Easier With Support

It’s easy to misunderstand anyone who is involved in a creative endeavor like writing or editing. Sure, there is a science to what we do and some how-tos but it is as much art as science. It’s that strange combination which is hard to explain. I can teach the how-to parts of the craft (and many other talented writers can do so as well). But the art part, you have to bring to the table. You never know if you have this art portion or not until you try—so please don’t let it put you off trying to get published and write. Persistence is the name of the game.

It’s easier to be in the writing and publishing business if you have someone to support your efforts. I know this firsthand. Today marks my ten year anniversary to a remarkable presence and support in my life—someone I can’t spend enough time with—and we’ve spent hours together—Christine.  We met in a singles class at the First Presbyterian Church in Colorado Springs. Both of us were divorced and newly single. It was at a Valentine’s Day dance we met for the first time.  During May of the previous year, I had given my final treasurer’s report for the Evangelical Press Association. The next event on the schedule were some drawings related to the next year’s convention in the Washington, D.C. area.  They were raffling a hat and a mug and the grand prize was the presidential suite at the Hyatt Regency.   I never win anything in these drawings but I had dropped my business card into the bowl to be considered.  Three hundred editors were drum rolling on the table for to see who would win this grand prize. To my complete shock, they drew my business card from the bowl. About half of the crowd groaned because they believe the drawing was “rigged” since I had just finished addressing the convention. My face registered pure shock since I was going through a divorce and had no idea what I would do with the presidential suite of a hotel.

Throughout the year, magazine editors were calling me or writing to say they would be partying at my suite during the convention. Little did anyone know what would happen. I married Christine a few days before the convention and we spent our honeymoon in this presidential suite—which was something like 1,800 square feet with a full dining room, living room and a single bedroom.  Editors looked at us a little funny to be honeymooning at the convention—but it was the chance of a lifetime—in a number of ways for me.

My new wife plunged into my writing/ publishing world and learned about magazines and book publishers that had never been a part of her experience. It was a terrific event—and ten years ago today.

I marvel at Christine’s support of my writing and publishing work. We’ve moved several times because of different opportunities. I write all sorts of strange and weird hours but she has been there every step of the way. It’s easier if you have the support—not impossible without it—but much easier.