tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post8852993624350953006..comments2024-03-29T03:42:04.742-04:00Comments on Author, Jody Hedlund: Family SupportJody Hedlundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-41206976921180851212009-05-08T06:29:00.000-04:002009-05-08T06:29:00.000-04:00Hi Lynnette,
It is really hard for families to und...Hi Lynnette,<br />It is really hard for families to understand the whole writing life and how hard it is to get published! So since we're not published yet, they tend to not take us as seriously! That's so hard!Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-51252774627709873912009-05-07T22:43:00.000-04:002009-05-07T22:43:00.000-04:00Honestly, even though members of my family say the...Honestly, even though members of my family say they support me, I don't think they really BELIEVE I'll ever get published. No, they haven't read my work, so it's not that I can't write. They just don't see writing as a serious career. At least they're nice enough to act as though they're excited for me. ;) I'll show them! <br /><br />Lynnette Labelle<br />http://lynnettelabelle.blogspot.comLynnette Labellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03227593491562480538noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-43141050609701665452009-05-07T21:49:00.000-04:002009-05-07T21:49:00.000-04:00Joyce: I think that my husband is very similar to ...Joyce: I think that my husband is very similar to yours. He's hands off in the writing aspect, but he's supportive of me and wants me to be happy.<br /><br />KLo: Sounds like you're paddling upstream with your family! I hope you have a good writing group that encourages you!<br /><br />Susan: I like the idea of turning off the computer and spending the day with family as a gift to them! Thank you!Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-50921909265908186212009-05-07T20:56:00.000-04:002009-05-07T20:56:00.000-04:00My husband was always supportive. He provided acco...My husband was always supportive. He provided accountability, funds to attend conferences, and read my work.<br /><br />Mom often asks how the writing is going and brags to her friends about her daughter, the writer. <br /><br />My gift to them: turning off the computer and spending the day with them. It's way too easy to get lost in a fictional world and forget I have a life.<br /><br />Thanks, Jodi, for an excellent post.<br /><br />Blessings,<br />Susan :)Susan J. Reinhardthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07461276857852409546noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-42271070586868017042009-05-07T20:51:00.000-04:002009-05-07T20:51:00.000-04:00My mother always kind of tolerated my writing. I ...My mother always kind of tolerated my writing. I think she thought it was a phase or something. She doesn't like to read my stuff, actually, which I don't get because it's in general a genre that she enjoys. It makes me nervous and uncomfortable that she feels this way.<br /><br />My husband is a non-reader. He thinks I'm crazy, and he also thinks of it as a hobby. I'll say, "When I sell my book ..." and he'll give me a self-indulgent smirk that makes me want to punch him (and I'm a non-violent person).<br /><br />My daughters I think wish I spent less time writing, but they are ironically more supportive than the adults in my life.<br /><br />Good question : )Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13955854427063032485noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-7531816207020604332009-05-07T20:31:00.000-04:002009-05-07T20:31:00.000-04:00My husband is supportive...kind of. He's very hand...My husband is supportive...kind of. He's very hands off, and I refuse to let him read my writing until a couple more edits - so part of that is my fault. He has no qualms with interrupting my writing session to tell me something. But he's also happy that I'm doing something I enjoy and doesn't mind taking care of my little one so I can write.Joyce Wolfleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09078785682731583178noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-58946880364903930872009-05-07T13:44:00.000-04:002009-05-07T13:44:00.000-04:00quixotic: How fun to have two other writers in you...quixotic: How fun to have two other writers in your family! You can probably learn a lot from each other!<br /><br />Lady Glamis: Your family should be really proud. You work really hard at your writing! <br /><br />Melissa: Sounds like you are really blessed! BTW, the new pic is adorable!<br /><br />T. Anne: My kiddos aren't always so supportive; my oldest son and I had a discussion today about my writing and how he thinks it's made me grumpy lately! :)<br /><br />Jeanette: I think you have a tough situation trying to work, write, and be a pastor's wife (plus caregiving for parents). You have so many responsibilities clamoring for your time that it must be hard to write and have time for hubby! Often we are alone in this venture, but if we're doing what God has called us to, then we know he's with us, right?Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-1388815874187384092009-05-07T12:39:00.000-04:002009-05-07T12:39:00.000-04:00Jody;
