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December 13, 2006
Care and Feeding, Part IV, by Mr. Tall
So we’re not creative with our blog titles. We’re not writers, you know.
All the literary chicks have an icon—this is mine. Take a good look at what I WON’T be getting for Christmas.
The care and feeding of a writer is quite an undertaking, one that should not be entered into lightly. I can’t say that I came in uninformed. As the stepson of a writer, I knew what I was getting into…
Light: My writer has about the same need for light as your average houseplant. Edison’s gasless will not do. It must be sunlight. Especially in her office. It’s as if her ability to write is solar-powered. I feel it is no coincidence that we ended up in Arizona. (Side note: It is important to note that this woman will not venture into direct sunlight without two layers of clothing and some sunscreen. The sunlight must be on her terms.)
H20: Keeping my writer hydrated is extremely important. When Beth requests a refill, I accomplish the task with speed matched only by the most efficient bartender. Remember: a dehydrated writer is a cranky writer.
Shoulder and foot rubs: I get the shoulder rubs, I do, especially since the writing process has several distinct stages.
1. Sitting at the computer getting ready to write. (Sifting through email and various celebrity gossip sites.)
2. Really getting ready to write. (Perusing Bluefly.com, Smartbargains.com, and ExtremelyExpensiveClothesAndShoesForSlightlyLess.com)
3. Really, really getting ready to write. (Calling other writers to commiserate and finding some solace in the fact they haven’t gotten anything written yet either)
4. Breaking for lunch.
I can understand how the shoulders get tense. But the feet are still a mystery to me.
(Beth’s rebuttal: Okay, first of all, it’s called “brainstorming”, and second of all, the foot rub thing is all about mystical pressure points that connect directly to the creativity center of the brain. Hmph.)
Support: This duty I share with the dogs (great listeners and ever-present company), family and friends (very impressed with the fact that anyone is a writer but are puzzled by the lack of heavy drinking, chain smoking and movie deal), and other writers (the only ones who truly understand). But mostly it’s me. I find this the easiest of all of my responsibilities as the husband of a writer. I think its because I am genuinely floored by my wife’s tenacity, vision, work ethic and guts. I could never do what she does.
Posted by Beth at 11:49 PM | Comments (8)
Comments
Ha!
But you forgot Overstock.com. I fear that Whitney's output would come to a grinding halt if anything ever happened to it.
And thesuperficial.com.
Posted by: george ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.literarychicks.com/nav-commenters.gif)
at December 14, 2006 7:48 AM
Feet!!! You guys are hilarious! I've truly enjoyed reading everyone's blog this week.
Posted by: Theresa N. at December 14, 2006 8:15 AM
Actually, my current internet addiction is apartmenttherapy.com. It's good for the soul.
I continue to remain puzzled at the lack of a movie deal, as well.
(Oh, and this wasn't George. It was me, Whitney. For some reason, George is now permanently signed in as a LC commenter on our computer. I have to find a way to dislodge him.)
Posted by: george at December 14, 2006 8:54 AM
Wait! Shouldn't chocolate be on that list somewhere?
LC Eileen
Posted by: Eileen at December 14, 2006 10:51 AM
BWAH!
I love the "getting ready to write" process. Who knew that I was *really* a writer, in disguise? I've always just thought that that was an integral part of my "getting ready to teach" process!
Posted by: Dia at December 14, 2006 12:15 PM
Well, Dia beat me to the remark that I was closer to being a "real" writer than I knew. And thanks for all the good site recommendations.
Posted by: RandomRanter at December 14, 2006 3:38 PM
Mr Tall said : I think its because I am genuinely floored by my wife’s tenacity, vision, work ethic and guts.
Aw, Mr Tall, that's so lovely. Sniffle. We adore her too :-)
Posted by: Michelle C at December 16, 2006 4:13 PM
Well, hey, if any of you DO get a movie deal (which I am sure WILL happen, just hang in there)... My father is an actor, and I could use him getting a job (even as a stand-in). My parents and my family are about to build a home together and he's one grumpy man if unemployed in the "INDUSTRY" for any length of time... so if you need a balding, round faced, jolly, goofy, endearing, man in your movie... I have just the guy! He'd be a great DAD for someone! :) Oh wait, he already is, he's mine! :)
Posted by: Lisa at December 30, 2006 5:47 PM
