With piled up laundry, grocery lists partially written, mail unopened, cars not tuned - writers are staring into the distance and cooking up another story for the page. Potentially, with no contract or hope of one. All the ups and downs, sideways turns, and crashing moments we have ridden out with our significant others! Aren't they countless at this point? Yes, my husband plays a huge part in my Acknowledgement pages, and the first novel was rightfully dedicated to him. But it's never enough to express how far, and wide that support has run. (And if you doubt me, check his Facebook page for Owen Hicks. :) )
Here's the grand thing. Over the years my husband has been able to travel with me to writer's conferences and festivals far and wide. He has a few that have become his favorites. Great little town squares, awesome restaurants where I do believe we know owners by name. And in all of those great venues we have met other writer's mates along the trail. We've made friends like Raymond Atkins and his quick-witted, supportive, and incredibly beautiful funny wife, Marsha. And there's Eric Wilson and his wife with the angelic voice, Carolyn Rose. JT Ellison and husband Randy. Ad Hudler and his wife, Carol. The list goes on and on.
So many great writers have these incredible people cheering them on. They're a tribe unto their own. Think Kathy Patrick and Jay Patrick, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson who made sure she talked to "her man" down on the farm everyday that we were on book tour together. (I feel like I know him so well and have never met him.) Patti Callahan Henry's husband Pat Henry who has welcomed me graciously. The list goes on and on. I can't pull them all to mind. Ronlyn Domingue's sweetie. Jamie Ford's incredible wife I met in Jefferson. Janis Owen's great husband on the farm. Joshilyn Jackson's wild, and wonderful husband that she blogs about all the time.
Can I offer a great big thank you to all of you. All those weary, wonderful souls who listen to us whine, complain, moan, lament and sometimes offer us a "There, there." and warm milk? Who celebrate with us till the cows come home over a new book deal! Who walk through this wonderful, weary thing we do with us hand in hand? Yes, it's a little all Bogey and Bacall but ain't life grand? Don't you want to light a few candles for that special person and say, "Hang on baby, the best is yet to come?"
So the next time your soul mate darling drags a toe at attending a writerly event or joining you here and there on the road, show them this post, and all the ones previous and yet to come. I think a few writer spouses could benefit from knowing they are not alone on this journey living with big-hearted storytellers.
We are a richer, saner, wiser, healthier tribe because you are there. Thank you for watching the bank accounts, and having the backs of so many of these beautiful writers so that the world (me included) can read the words you've helped them find the space to create.
God bless you!
River Jordan
River Jordan is the author of four published novels, a collection of Essay's, and a new work of non-fiction. All of which have been greatly influenced, inspired, and created with her husbands kind assurance. You may visit the author and her books at http://www.riverjordan.us The most excellent photograph for the cover of island mystery, The Gin Girl was taken by her husband who crawled through swamps and plucked orchidy flowers to capture the essence of the story.
6 comments:
Love this, River.
Boy, I can relate! My wife has been my capital C Champion. We celebrate 21 years of marriage tomorrow, and half of that time has been her going through the day-to-day toils of an author's life with me, never complaining, always supportive, and believing in me even when I've stopped believing in myself.
Carolyn and I feel honored to know you, River and Owen, so it's a double honor to be mentioned here.
Hear, hear! It takes sheer endurance and genuine love to live with a writer, especially on the days when s/he spends more time in another world than this one.
Our manly men must meet one day. T. would LOVE your dog, too.
River, I'm especially glad my man made this post!!!! He deserves every mention he could ever get. This was perfect; made me wanna say, "what River said..."
Nicole, so good to be with you recently. I know 'family' is your taproot. Eric, you sure do have an incredibly supportive wife. And doesn't it make all the difference in the world! Ronlyn, your manly man is Divine. What a treasure and so glad I got to meet him. Shellie (aka - Dog) - I'm looking forward to one day soon meeting your man in person instead of just via road trip stacked up stories!
Such a nice post River,
I heard a lot about River Jordan and I love her book "Praying for strangers".
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