Wow!! Welcome to the other side of the author that many don’t get a chance to see and know. As I hijack my wife the author computer and blog spot for the moment I want to shout out all the husband, children, and support teams that are involved in what seems to be an eternity when they set out on the journey to bless each and every reader that supports the art, the craft, and creative. As I rub my hands together in a manner of the evil scientist who is preparing for world domination, I set out on a path to speak for the silent voices to allow readers understanding of the “5 things you need to know as an author’s husband.” Before we address the topic at hand we must identify what your author is. They are a “CREATIVE.” A creative is a person who typically in a professional context creates. I know a great definition right? In other words, people who use their imagination, or original ideas for their artistic work.
- He/She is creative, cultivate the environment for them – Your author has a mind that sees the world in many different ways what appears normal or even abnormal must be cultivated. Attend museums, theaters, spoken words, various events that will allow their craft to be totally organic. This speaks volumes to them it stimulates the brain 🧠 so that they can bless their audience and followers with their best work.
- Be a great listener – Nothing is more important to your creative than a listening ear that is ready to go into action at any given moment. You guys can be driving along having a great conversation about dinner preparations and as you drive past a church outcomes the pen as she begins to spurt words out as her mind begins to put scenes and characters together in her head and yours as well. Be ready to recite what she may have said to you, or give your thoughts as to what you think that character would be doing at that moment in time.
- Be Independent – Now this is very hard for me because I am a football coach and my wife depends on me a great deal. I have learned that because being an author is a solo venture so I may have to take on many jobs that I would normally call on my wife for help will be my responsibility when the creative pen is being put to the pad. Yeah, you must be comfortable with cooking, cleaning, picking up the kids, and taking out the trash.
- Be their greatest cheerleader/supporter – “2 bit, 4 bit, 6 bits, a dollar. All for your wife writing stand up and holla. The confidential support is one of the greatest ways to show love to your wife when no one else can. When all of the reviews are not favorable, when the emails read questionable results, when the publishing company renegotiates the contracts in the middle of what will soon be a best selling book, when the tables need to be packed and driven, equipment along with books after and banners need to be set up and broken down, when just in the middle of the night lying in the bed needing to be held says to its going to be ok in her world is needed the most. Your willingness to be a Team Wife cheerleader win you many kudos in her book.
- Have faith like none other – 1 Corinthians 10:13 says (No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity. God is faithful, and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will also provide a way of escape so that you are able to bear it.) This is so important for you to remember that having faith is not only what keeps the marriage going, but also keeps the writing going. Those nights that she hits a stumbling block and she thinks your asleep praying for GOD to renew her mind with a fresh vision goes a long way trust me. Also praying for your marriage allows you to understand that her writing is a passion and not a job. Having the ability to pray for her to be filled daily as she pours into many unknown people takes great skill. Many nights are lonely, and even thoughts of why she is doing this has crossed my mind. God reminds me that he pours life into me daily and that as long as I keep praying He will pour life into her.
Shhhhhh!!! I think that I hear her coming. Yeah, that’s her. I have to close this computer and get out of her office. I hope I explained my life as a supportive husband to a creative. – the HUBS