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.