I haven’t posted in a couple of days, but I figure my last post gave folks something to chew on for a while. Also, a birthday party, a date with E-spouse, house cleaning, yard work, new school year prep, AND finishing a first draft of Janus Watchers have taken precedence.
Yes, you read correctly. I have a complete, albeit messy, first draft of Janus Watchers. There is much editing to be done–foreshadowing to add, plot bunnies to kill, character motives to be examined, and sentences to be rewritten. Hell, paragraphs, nay, pages, to be rewritten. Words to be chopped, replaced, thesaurized. But, I have a beginning, a midde, and an end. Okay, lots of middle. As in middle-aged, spreading middle, middle of child-rearing, middle of a cold beer (Sorry, Holden, but after writing 76,000 words in a semi-straight line, I NEED to digress).
Thanks are and will be due a number of people. But, two people are particularly deserving of my eternal and loving gratitude. One, as you’ve probably guessed, is Enviro-spouse, whom, about a year ago, said, “If this is really your dream, you should go for it, and I will support you however I can.” Which is exactly what he’s done. About a year ago, he began giving me one night a week (usually Wednesday, depending on his travel schedule). It doesn’t sound like much, but it is a HUGE gift. He leaves work to take the kids at 4:00 p.m., while I scurry down to the coffee shop and write furiously until my eyes go blurry and my wrists ache. Afterwards, I often head to the local pub for a salad, a beer, and a round of editing. My sweet spouse also has given to me many Sunday mornings and Saturday afternoons–taking the kids to church or on an adventure. Thank you, thank you, my love.
The second person I must thank is my father-in-law–a man who clearly is an excellent role model. He comes, almost every Monday, and cares for my kids from 1-5 p.m. During the school year, this gives me an ENTIRE day to write. In addition to providing me with my beloved time, he revels in creating and pursuing fun activities and new adventures with his grandkids–irreplacable and priceless gifts. Thank you, Stephen.
So, when people ask, as they often do: “How do you find the time to write?” My answer is “Two men.”
Awesome AF! Always giving credit where credit is due.
10 Bonus Points from the Blog Patrol…
hmmm… you must have turned off pictures, or did I do that?
What are you talking about, Eddo? What pictures? Where? Argghhh. And speaking of, what would I do without the blog master? The polisher? The big Texan blog expert?
Like father, like son. Lucky you to have their support. I’m SO impressed- when I first tuned in you were just in the early phases of this work and now! I love your second paragraph, esp. “plot bunnies to kill.” They multiply like thieves in my writing. Congratulations, AF!
I read your birth story late last night. I know all about that big head problem. How cool is it that you didn’t have 2 C-sections but chose, instead, to spit this son out of your mouth! I hope you both had a happy happy birthday on Saturday. Life is rich.
My heart does somersaults whenever I read that someone loves someone (who is most deserving) enough to help them make their dreams a reality. Kudos to both your guys and to you for counting your blessings.
Congratulations and happy editing!
What a neat thing for your kiddo’s as well. Time with daddy and Gramps and yet your needs are being met…. Talk to Ben…. I can’t seem to find time to write when I am not completely Shot!
Wonderful AF! I can almost hear the “ahhhhhh” in your voice. Having a hubby who works many hours, I do understand how one night a week can be huge. Go E-Spouse Go! Woo-hoo!
And a grandpa who is involved? Priceless and rare.
I always love reading who the writer dedicates the books to. Will Janus Watchers be dedicated to “Two Men”?
Pictures in the comment section are back! Yeah! Now you can see the little blog patrol dude scoping out your site!
Wohoo! Congrats, EM!
We had faith in you.
Don’t forget to buy ‘em a soda pop when you get published. Soda pop is a good gift, unless you buy generic.
Maybe it’s my PMS at work, but I just got all teary reading that.
Go you and go yours. Congrats on all of it.
Good Stuff!! SA-WEEEEEEEEET!
Congrats on reaching your goal. Now the hard work begins, right?