Writing can be a very solitary pursuit: staring in silence at a notebook or a computer screen for hours and hours, and some more hours, and maybe some more hours after that. Writers are often lost in their worlds even when they’re not actually writing and when they are ahem supposed to be spending quality time with their loved ones. Managing to write a novel while also maintaining the love and support of family, significant others, and friends demands a whole lot of those people. They invest in every writer’s dreams through support and patience and they live many of the same highs and lows.
Valentine’s Day was this past weekend, and I thought it would be nice to have a post-Valentine’s Day show of thanks for the significant others, family, and friends who read drafts, find ways to occupy themselves during writing time, listen to complaints about the endless frustrations of the writing life, and offer support when doubts creep in.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank for making your writing life possible?
UPDATE: And here I was all focused on writing this post and not giving thanks to the most important person in my writing life, my wife, who believed that I could be a writer way way way before I ever did. I couldn’t have written a novel without her. And to my family and friends for always being so supportive.
Photo by Jnlin
What a wonderful post.
I'd like to thank my beloved late husband Jack, who passed away last February. He put up with me night after night, said "It's okay if you want to stay up all night writing," read all the hideous incarnations of my novel, and told me "people don't talk like that," and other honest advice. And when I got stuck, he was my secret treasure trove: "If you came home and there was an alien hiding in the bedroom closet, what noise would it make?" he would say, "A click" or some other perfect answer.
God, you had better be taking good care of him.
I’d like to thank myself – my ability to write even when faced with dangers like social obligations and friendly nights out. Keep trying to pry me away from writing.
And even as I deny myself sleep, I will leave in my wake disappointed family and friends.
I am undefeatable!
…
…
*weep*
What a nice thought!
Sadly, I have no one thank. The majority of my friends are of little help–while most are artists, certainly creative, they forget that writing can't be done with music and chatter as can sewing new handbags or nonobjective drawings. I've actually broken up with boyfriends for getting in the way of my work.
I would like to thank YOU for writing such a great blog. Cheers.
yeah to my husband. he's smart, supportive, and romantic.
I'd like to thank my significant other who has read my work and always gives me honest, constructive criticism. Thanks for listening to my complaints, my frustrations and my constant buzzing about the publishing industry. Thanks for always believing in my talent and motivating me when I need it the most. You are truly amazing.
My thanks and appreciation go to my husband, daughter, and good friend Susan who read my drafts, listen to my rantings and musings, and provide all around great support. They're a blessing!
My husband, who is always encouraging me to keep writing.
My younger sister, who is my fellow writing buddy, who also encourages me–and gives me honest critique about my work.
Yes! I wouldn’t have become the writer and performer I am today without my beloved ex, the title character of my memoir, Bastard Husband: A Love Story. Don’t think I’m being snarky—if it weren’t for him, I would never have made it out of upstate New York. His continued and undying support of my artistic endeavors means the world to me. See—it really is a love story!
I am afraid I must offer the same reaction as I had to Valentine's Day in middle school:
Bitter jealousy.
Sadly Nick has no one in his corner. The extended family and my sister only offer the bland, toothy smiles of falsehood. Friends are much the same. Mother deliberately tries to sew the seeds of doubt in everything. I have theories for this, but I'll not share them here. And the missus knows I write, but she thinks I only do so as a hobby, and intend not for it to be my career. Some days it's enough to leave one feeling quite like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zEVZGuU3BU
The nearest thing I have to a support network would be everyone hereabouts. So, here's to you, fellow Nathan-stalkers.
My husband is so supportive, and he totally understands the whole writing thing. He listens to me, encourages me, often does dishes after work, and sends me to conferences. Plus he's my 24/7 tech support guy. He even gave me the desk his dad made him.
My kids are also incredible. My daughter will edit things for me and talk about ideas. And since I write YA, I "shop" for my characters in her room. My son also talks ideas and supports me in huge ways. One time I had an important early morning phone call scheduled. When I came out of our den, he was not only awake, but he was sitting on the stairs, waiting to see how it went. He was only in fourth grade at the time.
Thanks, Nathan! Great idea.
My lovely husband who makes the dinner most nights so I can write. Then patiently waits to watch TV with me while I finish off.
Not to mention buying me the fabulous big screen and keyboard because he was worried about me using the laptop
Love him!
A great idea, Nathan, to show appreciation for those closest to us.
My husband is my greatest supporter, and Ideal Reader. He is also my technical advisor, and the source of verification when I need to gauge my main character's male attributes and emotions.
He's always my favorite Valentine.
My husband. He rarely reads my work critically because he doesn't read much fiction and it's easier for me to take feedback from other writers. Still, he surprised me with a plane ticket and registration for my first-ever writing conference. He knew I loved writing and encouraged me to seriously work at it. Also, my critique groups are AMAZING.
What a wonderful post! I feel very thankful that I have a family who both support my creative pursuits (writing and photography) and have many creative pursuits of their own. It would be very difficult to spend the many hours I devote to writing without their support.
