Wednesday, July 2, 2014

#ISWG Posting: The Importance of Support at Home


I've been serious about my writing for a little over a year now. I've bumped it up from a sweet, little hobby (something I did piecemeal whenever inspiration hit, something I played at) into a consuming craft (something I do daily with specific goals and progress expectations). And my family has rolled with it.

My husband has been incredibly supportive. A lesser man might have complained about the time I've devoted to imaginary people and worlds, or about the household tasks that he's had to pick up or that were just left undone. But I'm a fortunate woman with a supportive partner who recognizes how important this is to me, at a soul level. 

When I was struggling to develop a daily writing habit, he took on extra solo parenting duty and let me disappear to a coffee shop or a room with a door. To help jumpstart me, he bought me a writing retreat weekend and took on the extra solo parenting duty that my absence entailed. (If you have children, you know how generous a gift that really is). 

It's hit me only recently how very fortunate I've been. How has it gone for you, fellow writers? Have your families been supportive? What have your struggles been as you became serious about your writing?

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This posting is part of the Insecure Writers Support Group blog hop. To check out other posts by writers in a variety of places in their careers, check out the participant list

12 comments:

  1. A thoughtful gift from your husband. That's nice.

    One of the struggles I've experienced is when I come to the part when I need to write the climax of the story. It's easier with children's stories. But, with novels, I think I'm still in the learning curve. There are times when I still have trouble with that. :-)

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  2. That's great that your husband is so supportive. My fiance is a creative person as well, so he definitely understands the need to have some quiet writing time.

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  3. I have a very supportive husband too. He's also a bit creative, so he understands the need to create. He's also fabulous at giving me advice about plotting--his strong suit.
    How lovely that he gave you time to write--having a supportive family is so important!

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  4. Imagined lack of time is my biggest constraint. My wife is supportive to a large degree. We are planning retirement, etc. and the writing goals and expectations do enter the conversation. I'm happy and look forward to more good years ahead.

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  5. I'm surprised at the comments. Although I have a wonderfully supportive husband, I know many writers who aren't so fortunate. I know writers who've let the lack of support stifle them and others who've made them more determined. I'm so glad to hear of the support we've been given.

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  6. I have definitely talked with many writers who struggle to have their loved ones understand why writing matters to them. I'm happy to hear so many of my IWSG comrades finding support for their work though!

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  7. You are a very lucky person and I'm glad you're aware of it. :-)

    Anna from Shout with Emaginette

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  8. That's wonderful that your husband has been so supportive. I"m fortunate to have a supportive husband too. He's always urging me to write, always encouraging me to do what I love. We are definitely fortunate and you're right - it's terribly important to have support at home!

    Thanks for stopping by my blog today!
    Jen

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  9. That truly IS a generous gift...time alone in silence to write. Your husband is a wonderful guy. My hubby is also a huge supporter of my work. Same with my three teen sons. I couldn't imagine life without it. Good luck to you!

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  10. That's nice of your hubby. I can't say mine has done that, but then again, he's as interested in my writing as I am in his computer programming. We'll listen to each other prattle on, of course, and support each other.

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  11. Now that's what being a man is all about.
    I've been fortunate that my wife has supported me. We don't have kids, but she gives me the time I need to complete a manuscript and edit it.

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  12. You are blessed!
    My hubby supports me, but I don't think he realises the seriousness of the business. It think it will really hit him once I've published a book.
    Writer In Transit

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