Monday, June 22, 2009

I Did a Hard Thing


I did a hard thing Saturday. Before I sent my (finally!) finished proposal to AMG, I asked my husband to go over the “Marketing and Promotion” section with me. I have a tendency to bite off more than I can swallow and digest, and he is the one who most suffers when I melt down because of my foolish over-commitments.

It was scary to say, “Tell me if you don’t want me to do any of these, or you think they are too much.” On a list of twenty items I was willing to do to promote my book, I expected him to cross out all but “will work with sales and marketing team to set up interviews.” Instead, he surprised me.

He left the entire list intact, even the item about renting a hot air balloon and sailing to France in it, to sell my books on the Riviera! What a fun surprise to discover he is more committed to my call than I thought. Thank you, Honey.

May the Lord surprise you today with people who believe in your call to write for Him.

14 comments:

  1. How cool, Jeanette! When you do your hot air balloon ride, can I come? :) Isn't it great when our families can come behind us and get excited about what we're doing? My hubby has surprised me at times too. Once he even said that he could try to work four days a week so that he could be home with the kids to give me a whole writing day! But since I'm so new and I'm not bringing in any money yet, we're putting that idea on the back burner. But it showed how supportive he was and that was what counted!

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  2. Jody: Wow, four days a week, huh? That is love! You are a blessed lady. We both are!
    Lovely day, Jen

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  3. This was an encouraging post to read and I am going to invite you and your husband over to dinner. Then we'll go eat dessert in the kitchen while your husband has a pow wow with mine and we'll be all set. :D
    I'm kidding in part. My husband can be very supportive, but I identified w/ your feelings of not knowing just how "signed on" he was.
    ~ Wendy

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  4. What a sweet hubby! :-)

    I read your earlier post about your hubby not reading your articles, and I had to laugh. When I first started writing for a newspaper I expected my husband to joyfully read all my stories. I think he let me read the first one to him, and then he was done. LOL At the time I was SO disappointed but now, like you, I know he's just who he is and that doesn't mean he doesn't love me. It just means he doesn't like to read. Snort!

    Thanks for sharing your promo ideas. I'll leave you and Jody to the hot air balloon. As for myself, I could use a cruise. LOL

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  5. Nothing like spousal support, eh? :)

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  6. Wendy: Hey, thanks! Name the date, we'll be there. I'll bring whatever you like, as long as it doesn't have more than five ingredients! HA!
    Blessings, Jen

    Jessica: Oh, yes! A cruise sounds lovely! As soon as I'm done having dinner with Wendy and her hus., I'll meet you at the dock..
    Blessings, Jen

    Angie: You bet! But I'm careful to consult him on things, or I get in deep doo doo by overcommiting myself...
    Blessings, Jen

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  7. What a wondeful man you have:)) Keep him! And some very creative marketing strategies I must say!

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  8. Oooohhh, I want to come on the hot air balloon ride! How many does it fit???? lol
    What a sweetie pie husband you have! That is awesome!

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  9. Terri: Thanks, I will. Actually, that hot air balloon ride was just a wish! But doesn't it sound like fun? If I could get the publisher to pay for it, that is!
    Thanks for stopping by,
    Jen

    Sherrinda: Okay, I'll put your name down!
    Yes, he's one of the Good ones.
    Blessings,
    Jen

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  10. Your hubby is awesome!

    Love the hot air balloon idea. Would you really do it?

    I'm blessed to have a very supportive hubby too. It's just to get the oldest on board that I have trouble with.

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  11. What a blessing to have such a wonderfully supportive hubby! :)

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  12. Eileen: Yes, God blessed me with a keeper.
    Yes, I really would do the balloon thing; i've always wanted to sail in one!
    How old is your eldest? I will pray.
    Blessings,
    Jen

    Jennifer: Yes, thanks! Blessings on your day, dear,
    Jen

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  13. Inspiration to get creative with marketing strategies! Bless your hubby for being so supportive, it must be God's confirmation for you. Thanks for your encouraging words on my blog post.
    Blessings

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  14. Jan:
    Yes, sometimes he's more convinced than I am! HA!
    You have a great blog, Jan. I'll be back!
    Jen

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