I'm a single mom living in Brooklyn without family around to help, so I'm sure my kid often feels overwhelmed. She's incredibly patient, the sweet dear.
This week, during a week-long school-recess, my daughter let it be known she would like to 'help' me write. Therefore, I've dropped working on my book/short stories this week, and am instead working on a YA novel- I've been reading bits and pieces to her (man, is she a TOUGH critic!), have incorporated some of her ideas, and, in addition, started a contest on my blog that she will help judge (anyone out there want to submit an entry, feel free- it's a weird contest, but I'll do anything to keep my kid occupied this week):
https://brooklynreject.blogspot.com/2010/02/write-for-rat-contest.html
BIG thanks to my kid, parents, select friends. And now, off to help my kid with a school project- the BEST way to show her I care!
My husband, who is my biggest fan no matter what I do, and recommended I use a different last name to be famous under 🙂 My three daughters who gladly shut me away in my room and let me work while they destroy the house.
I would like to thank my husband who has never, not once, doubted that I could do this.
And my son, who at this point thinks I am extremely uncool but doesn't realize that I am teaching him to dream big.
I want to thank my wife for the encouraging smiles and quiet support she offers while I rant on about my insecurities. I like those better than the kicks in the pants but those are necessary too.
Oh yeah, and for the butterscotch oatmeal cookies.
My husband who believes in me when I don't believe in myself (and who runs after our four kids so that I can write without hearing "Hey, Mommy…")
Also, the four kids I just mentioned who shrug and walk off when I mention another story publication–thus keeping my feet firmly on the ground. 😉 But who also surprise me by saying, "You wrote that? Wow, Mommy that's really good!"
I'm grateful to my family for their patience with me.
Ahhhhh this is easy.
My Critics.
It would all be so meaningless
to seek approval and receive it.
First I thank myself
Then I thank my critics.
The loved ones… Well
They are forever inside my heart.
God bless the critics.
Where would I be without opposition.
I'd like to thank God for the talent and forcing me to use it by refusing to let me receive equal satisfaction from anything else.
I'd also like to thank my beautiful son William, who despite his challenges with Autism, gives me time to write, says "Great Job, Mom!" when I accomplish my writing goals, and gives me the best hugs ever.
I'd have to thank my mother for always bringing us to the library as children. If she hadn't instilled a love of books in me, I'm not sure I would have every started venturing into writing. And during this past November when I was out of a job, she gave me some money so I could go hang out with the local NaNoers at the coffee shops so I could write along with them.
The biggest thanks goes to my beautiful wife, Jennifer. She has been patient, helpful and critical when needed. And always in the right measure. Without her, I am nothing.
My kids, for being so understanding. My editor, Staley, for being so tough and kind and patient. She's the best.
My beta readers, Claire and Everett, for both buidling my confidence and pointing out my shortcomings as a writer.
And last but not least, my online blog friends and co-writers, who encourage me and laugh with me and lend me a sympathetic ear when needed. They are the absolute best!
And thanks to you, Nathan, for providing us the most writer-friendly site on the Internet.
Amen to that, Nathan.
Above all else I would like to thank both my deceased parents who at a young age told me, "there is a lot of negativity that will come your way because of your mentality. Don't listen to any of it. Follow your dreams. You can do whatever you want in life. It is in you to succeed."
Muchisimas gracias, and I still miss you more than all of the stars in my universe.
Further, I would like to thank all of my siblings who still tell me, 'Don't listen to the haters that will come your way. Those that only know how to spew hate. You are special in this universe. We believe in you. Stay your course. You will do fine."
My response to them is always, "I don't listen to them. I never have. I only listen to the harmony that is our life, my siblings."
One more thank you to The Universe. When it seems that my earthly design weighs me down The Universe always lifts me up by telling me that no matter what, "I will always be there for you."
I will always be there for you too, my amigo.
You always get so many comments, at least one of them echoes my thoughts so I stay silent.
I think this is very sweet. I thank God, literally, does He count as significant? the rest soon follow…
P.S. You are fortunate to have someone that believes in you so strongly.
My husband. He convinces me I'm a writer when I feel like giving up. He also feeds the cats and makes dinner. <3
And Microsoft. For inventing the Xbox 360 that keeps him company.
i would like to thank my wife for her endless encouragement and sometimes butt kicking to get me in gear!
Thanks to my besties- Miles walked in the room when I was in the middle of chapter four and said that he wanted to read my book. That's when I started taking it all seriously. Props to Jillian, who peer pressured me into finishing the book. Without those two, I'd still be stumbling through half finished projects.
And of course my mom. She has unfailing faith in me, on a ridiculous level. It's good to have that sort of encouragement in this business, even if it isn't always realistic.
My husband, who believed in me enough to convince me to quit my job and encouraged me to stay home and write full time!