My immediate family is understanding 'to a p...Jody;<br />My immediate family is understanding 'to a point.' I think they get weary of me asking, "Do you want to hear this article?" and "What's a better word for path?" They are very kind, though, and never complain. I just know I'm neglecting my hus when he pops into the computer room and says, "Are you doing okay?" What I think he really means is "I'm alone out here! Notice me!"<br /><br />I don't talk about my writing with extended family: my parents have enormous troubles of thier own, and others would not understand. I'm kind of in my own little world, which can be lonely. If it weren't for cyber buddies and my immediate family and a couple of crit partners, I'd be on this path (what's a better word for path?) with Just Jesus.Jeanette Levelliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12898750484193832082noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-51804046637915757582009-05-07T12:18:00.000-04:002009-05-07T12:18:00.000-04:00Wow. I'm floored that your kids care about your wo...Wow. I'm floored that your kids care about your word count. That is a blessing. My DD (7) would rather I lose my laptop. I write when she is busy or away but still she has not warmed up to the idea.Tanahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10518718614911804428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-33211414423019990942009-05-07T12:08:00.000-04:002009-05-07T12:08:00.000-04:00My entire family supports me - it's truly awesome....My entire family supports me - it's truly awesome. I love it when I have some exciting news to share with them all.Melissa Amateishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16086267508858187716noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-92107463877931193022009-05-07T11:17:00.000-04:002009-05-07T11:17:00.000-04:00My family means a lot to me, but they don't unders...My family means a lot to me, but they don't understand my need to write much. My father in law understands, I think. But he's the closest I've got. I still share and thank them for their support. I couldn't get to where I'm going without them!Michelle D. Argylehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09696465137285587646noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-64040661418492866472009-05-07T11:12:00.000-04:002009-05-07T11:12:00.000-04:00There are two aspiring authors in my extended fami...There are two aspiring authors in my extended family, and we will occasionally check in with eachother about our WIP's.<br />My Hubby and munchkin on the other hand, are my cheerleaders. They don't help with my writing at all (they distract me more than anything), but they do cheer me up and keep me going when I need it.Katie Salidashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15159923761047042193noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-40189505682129991562009-05-07T10:17:00.000-04:002009-05-07T10:17:00.000-04:00Everyone: I just read your comments and am enjoyin...Everyone: I just read your comments and am enjoying hearing how your families support you! It's so fun to get a glimpse into your lives!<br /><br />Krista: I get the "you're always on the computer, Mom!" So you're not alone! But at least they know I'm writing and have accepted it!<br /><br />Jill: Great point! They will take us more seriously if we approach our writing with dedication and professionalism!<br /><br />Eileen: That's too funny about the junk still being on the floor when they get home! But it's probably good for them to learn that you're not their personal maid service! How awesome that your hubby calls you to check in on you! <br /><br />Warren: I like your idea of reading portions to get their opinion! <br /><br />Marybeth: You are SO lucky to have your husband be able to design your website and blog! Oooh, I'm jealous!! And how fantastic that you've gotten linked up to an editor. Connections, baby!<br /><br />Angie: How cool to have a twin sister and then to share a love of writing!<br /><br />Patricia: I wouldn't ever ask my hubby to read for me either! He's not a fiction guy. I think the last fiction he read was his required reading in HS. They can definitely support us in other ways, like when we go to a conference. That's huge!<br /><br />Wendy: How exciting for your daughter to experience publishing! Maybe she'll be the writer someday and you'll be able to cheer her on! I always wonder which of my children will end up a writer like me! Will be fun to see!<br /><br />Joanne: Sounds like a wonderful support system! You are really blessed!Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-81237750526961729732009-05-07T09:53:00.000-04:002009-05-07T09:53:00.000-04:00I don't think I could write as much as I do withou...I don't think I could write as much as I do without my family's support. We brainstorm together, they edit, proof, cheer. They're "my people," for sure, who have been with me on this journey and know much about the ins and outs of the publishing business ... I think they feel like they have a vested interest in me ;)Joannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03972054718663959694noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-51682774229500991762009-05-07T09:42:00.000-04:002009-05-07T09:42:00.000-04:00I read so much of my stuff to my mom, I'm amazed a...I read so much of my stuff to my mom, I'm amazed at her focus over the phone. My daughter is really excited her 1st grade class is having a publishing celebration. She knows how wonderful it feels to be published...and my husband, let's just say, I can be like Katie...in the zone and he is not a reader/writer so my world becomes a little foreign to him, but he encourages me anyway.<br /><br />~ WendyWendy Paine Millerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15136235074351188350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-40385004290178052662009-05-07T09:39:00.000-04:002009-05-07T09:39:00.000-04:00I'd say it's a good question. My husband and sons...I'd say it's a good question. My husband and sons cheer for me when I bring them writing news. They know that I write but don't really ask about it much, partly because they don't see me doing as much as they should. (I tend to write in snatches when I'm alone.) But they did a "man weekend" so I could go to a retreat last year. I've never asked them to read for me, because Hubby doesn't do much fiction but I might.<br /><br />My mom knows I write but I don't get to share much because she's in a nursing home in another state. To my surprise, I discovered my mil reads my blog regularly, so she's up on all the latest news! My sister also writes, and that's been a common thing that's drawn us closer together.PatriciaWhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04572087157439187319noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-11812035324433876732009-05-07T09:33:00.000-04:002009-05-07T09:33:00.000-04:00I'm blessed with the support I get from nuclear an...I'm blessed with the support I get from nuclear and extended family, and further, from my writing group. And then there's this beautiful network of blogging pals! My twin sister writes as well, so that's nice we have each other on the journey.Angie Ledbetterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16407006980893727627noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-81066458623804208322009-05-07T09:04:00.000-04:002009-05-07T09:04:00.000-04:00My husband has been very supportive. He's even hel...My husband has been very supportive. He's even helping me build a platform. I am truly blessed to have a web designer as a husband. We have had so much fun working on my blog and (WIP) Website. My children aren't completely aware of me being a writer, but they like what the understand. My 8yr old has even taken up writing herself :)<br /><br />My sisters have aided in the editing of my book, which has been very helpful. My one sister has even put me in touch with a friend who does editing professional who helped me TREMENDOUSLY in the writing portion.<br /><br />My parents support me, but don't really get it. They want me to succeed, but they know it's a BIG dream. (One that I fully intend to make come true!)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05283503033516504436noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-48450422353292594802009-05-07T08:32:00.000-04:002009-05-07T08:32:00.000-04:00I ask them to read small portions of what I have r...I ask them to read small portions of what I have recently written and ask their opinion of it. This helps them to feel a part of the process.Warren Baldwinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17956713921509659993noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-30104730944587983732009-05-07T08:18:00.000-04:002009-05-07T08:18:00.000-04:00That's so fun how your family is involved, Jody. W...That's so fun how your family is involved, Jody. What a blessing!<br /><br />My sisters and mom and dad can't wait to hear that I'm published. It's been a few years since I came out of the closet about my writing with them so those initial naive ideas that it would happen any day has long passed. Now they just ask me every once in a while how it's going. They never press, which is great, but yet I know they're genuinely interested. One sister, every new years puts "this will be the year of publication" for my new years resolutions. She's such an encourager.<br /><br />As for my immediate family, my hubby has been my greatest supporter. He even goes as far as calling me through the days when I'm in a slump to encourage me to meet my daily goal.