Mother Writing

My cousin is in the process of having a book published. It is a witty, self-deprecating, hilarious book on parenting. I have had the privilege of giving her "notes", reading it as it is in progress, and commenting on what works, and what doesn't. It is an honor beyond what I can express because of the trust she has placed in my intellect and opinion. I also laughed my way through a difficult year because of her book. But, that's not the point, the point is, my husband saying "Unnamed Cousin got a book published, when are you going to?" This is not as mean as it sounds. In fact, it is actually quite kind. Steve believes with all of his non-reading heart that I am a talented writer. He believes people want to read what I write. He thinks I can do it. That's why he references Unnamed Cousin. He asked, what does she do? How did she finish a book? It isn't a rhetorical question, he really wants to know. Well, I know how she did it. She treated it like a job. She worked everyday. She set goals for herself. She is a pretty disciplined person. I finally got the nerve up to tell Steve what I needed to do in order to finish one of my FOUR! works in progress. I have to act like it is a job I have to do nothing but write from 8:30 in the morning til 1:30 when I pick up Annie the Amazing.

That means the family has to understand that I will be doing more housework while they are here, and less hanging on their every word, and serving their every desire. Do you know what Steve said? He said, "Of course, that is exactly what you should do."

I love him.

So, I have to pick a story to finish first. When I asked Steve what I should do, he said, "You have to finish them all, so just pick one."

He's kind of a slave-driver.

I had every intention of starting off this week by writing, and learning to organize my time well, but Annie the Amazing got an amazing case of the flu. We are on day three of her not really eating or drinking, so I am taking her to the doctor. Next week, look out Margaret Atwood, I am hot on your tail. (see, I can be self-deprecating too)

I think I am going to finish the one about the girl living in Vegas first. I will try to keep blogging and letting you know how it's going.