I received a phone call at the end of June letting me know Lakeside Reunion is a finalist in the ACFW-sponsored Carol awards! I was thrilled, excited, overwhelmed, humbled, then slightly disappointed when the contest coordinator said I wasn’t allowed to tell anyone.
“No one? Not even my editor or agent?”
“No one.”
“Wow.”
“Well, you can tell your husband, but that’s it. You can’t share the news until the finalists are announced in July.”
I received that phone call two hours after I had received the call from Hubby’s new company offering him a job. I couldn’t wait for Hubby to get home–first to hear about his job offer details (I had texted him so he could call the HR office), then to share my news.
He was thrilled for me.
Hubby has been a huge supporter of my writing dream since he learned I always wanted to be a writer. Without his support, I couldn’t succeed to where I am today. He helps pick up the slack around the house when I’m on deadline. He’s an impressive Errand Boy. He supports me emotionally when I’m going through a writer rough patch.
I’ve heard stories from women and men whose spouses or significant others don’t get their writing. They are unsupportive and the writer feels so alone in an already solitary journey.
My heart aches for those writers because support on the homefront is critical to have a full-bodied dream become reality.
Hubby doesn’t always get my writing, but he appreciates it. He gave me the greatest gift when he read my first novel.
I can’t grow as a writer if I don’t have his support.
Your Turn: If you’re married, in what ways your spouse support your writing dream? If you’re single, who supports your writing?
I’m still so thrilled for you, Lisa! Wow, I can’t imagine having to keep that secret!! :/
My husband is such a wonderful support. Just yesterday I was freaking out over all the stuff I have to get done, including my self-imposed deadline for plotting my next book. I’d name something not-writing-related and he’d say, “Let me do that.” Something else? Same response.
I’m so blessed!
Sounds like you have a wonderful hubby too, LindsAy! It’s tough when you have to try to get everything done on your own. Sometimes I have to remember to ask Hubby for help because he doesn’t always see what I see that needs to be done.
My husband is a wonderful support to my dream. He is especially supportive when it comes to conferences and workshops to grow and promote my work. He believes in me, even when I sometimes forget to believe in myself.
When the expense is just a bit more than we were hoping he says, “Well, it’s tax deductible right?” I am so grateful for his love and support on my journey!
Michelle, it’s tough when writing stretches the budget, but in the long run, you’ll get a return for your investment. So thankful you have his support.
Lisa and Lindsay and Michelle, you are so blessed to have husbands who support you! I’m single, but in a looooooooooooooooong-term relationship with the nicest guy (we’ve been dating 14 years)and he’s a lot like your husbands–he very supportive. When I won the Maggie for unpub in the Inspirational category, he had a dozen red roses waiting for me when I got home. And besides him, the rest of my family is supportive as well.
And Lisa, I know keeping that secret was almost unbearable!
Pat, red roses is such a sweet gesture!! I didn’t get roses when I sold my first book, but that’s okay…I suppose. 😉 Sounds like you have a nice guy by your side.
Lisa,
Congratulations on finaling in the Carol! It must have been crazy having to keep that secret.
I’m so glad your hubby supports your dreams. Mine does too!
Thanks, Roxanne! I’m so glad you have Steve by your side!
Lisa, I’m always so challenged to leave a comment here because of the math requirement. Hehehe…j/k…
But seriously, congratulations, my friend!! I’m so, so proud of you. It would’ve killed me to keep a secret like that. I might’ve had to live in seclusion and destroy my laptop in order to keep it.
Your story ROCKS and I’m so thrilled for you!!
I’m not married, but I’m pretty sure whoever the lucky guy (hehe) is will have to support my dream…I won’t marry him otherwise. Ha! J/k again (mostly)…but I’m blessed with crazily supportive family and friends (like you!)…yay!
Melissa, you know which ones trip me up? The ones like this… ______ -3=4. I have to stop and think…sigh.
Thanks for your sweet words! Your guy better support your writing dreams. If he doesn’t, he’s not the right guy for you!
Yeah, Mel. But I’m sure Tim will support your dream. He knows all about big career dreams. 😉
Haaa, Linds. Yes. Poor Tim. I’m really putting a lot of expectations on him. But like you said, if anybody understands, he should. 🙂