Family Relationships Blog Day

"Today I'm participating in a mass blogging! WOW! Women On Writing has gathered a group of blogging buddies to write about family relationships. Why family relationships? We're celebrating the release of Therese Walsh's debut novel today. The Last Will of Moira Leahy, (Random House, October 13, 2009) is about a mysterious journey that helps a woman learn more about herself and her twin, whom she lost when they were teenagers. Visit The Muffin (http://www.wow-womenonwriting.com/blog.html) to read what Therese has to say about family relationships and view the list of all my blogging buddies. And make sure you visit Therese's website (http://www.theresewalsh.com/) to find out more about the author."

I decided to participate in this group blog celebration because I've heard a lot of buzz about Therese's new book, have heard she's a delightful person, and because I love her story of perseverence.

I had many ideas running around my head to write about today, but am choosing to write about my son, Trevor, because today is his birthday. He's 14.

Trevor is first and foremost a skater, as in skate boarder. He took up skating  a few years ago, probably around the same age I was when I decided to be an author when I grew up. Day in and day out, he's skating. If it's raining, he skates in the garage. If he can get a ride, he skates at one of the local outdoor skateparks. And if I or my husband can swing it with our work schedules, he'll skate at his favorite indoor skatepark, about an hour away in Seattle. The little dude probably clocks at least 4 hours a day. Every day. Including weekends. Even when he's sick. He goes through boards every four weeks. Shoes every six.

You might say he's obsessed. That's what some of his friends say. He says he's just focused. He has a goal--he wants to be a pro skater. He doesn't ever want to have a "stupid, boring job" (like his parents, I suppose :), he wants to skate for a living. His short-term goal is to get sponsored by a couple of local shops/parks. He knows exactly where he's going and what it'll take to get there. So, yeah. He might be a bit obsessed, but maybe that's a good thing. Skating is his passion. Nothing gets in the way of that. Even homework (but did I mention he's a mostly straight-A student?).

I think that we, as writers, can learn a lesson here. Is writing your passion? If not, maybe you shouldn't be doing it. This industry is just too damn hard if this isn't your life's passion. If it IS your passion, are you doing everything you can to make your dream a reality? Are you writing every single day, rain or shine, in sickness and in health? Do you have long term and short term goals? If not, why not?

Trevor doesn't get up each morning and try to figure out when he's going to skate. He just does it. Every free moment. Everything else gets squeezed around skating. We should do the same with our writing. Fit it in. Whenever and wherever we can. Just do it.

I'm really proud of my little dude. I honestly believe he's going to achieve all his goals...and then some. Because he's not waiting for his dreams to come to him, he's going after them. I think we should do the same.

LATER THIS WEEK: Check back to read what award-winning writer and new Kensington author Kristina McMorris has to say about interviewing for us shy, introverted types.