–and will wear it at NCTE this weekend:>)
It’s definitely a gift to have a supportive family–I think my husband and kids believe in me as a writer more than I believe in myself. Thanks for posting this and reminding me to reflect and be thankful for that support. I’m guessing I would have given up a long time ago without it.
And that shirt is wonderful! Have you worn it to a school visit?
I agree–there are times I’d have given up without their belief in me. I have worn that shirt to a few events–and will wear it at NCTE this weekend:>)
That t‑shirt and vase are beautiful. Me want!
Aren’t they? I love them! Just packed my Leaf shirt for NCTE, and I’m looking at the vase on the kitchen counter as I type this:>)
:0)
That t‑shirt and vase are beautiful. Me want!
Aren’t they? I love them! Just packed my Leaf shirt for NCTE, and I’m looking at the vase on the kitchen counter as I type this:>)
:0)
I am also soooo lucky. My husband does the laundry–a very time-consuming task with two small kids, so I have more time to write on weekends, when I’m home from the day job. It took some getting used to though. On our first Valentine’s Day together, he asked me what I wanted. I said I wanted a new, really good dictionary. I think he thought it was a trick or a test he had to pass. He did pass. I got a new dictionary and sticky notes, instead of jewelry. I think I’ll keep him. 🙂
I am also soooo lucky. My husband does the laundry–a very time-consuming task with two small kids, so I have more time to write on weekends, when I’m home from the day job. It took some getting used to though. On our first Valentine’s Day together, he asked me what I wanted. I said I wanted a new, really good dictionary. I think he thought it was a trick or a test he had to pass. He did pass. I got a new dictionary and sticky notes, instead of jewelry. I think I’ll keep him. 🙂
Awesome cookies! That’s so sweet how your family supports you!
Awesome cookies! That’s so sweet how your family supports you!
Ditto. I’m at NCTE, too, and thankful to my family for being so supportive. Looking forward to meeting you, Laura!
I’m on the train to my hotel as I type this! See you tonight–or maybe it’s tomorrow night–can’t remember!
Ditto. I’m at NCTE, too, and thankful to my family for being so supportive. Looking forward to meeting you, Laura!
I’m on the train to my hotel as I type this! See you tonight–or maybe it’s tomorrow night–can’t remember!
I am amazed every day by the support and cheerleading I receive from all corners, not just for writing, but for all my creative pursuits, even the extra-curricular ones! It’s not easy with two little guys, but I’m continually given the gift of TIME. I hope I can make it worth it!
You ARE, Renee!
I am amazed every day by the support and cheerleading I receive from all corners, not just for writing, but for all my creative pursuits, even the extra-curricular ones! It’s not easy with two little guys, but I’m continually given the gift of TIME. I hope I can make it worth it!
You ARE, Renee!