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| Sherri Shackleford |
Have you experienced situations where people haven’t
understood that being a writer doesn’t mean you have a hobby or that you have
countless hours of free time? Take
encouragement from the fact that you’re not alone! Author Sherri Shackleford shares a
personal experience. ~ Dawn
Writing is My Job, Really
My husband has always been wonderful about my writing
career. He was supportive during the four years when I was writing and earning
no money. He was supportive after I finally published and started earning a
little bit of money. He respects my writing time, and he encourages me to
attend conferences—even though conferences can be expensive.
Recently, though, I had to explain that Writing Is My Job,
Really.
I had a super tight deadline. I was behind on the book when
my editor asked me to participate in another project. The timing meant I needed
my current book signed, sealed and delivered ASAP. Unfortunately, I was writing
one of THOSE books. You know THAT book. The one that just won’t come together
no matter how hard you try?
The deadline was looming and I had a long…long…long way to
go. Despite everything, the kids were in school and I had my time blocked down
to the minute. I could make the deadline if I worked hard. Then my youngest son
caught the flu. There was no way I was making my deadline while watching a sick
kid.
I told my husband I had to work, and he took the day off.
Great, right? Then he said, “Don’t go on Facebook or anything. I told everyone
at work you were sick.”
Whaaaaat?
Um. No. I’m not sick. I’m working.
When the kids are sick, or have appointments, or have days
off school—I handle things. Sure, my job is more flexible, I work from home,
and I make about 1/10th of my husband’s income. No problem.
But writing is a job. It’s my job. Really.
That’s when my husband and I had a talk. Even though my job
is flexible and creative, it IS a job. I have people who count on me: editors,
agents, art departments. My job is work. If someone thinks it’s not work, then
I dare that person to write a 70,000-word book in two months. Trust me, it’s
work.
If I were a doctor who had to stay late, or an engineer with
a big project, or an accountant during tax season, he wouldn’t say I was
‘sick’. He’d say, “Sherri can’t take the time off work right now. She’s really
swamped. I have to stay home with my sick child.”
But a writer with a deadline? Nope. That doesn’t count.
She’s sick.
I have deadlines, on average, two or three times a year.
Okay, usually two times a year. Let’s be honest. I’m one of those people who
works right up until the deadline. I can always fix or rework something. The
manuscript must be pried out of my fingers, or I’ll never let go. Twice a year,
I’m swamped with work.
I realize I’m not Dan Brown or JK Rowling or Stephen King,
but here’s what I asked my husband. “Do you think Tabitha King has would ever
call in and said, “Stephen is sick” instead of “Stephen has a deadline”? If I
was an accountant during tax season would you say, “Sherri is sick” or “Sherri
can’t take time off work right now”?
As an author and a woman, I fight two battles. I fight the
battle of being the primary care giver of the children, and I fight for respect
of my job. A job a lot of people don’t always take seriously. After our talk, I
think my husband had one of those ‘lightbulb’ moments. I think we’re on the
right track again.
Writing is a job. It’s my job. Really.
I’m not sick. I’m working.
Make-believe
betrothal
Rock-solid
and reliable, confirmed bachelor Caleb McCoy thought nothing could rattle him—until
he discovers he needs to pose as Anna Bishop's intended groom. After saving her
life, his honorable code bid Caleb watch over the innocent beauty. And a
pretend engagement is the only way to protect her from further harm.
Raised
by a single mother and suffragist, Anna doesn't think much of marriage—and she
certainly doesn't plan to try it herself. But playing Caleb's blushing
bride-to-be makes her rethink her independent ways, because their make-believe
romance is becoming far too real…
Prairie Courtships: Romance on the range
Sherri
Shackelford is an award-winning author of inspirational, Christian romance
novels for her dream publisher, Harlequin.
A wife and mother of
three, Sherri’s hobbies include collecting mismatched socks, discovering new
ways to avoid cleaning, and standing in the middle of the room while thinking,
“Why did I just come in here?” A reformed pessimist and recent hopeful
romantic, Sherri has a passion for writing. Her books are fun and fast-paced,
with plenty of heart and soul.
Sherri is putting the final touches on three more books for
her Cimarron Springs series, and will release all the details as soon as they
are available.
You can learn more and connect with Sherri at these sites:
Website: http://www.sherrishackelford.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/smshackelford
