Over the past several weeks, I haven’t been able to work on my manuscript, Southern Challenge, in spite of having feedback from a few discerning folks that it’s a good piece. I’ve tinkered with it, changed this, added that, but I haven’t advanced from where I left off before “the diagnosis.”
Yesterday, I had the rare privilege of reading it to MSB. He doesn’t mind helping with the business end of this new career of mine, but don’t make him sit still through a reading. He’s not capable. Even though he’d volunteered to listen yesterday, he was still up and down, checking to see if there were deer in the back, fixing himself something to drink, or whatever else his itchy legs carried him off to do.
What he doesn’t seem to realize is how much help he is with my manuscripts. His knowledge of ranching–even though derived from his life on a small ranch (which he insists on calling a farm)–and his humor are a plus for me and my western romances. For instance, the “heat detecting” scene involving the thermometer in Give the Lady a Ride was his idea. We discussed it on one of our road trips, the only time I have his full attention when it comes to my writing, and laughed about it for miles.
So yesterday, between his trips to the kitchen, I managed to pick his brain about the realism of my characters, the feasibility of the economic crisis I’d invented, and the plausibility of the solution I’d dreamed up. He gave me two thumbs up on everything and even added a few ideas that I can use to flesh everything out more. God bless my man!
Talking with him fired me up again. Time to hang out my “Do Not Disturb” sign–I’m gonna get back to work!
Several years into it, and this blog still refuses to be categorized. It's eclectic and includes everything from writing posts to snippets from my ordinary life. 
Linda W. Yezak 
I love how a good conversation with someone about your work is usually just the ticket to get you fired up again…and sometimes can even improve all those ideas you had and make them better! Good luck! I’ll say no more, as to not distract you further.
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Yep, that’s exactly what our discussion did yesterday. I feel all better. 😀
Thanks for the comment!
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Yay! So glad you’re getting back to it. Gotta love in-the-know family members.
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No kidding! I rely heavily on family and friends for ranch novels.
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YAY!!! Way to go, BB! God bless that sweet supporter! 😀
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Amen!
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Husbands are a blessing. Especially if they’ve lived the life you’re writing about. I’ve gotten many an idea from Dee . . . some he didn’t even realize until I read it back to him later. He’s not into fiction. All his reading could be classified as study, so if I want input on my manuscript, like you, I have to read it to him . . . following him around. 🙂 I’m glad you’re “back in the saddle.”
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Nope. I refuse to follow him around. Simply refuse. He may never read my books all the way through, but as long as he keeps supplying me with ideas, I’m happy. 🙂
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YYYAAAYY! So VERY glad you’re back into it, dearie. Hubbies are fab, aren’t they?
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Yes they are!
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Hi,
I like that last sentence, I’m going to get back to work. It sounds good.
Happy writing and I’m praying for you.
Ciao,
Patricia
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Thanks, sweet Pat!
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It’s good to have that balanced, and experienced, brain to pick now and then. When it comes to police procedure, crime, general criminal and anything I want to know about guns and ammo, well, my husband is an unlimited font of information. Fun to dig in and create scenes.
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