Saturday, January 22, 2011

Significant Other Blogfest (a day late)

 
D.L. Hammons of Cruising Altitude and Talli Roland decided 
It takes a special person to put up with writers' idiosyncrasies…and we believe its time they had their say! That’s why I, along with my blogging buddy across the pond Talli Roland, are teaming up to host The Significant Other Blogfest."
Yesterday I was hosting the fabulous Michelle McLean and so I am posting a day late (with D.L.'s blessing, of course!). Here is my wonderful hubby's starstruck, full-of-love-towards-his-writer-wife post:

(Please forgive the poor writing today, as Shannon’s husband has been drafted into service. On Monday, Shannon will continue your regularly broadcast blogging.)

What one thing would you change about your others writing habits?  (I included this question because I wanted to see what his answer would be)

After starting school at 7 am and getting home around 4:30, I rush around getting dinner ready. After eating dinner and helping the kids get their chores started, I plop down in my big "man chair" preparing to do absolutely NOTHING. This, of course, is the moment that Shannon announces, "I need inspiration for Chapter 8, can you help?" Typically by that time, my brain feels like jello and all I am trying to figure out is if I want chocolate chip or double fudge ice cream for dessert.

The rest of the story:
 
When Shannon first asked me to write the post discussing the spousal reaction to the challenges and tribulations of trying to become a published author, my first thought was that if went on a long sojourn to Northern Alaska, I could get out of it. However, over time I have slightly warmed to idea after being offered significant bribes.
One of the great challenges with Shannon is trying to help her remember the tremendous gifts that have come from her writing, even if it hasn’t been published. One of my favorite memories over the past few years is watching our youngest son, who is the inspiration for her book, cuddle up to her and ask her to read to him from “his” book. He also proudly announces that his favorite book in the whole world is his mother's. No matter what happens with The Naughty Boy Factory, Scott will always have his mother’s writing to share with his children and grandchildren.  

Perhaps even more importantly, our children have seen their mother persevere and continue to challenge herself. Unlike the pithy posters in our classrooms and the “quote of the day” inspirations, there is nothing more powerful than living the traits that we want in our children. Finally, her writing has brought us together as a family. Sure, there have been moments where she asks us to listen to her book one more time and everyone scatters, but we are all deeply invested in her writing. 

I have no doubt that one day, hopefully sooner rather than later, Shannon will be a published author. When that day comes, we will have one heck of a party, but for now, we will celebrate the process and all that it brings to our family.

18 comments:

Vicki Rocho said...

Awwww...Great post! I love that your son cuddles up to hear 'his' story!

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

A wonderful post and most pleasurable to read.

Yvonne.

Old Kitty said...

Awwwwww Mr O'Donnel!!! You are a sweetie!!! Lovely Shannon is amazing and yay that y'all incredibly supportive and wonderful - no scattering when she wants to read out her book!!! LOL!!

Take care
x

Jules said...

Mr. O'Donnell a fine job. Shannon is lucky to have support like that. Shannon, published or not, a child admiration cannot be topped! :)

And I'm late making the rounds so this worked out great!
Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow

Unknown said...

I love Mr. O late or not this post rocked!! This was so special. I've really enjoyed the blogfest.

DL Hammons said...

This quote...

One of my favorite memories over the past few years is watching our youngest son, who is the inspiration for her book cuddle up to her and ask her to read to him from “his” book. He also proudly announces that his favorite book in the whole world is his mothers.

...made the entire blogfest worth it! My heart melted when I read that. Not only did Hubby perfectly illustrate the subtle influences a writer has on their family, but I learned a little bit more about Shannon as well.

Thank you so much, both of you, for taking part in the fun. This was golden! :)

Robyn Campbell said...

Hmm, I needed to be a part of this blogfest. DH should have TONS of wonderful things to say about moi. :)

Shannon is lucky to have you. But you are just as lucky to have married my bff.

I too, love the story about your son cuddling up to her as she reads. This is the way families are supposed to be.

Love the bribes idea, Shannon. I frequently offer said pay offs to hubby in order to win him over. Hey, it works. ALWAYS. :)

Mary Aalgaard said...

Now, that's a success story.

Kimberly Franklin said...

Your hubby did a great job!

Catherine Denton said...

Okay, you guys have to be the sweetest couple EVER! You cook dinner??? Wow. I love how encouraging you are to Shannon, and how your little boy wants to read "his" book. And I cracked up when you said how sometimes everyone scatters. That scene is so familiar! Thanks Mr. O'Donnell for sharing!!

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Shannon, you married a gem! We writers need a lot of support, and I'm glad you have it.

TerryLynnJohnson said...

I so enjoyed a little peek into your home life. What a great idea. And this is a wonderful post to read! I second it - one day, you will be a published author!

Susan Fields said...

That was awesome! What a great guy, and so positive! Thanks for sharing your hubby with us today.

Kelly Polark said...

So sweet and I love that your son's favorite story is yours!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Mr and Mrs O'D .. great family story .. and as you say Scott will have something for life with wonderful memories to hand on down.

I'm sure we'll see you out there rocking the book world .. have fun and don't run too often!

Enjoy Sunday together .. Hilary

Tyrean Martinson said...

oh, so sweet! Your hubby did a great job!

Ishta Mercurio said...

AWESOME. Great post - and such a great reminder of what we can celebrate as we all take this journey towards publication.

diane said...

wonderful post

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