Writers are a unique breed. We can spend hours staring at a computer screen and come away feeling like we've just gone on a long journey. What we may not realize, however, is that while we've been on that journey, things in our house have been "business as usual."
And in this house, "Business" is also spelled "MESS."
Last year, I wrote this post which will serve as all the proof you need. (Looking at those pictures, I have to stop in a moment of silence, SO thankful we're out of that rental house. There's never been so much cause for celebration.)
Anyway, I'm working on planning my book launch party with the help of my AMAZING Event Planner, Lauren and I'm also working on edits for the second book in the Sweethaven series (it's almost done!) and finishing the first draft for Book Three, A Sweethaven Christmas. It's an exciting--but busy--time, and I am loving it.
But it's made me realize there are things that make our lives easier. There are many things, like a weekend away from all distraction...but let's be reasonable.
So, without further hooplah, here's my wish list...
The Top Five Things Every Writer Needs.
1. A GREAT desk chair.
This is the one I got...though mine was seriously on sale.
While it may seem unromantic, Adam bought me a desk chair for our anniversary this year and it has SAVED my back. I have no pain anymore. Never again will I buy a desk chair at Target. (duh.) Go to the store and try some out and get one with lower back support. It's worth the investment.
2. A standing appointment with a masseuse
This is me being a total hypocrite since the only massage I've ever had was when I was 9+ months pregnant with Ethan (who came out weighing over ten pounds.) But I'm convinced that even though I've now got a great desk chair, my muscles would greatly benefit from the occasional massage. And while I try to work up the courage to go and get one (it's the naked factor that has me all weirded out) I think you should go and then report back.
Specifically, I'd like to know..."is it weird?" and "do you have to get all the way naked?"
Hey, I need to know what I'm walking into.
3. A maid/nanny/personal chef.
I make absolutely no bones about the fact that when it comes to all things domestic I am almost always a failure. Like 97.5% of the time. When I'm busy or on deadline, the house is the first thing to suffer...
(I'll give you five guesses as to how long the contents of our Christmas road trip sat in the middle of the living room. And I'll even tell you that I've yet to unpack my suitcase.)
Every night, dinner time rolls around and I groan. Adam's started saying "Maybe you should go back to making a menu" but you know, that'd be too organized. Plus, when your culinary skills are as, well, undeveloped as mine, you're kind of limited in your choices.
(Also, why, all of the sudden, does my eight-year-old hate everything except noodles with butter and parmesan?)
4. Real life friends. Seriously. When you find yourself talking to your husband about your characters like they're real people "who did the funniest thing today" it's time to gather the girls and go for coffee.
Or, a good long talk with someone you love is always good at helping you maintain your grip on reality.
5. A brainstorming/critique partner. This is great advice to help you keep your marriage safe. Because no matter HOW wonderful your husband is, he doesn't want to hear about your plotlines/ story ideas or writing woes 24/7. Plus, if he's anything like my husband, he's really "not your target audience."
Crit. partners and mentors (and writing friends in general) are the people that will totally 'get you' and I don't know, there's just something about 'being gotten.' Find ones that build you up, encourage you, pray for you, tell you when your story doesn't make sense.
They're priceless.
So, I want to hear from you? What's the one thing you need most right now to help you make your dream come true?