My husband, three boys, my parents, and my in laws for taking care of each other while I'm at conferences, book clubs, work shops, arts festivals, or just sitting in the office a million miles away in my head. I love them dearly.
My husband, Mark, is an awesome editor who knows all the grammar rules I failed to learn (if only my parents had sent me to Catholic school!). He's also a web programmer so I have to thank him for helping me set up my (too) many websites.
My six year old daughter brings magic to my life. That sounds cheesy, sure, but that's just what 6 year olds do–they live in magic worlds where tooth fairies are real and fat men on sleds bring presents (but ipods aren't expensive, mom, because the elves make them!). I like her and her Pokemon obsessed self. Thanks, Dulcie!
My husband who is a math/engineer type who doesn't read any fiction but still understands how driven I am and supports me in every single possible way…I'm very blessed.
Breeze
And here I was all focused on writing this post and not giving thanks to the most important person in my writing life, my wife…
Didn't Jennifer Aniston do this to Brad Pitt when she won her Emmy?
I wish you and your wife a much happier marriage than theirs.
And I agree. My personal residential support unit (a.k.a. husband and kids) deserves a day of appreciation. Thanks!
My husband.
My husband's best friend.
My best friend.
Each of whom has endured the drafting, reading, querying, and rejection with varying degrees of misery and immersion.
My husband and best friend, and I know my son, also a best friend, still does. My other friends. They all believe in me, maybe more than I do.
My beloved husband is the reason my career is blossoming. He's been behind me from the first moment I started typing out my strange little stories. He's edited my manuscripts, helped me brain storm plots and been there when things didn't go as planned. It was with incredible joy I was able to tell him my Y.A. novel had sold into two foreign market for some serious cash. It was as much his triumph as it was mine.
I'll take this opportunity to thank my son, Derrick. I began writing fiction when he was in seventh grade–at a time when he needed me to be there for him and I wasn't. Although we had a rough few years, he didn't become a juvenile delinquent, he graduated from college in four years, and he's now on his own, with a job in this tough economy.
Back in seventh grade, he also read the first draft of my novel and taught me a lot about pacing. And I'll never forget the night when I drove him and his younger sister to his friend's 13th birthday party and told him I was having trouble ending one of the chapters. "Ghosts!" he and his sister shouted in unison. The "ghosts" that end the chapter are my favorite part of that novel–which was finally published the summer after his freshman year in college.
Thank you my invisible dog, Zero. Happy Velentine's Day. You are always fullheartedly beside me and supportive of all my projects.
I want to thank my husband, who, if he thinks I'm crazy for pursuing this, keeps it to himself and always remains supportive.
I would like to thank a few of my close friends, who unbeknownst to them, have turned into my favorite muses for writing.
Honestly, I don't think I would be where I'm heading today without them.
Great idea.
My hubby. We celebrate one year of marriage on Saturday…I wonder what 1 year old frozen cake is going to taste like (After thawed of course)?!?!?
I'd like to thank my husband and teenage sons, for being supportive and finally understanding what , "I'm working!" means. But my biggest thanks goes to my BFF who reads and comments on every blog post I put up, even the crappy ones.
Here's a shout out to my wonderful hub of 20 years; idea man, first reader and emergency ink run hero. Thanks for taking vacation time to send me to conferences and watch our brood while I write!
I'd like to Thank (with a capital T) my long term boyfriend – for having the courage to tell me when my writing is less than fantastic, putting up with me when I throw fit because of it and then graciously accepting my apology a week later when I realise he was right… His life would be easier if he gave up being so honest, but I'd never improve without him.
My husband, who looks forward to his nightly bedtime story (or does an Oscar worthy job of faking his enthusiasm) — i.e., the latest and greatest chapter of my book. He listens as I read out loud in bed. Occasionally he stops me to clarify a point: "Would Zeb really say it like that?" or "Did they make ____ [fill in the blank] in 1863?" I especially like it when he reacts with a chuckle, a gasp or, best of all, a belly laugh, because then I know he's truly invested in the story. He's my thermometer, my gauge … and my biggest fan. I don't know what I'd do without him.
My husband and three little ones. My husband encourages, supports and is my loudest and most energetic cheerleader. My three little ones are too young to understand why mommy sits at the computer, hacking away on the keyboard…sometimes laughing…sometimes crying. While they don't fully get it, they know I'm up to something good (and quite frequently ask if I've mentioned them in my blog recently). 🙂
My husband,Wayne.He is my rock who endures my long absences into cyberspace after I return from my 8-10 hour day job. He also gives me honest feedback on my writing. He even fixes the meals so I can have more writing time. Thanks for the post and reminder of what I have to be grateful for.
Kathy Pooler
https://krpooler.wordpress.com
My Husband-of-Awesome makes my writing possible through his constant patience and support – and being a damn good critiquer of both the writing and business decisions. He's always honest in his comments, which balances out to the honesty I trust in his compliments. … will be 10 years this September!