April 17, 2009
When you’re a fiction writer, one of the most important things you can have is an understanding partner. Someone who “gets it” and does what it takes to help you do the work and break through. With such a person on your side, you can make it as a writer for the long haul. With a partner who isn’t understanding or supportive, you’re in trouble.
Thankfully, I do have a partner who supports my fiction writing. My wife, Wendy, keeps me going when times are tough. She takes up the slack when it comes to chores around the house, freeing me up to hit the keyboard. And she always goes out of her way to make the dream possible. For example, when she got home this evening, she had very specific plans for a series of tasks and errands she wanted the two of us to accomplish. When I told her I needed extra writing time tonight, she immediately changed course and agreed to wait till Saturday to cover those bases. And thanks to her, I finished my writing for the day. She’s an understanding partner, and you better believe I’ll be dedicating my first novel to her when it finally sells. Because this fiction writing is what you call a team effort. It’s the only way it can work, at least for me. Without her, I was going nowhere on the writing side; with her, I’ve made great strides. I still have a long way to go, but the two of us share the dream, and we’re working hard to make it happen.
Now for today’s photo. This one’s a shot of me at Dover, New Hampshire in June 1980. See you tomorrow.
Dover, New Hampshire, June 1980
