For the longest time, as in until the first draft of my first book was written, only my husband knew about the double life I lived--soccer mom by day, aspiring author by night. The only reason I told him, was because I had to explain why he would be watching TV by himself at night for the next several months.
When I told him I was going to write a book, I was actually giggly with embarrassment. I half expected him to laugh at me, but he didn't. I'm not going to get all sappy and say my husband was my number one supporter, because . . . well . . . he wasn't (men can be big babies at times--especially when they feel like they're being neglected). However, he never faltered in his belief in me. He never doubted my ability to write a novel and to some day get it published (still working on that part). I once asked him why he never doubted I would finish it, and he said "Because this is you we're talking about."
Despite his confidence in me (two years ago), I still felt it necessary to come up with a back-up plan. I gave myself a year to try this writing thing out. I would write my book, attempt to get it represented, and then if nothing panned out, I would happily (slight exaggeration) join the part-time workforce. Needless to say, that year came and went. As soon as the school-year started, I half expected my husband to start leaving the help-wanted section next to the coffee-maker every morning, but he didn't. When I approached him about holding off finding a job so I could work on my writing, he said, "Okay," followed by, "Yeah, I don't think you should give up on this." That was a year ago, and the conversation of me going back to work has never been brought up since. He could've been a jerk about the whole thing and insisted I get a job and stop typing away on the computer all day, but he didn't.
I am so proud of my husband. He works long, hard hours doing a manual-labor job. He deals with crappy coworkers and working conditions. He goes to work with sore muscles and pinched nerves sometimes. This is part of the reason I keep going. He works his butt off to provide for his family, and so that I can chase my dream. He believes I can succeed, and I don't want to let him down.
Whether or not spouses/significant others understand or are interested in what we're doing doesn't really matter, but their belief in us does.
This is so sweet. And you know, my husband has been the same: working hard, day in and day out, so that I can pursue my dreams. Having a supportive spouse makes the process SO much more joyful.
ReplyDeleteI'm fortunate to also have a lot of friends who believe in me. With that kind of backup, how can I fail? Right? RIGHT? :)
That is cute! I could say all the same things about my hubby. It's so nice to know you have someone who wants the best for you.
ReplyDeleteI could have written this post. I too started writing too years ago, and gave myself a year to give it a go. I'm not published or anything, but I'm still working at it. The fact that my husband supports me means everything.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that your husband supports you like this. That's really wonderful! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet, sweet man. My hubbie has also been a wonderful support through this! It takes a very special kind of person to be a spouse to a writer. We're so blessed we happened to find just those kind of guys.
ReplyDeleteAnd don't worry girlie, one day soon, you'll get pubbed and make him SO proud. :) And I promise you, there's no feeling like it.
That is the sweetest post ever. Hooray for wonderful, understanding spouses!! (Mine is too. Lucky me!)
ReplyDeleteHooray for Angela's husband!!! I'd buy him a beer and give him a hearty smack on the back if we were in the same town. That's awesome that he's so supportive of you--and well he should be. You are fabulous and I predict big things for your future. (I just asked the magic 8 ball it said, "Bethany is always right.")
ReplyDeleteAwwww! I love it! It's going to be great when you can get all mushy about him in your acknowledgments--when that book gets published! :-)
ReplyDeleteThat's so lovely. And your very last sentence makes a very good point. My husband has no interest at all in *what* I write and I doubt would even read a novel of mine if it were a bestseller (he's not a reader in general, plus English is his second language) - but he has an absolute belief in my ability to write and that is definitely the most important thing.
ReplyDeleteYour husband is awesome. That is everything a partner should be, right there.
ReplyDeleteMy wife is the same. I have no stronger supporter than her.
Thanks everyone for your comments :o) I am so lucky--not only do I have a supportive husband, but I have awesomely supportive blog followers/tweeps! You're right Greenwoman, how can I not succeed with backup like that? ;o)
ReplyDelete@Amanda-- My husband is the same way! He is not a reader. At all. If it doesn't have pictures of cars in it, he's not interested in it, lol ;o) We make an odd pair ;o)
That is very, very cool of him. One good thing about my ex I can say is that he was supportive of my writing, even before there was good reason to be.
ReplyDeleteHaving that kind of backup is imperative!
Yes, your first book should be dedicated to this man! Me, I am married to a creative type as well, so both of us want to quit our jobs and write music and poetry and whatnot. Finance problem!
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