Why I Have Freedom to Write: The Gift of Belief

I love this man. Copyright by WyoJones. All rights reserved. Used with permission.

On Wednesdays I usually feature a post on why I wrote a book, or have a guest talking about why they wrote a particular book, but I read a question this past week that got me thinking. The person was asking whether she should take the safe job or follow her bliss and write. Then she noted that her husband wanted her to write.

The thing is, to me her question wasn’t just about security vs dreams, though most of the people who answered her looked at it that way. It was also about spouses supporting and encouraging their dreams.

And that prompted this post.

Why I have the freedom to write.

That guy in the picture.

He is my personal “Patron of my Art.” He has a real name, but here on the blog he’s the hubs. “Out there, particularly on Flickr),” he is WyoJones, a very talented photographer. To avoid any copyright problems, I mostly use his amazing photographs for my blog posts (one of very few people who can!). When he is well enough, he also trails me around to my events as my personal paparazzi. And after said events, he smooths away my wrinkles and family jowls so I can look sassy when I use those photos here and on my website.

We have been married thirty-eight years (which surprises us both—not that we’ve stayed married, but that we are old enough to have been married that long), and he is also the amazing father of our children. He has made it possible not only for me to stay home with our children, but has encouraged me and believed in my storytelling even when I didn’t believe in myself. He called me a writer before I did. I am an author because he didn’t give up on me.

He kept copies of my books on his desk until he retired. And when I venture into his world, I can’t count the work contacts who mention how he has bragged to them about my books.

I don’t know what that author will eventually decide to do, but it is my personal opinion that when someone offers you the gift of belief, accept that gift with a grateful heart.

And then give the gift back to the giver.

Believe in them.

And do your best with the gift you’ve been given. That’s how you say thank you (though it never hurts to say the words and say them often).

What about you? Has anyone ever offered you a special gift that you took? Didn’t take? Wished you’d taken? You know I don’t just love talking with my blog visitors, but I love entering their comments into my monthly giveaway of an AnaBanana gift basket ($25). I announce the winner in the first blog post of the new month.

Perilously yours,
Pauline

And in keeping with my belief theme, Byte Me also got a redesigned cover this week and is about the power of belief.

“Ms. Jones makes a large splash with each new book and Byte Me is no exception. The intricate plot and compelling characters make this a nail-biting read.” Four and one-half stars and a December Top Pick, Romantic Times Magazine

A lawmen meets his perfect match. Too bad he has to arrest her….

You can buy this book now at your favorite online bookseller. Available in digital and audio.