Friday, January 21, 2011

Significant Other Blogfest

I have to really, REALLY, thank my husband for putting this together even though he's been home alone with our three kids for a week while I've been in Utah caring my mother. Thanks Babe, Love ya!

The following post is written by my husband for the Significant Other Blogfest. Check out mine and then go check out everyone else's.

When my wife asked me to put together a “blog posting” I thought she was losing her mind. Didn’t she know that I was a financial advisor, whose written skills were next to non-existent? Didn’t she remember that I scored a 330 on the verbal portion of the SAT, twice! (For the younger people out there, it used to be scored on a 1600 point scale) . Anyways, here we go!

You writers are amazing to me. You able to come up with elaborate stories starting with a blank sheet of paper, a pen and your thoughts. I remember watching my wife write her first book wondering where did she come up with this stuff? I on the other hand, enjoy doing complex mathematic calculations in my head while I work out. To each their own.

Outside of work and workout I do enjoy cooking! The question was asked, “What food or drink is guaranteed to return your loved one to a good mood, even after a bad day writing?” For those of you that don’t cook often, the answer is simple. Just include the 3 main food groups, Butter, Salt, Sugar. To be specific, the dish I would cook is a Risotto with asparagus tips, topped with butter shavings and fresh parmesan. The side dishes would include a mozzarella caprese. Some homemade garlic bread with fresh chopped garlic and real butter spread prior to baking is a must. For you wine drinkers a nice bottle of Cain 5 (great blend). Lastly, some Gelato for dessert. Heck if this didn’t put her in a good mood, I would be in such a great mood I could just entertain! OK…I’m getting hungry. No seriously.

My wife is introspective and is at home with herself writing with only her thoughts and her computer. It’s really remarkable to hear the key strokes mimicking the sound of a machine gun. When she asked me, What one thing would you change about your significant others writing habits? I had to reflect on the question. She is dedicated, self-motivated, disciplined and she is able to create stories/situations/dialog that grab and hold my attention. So, where do we go from here? I can honestly say that I would not change her writing habits, I would change her self-marketing habits. The query process is a tough one. I watched my wife get her hopes up with a partial request and then have them crushed with the form letter rejection. There is no easy way to get rejected 99% of the time. The one word of advice is to put it into perspective and realize that the rejections are part of the process. She had 2 partial request out of 12 queries sent. In my head that is a pretty good percentage, to be exact 16.66667%. And…the most importantly is that constantly put yourself out there. If there are no outstanding query’s there is no potential for a partial or full manuscript request.

The last question, “How hard is it to sit by and watch someone you care for struggle to attain a dream...knowing there's very little you can do to help?” To be very pragmatic about it, it’s not difficult to watch as long as they continue down the path. During my Ironman triathlon, our neighbor put a sign together for me. “Success is not final, failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts!”. The only time I will be concerned is if my wonderful wife loses the passion to write. The happiness, success and failure are all worth it as long as you continue to do what you love. Good luck everyone and keep writing.

24 comments:

  1. I love that risotto, I can't help myself. He can make that for me any time and it will get me out of a slump.

    He's write about my marketing habits. That's why I'm working on it this year. Last year, I didn't even have a blog. I was querying in a vacuum with no support team like I have now.

    I think also that he would change my hours of writing if it were possible because the typing keeps him up at night.

    Love you, Babe!

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  2. I'm funny. I said he's write, meant right. Guess I have writing on the mind too much, haha!

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  3. Welcome back! I hope everything's going as well it can.

    Your husband shouldn't poo-poo his writing writing skills. This was a very articulate and thoughtful post. Isn't it awesome having a supportive spouse!

    Dan - my wife's post.

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  4. Can I return to a good mood at your house? That meal sounds amazing! Seriously, my mouth is watering. You have a great guy there and I salute him for stepping up today and standing in for you. He did an excellent job and with a support system like that I don't see how you won't succeed!

    Thank you both for taking part in the fun today! :)

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  5. I wonder if my wife can be bribed/pacified with cheesy dishes?

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  6. For someone who said they couldn't write I'm impressed. I really like your thoughtful and generous comments and I would really love you to make me a meal like that too! Just kidding of course. What a nice husband you have Patricia! TGW

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  7. Very thoughtful, kind, post. I enjoyed reading it.

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  8. Aw. He is too sweet. I too have zero marketing habits. It's the hubby with the BA in marketing that I will rely on when the time comes for all that noise.

    J

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  9. Your husband is so sweet and thoughtful

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  10. Impressive post. I enjoyed it very much.

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  11. Okay, can you come cook for me? Seriously?

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  12. Hi Mr. Timms. You are so sweet and supportive! Thanks for sharing.

    My significant other

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  13. I would love to try that risotto! He is so sweet and supportive! :)

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  14. Can you send me some of that risotto?
    ;)
    Great entry. YOu're both lucky to have each other!

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  15. I will second everyone's comments about the meal. That sounds delish! This was a wonderful and supportive post. Thanks for participating today. Its fun getting to know everyone a little bit. My hunny stopped by and read your post as well. It was one of his favorites.

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  16. I love you two. Good Job James!!

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  17. OH MY GOSH!! That was awesome!! - - and yum on the meal he'd bring you. SHEESH.

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  18. Mmmmm, I think we all want to come to your house for dinner now.

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  19. I think you should open a catering business for writers. I'd love someone to bring me over a dish of that yumminess!

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  20. James.... You did a great job.

    What a guy! I know a bit about you from Patty, but I learned so much more in your post.

    Well done.

    Patty ... he's a keeper!

    I miss you,

    Michael

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  21. Okay, now I'm really, really hungry. That meal sounds fantastic! And I love that he gives a percentage for how many requests you've gotten. Yup, sounds like a financial advisor to me. :)

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  22. aw Pat he's sweet. If I could build something in honor of my amazing hubs I would

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  23. I'm happy to see he knows the *real* three major food groups Sounds like a great guy. Thanks for sharing!

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