<br /><br />My daughters have evolved through the years to be distant encouragers, let's say. Since I rarely do writing stuff in their presence, it doesn't really affect them, and so I don't think they realize how heavily involved I am in this writing journey. To them, if I was really serious, I should have been published long ago, I'm sure. Time at their age goes much slower, so I've been writing for eons to them. Every once a rare while one of them will venture to ask if I've sent anything out, and they'll offer generic advice about what type of stories they think I should write. But for the most part, I'm a stay-at-home mom who does nothing all day because their junk is still where they left it in the morning before they got on the bus. Kind of depressing, isn't it. <br /><br />Perhaps I need to get them more involved like you, Jody. I'll pray on that.Eileen Astels Watsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11098531184044931737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-79946939320346476652009-05-07T08:03:00.000-04:002009-05-07T08:03:00.000-04:00When I got serious about writing, my family took m...When I got serious about writing, my family took me serious. I'm blessed to be able to write while they are all working and in school, but there are still times when I can't get everything done. <br /><br />They're all supportive--as long as they know I'm available from 5:00 on! The time/balance issue will be something I'll have to deal with for years to come. <br /><br />It's NOT easy.<br />My husband is terrific. He always has the right thing to say (even if I don't always want to hear it!).Jill Kemererhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07865493609868329393noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-78867798612711135132009-05-07T07:59:00.000-04:002009-05-07T07:59:00.000-04:00My immediate, in-house family: Kids are supportive...My immediate, in-house family: Kids are supportive... mostly:-) They don't like that I spend so much time on the computer and I need to watch that too, because I don't WANT them to suffer. My 5-yr-old told me she wanted to be just like me when she grows up. I said, "really?" and she said, "Yeah, I wanna play on the computer just like you!" I frowned of course. LOL<br /><br />Hubby is great... most of the time. Actually, really, he is great. He doesn't understand a lot of the times, but he patiently listens to me drone on about a character's situation and occassionaly gives me good ideas. I'm SO thankful for him!<br /><br />My extended family: The jury is still out on this. My mother is SUPER SUPER supportive. Obviously she thinks I'm awesome and does NOT understand why these genius publishing people have picked her my book yet *grin* <br /><br />And my sisters are supportive... but I think they get tired of talkinga bout it too. They don't understand it, but they try!<br /><br />So overall, my family is awesome with it! I am indeed blessed!Krista Phillipshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10772828583379163612noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-91245259371966909882009-05-07T07:54:00.000-04:002009-05-07T07:54:00.000-04:00Sherrinda: I think you had to get online so that y...Sherrinda: I think you had to get online so that you could use that nifty new lap top! That's so cool that your daughter read your book and loved it! I'm sure your dad will be an enormous help at some point!<br /><br />Jennifer: When hubby sees dollar signs, it's a little easier to support the endeavor, isn't it? :) It's hard for them to see us in this "business" making absolutely no money and seemingly very little progress forward. So when they can see something tangilbe, that helps!<br /><br />Katie: That's so cool that your husband can be your first reader and that he really believes in you! What a gift!Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-47628139212201495502009-05-07T07:19:00.000-04:002009-05-07T07:19:00.000-04:00I loved your three tips, Jody! Man, I need to do ...I loved your three tips, Jody! Man, I need to do more of that. My husband is very supportive of my writing - but he can't help but get a little exasperated at times. When I write, I get into a zone... I hear/see nothing but the screen. It's not good. I need to celebrate more often with him, and thank him much more than I do for all his support and encouragement. He is always my first reader. He believes in me more than I believe in myself. I couldn't ask for a better guy. Thanks for the post!Katie Gansherthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09150375338556869812noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-53108002277764872502009-05-07T07:10:00.000-04:002009-05-07T07:10:00.000-04:00The hubby is probably more supportive now that I h...The hubby is probably more supportive now that I have a book out. He asks me more questions about what I'm working on and what I just finished. <br />And if I'm not at the computer, he'll say, "Hey, shouldn't you be finishing that book your working on?" LOL!<br /><br />My in-laws have been wonderful, too. Both my father-in-law AND mother-in-law read my writing and even send me encouraging e-mails. :)It's sweet.Jennifer Shirkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16970585847385511795noreply@blogger.com