If you’re a writer, you probably think of yourself as a coffee or tea addicted, insecure person who has lengthy conversations with people in your head, and whose best friend is a dog, cat, or goldfish. In other words, NORMAL. (For more writer characteristics here  )

Since that is not the definition of normal for most, I bet you hid this part of yourself, like I did, discreetly making notes about the world around you until one day the voices in your head screamed to be heard by others?

What did you do then? Cross your fingers, take a deep breath, and close your eyes so you couldn’t see your family’s reaction when you announced (out loud) I AM A WRITER!

Did they welcome your announcement with open arms or moan because they realized writing was all-consuming and they’d have to turn their clothes inside out when the laundry wasn’t done? Or maybe because they’d have to learn how to do laundry?

I decided to ask my family what they thought about my career choice, which honestly, was just as hard as asking them to read my work. But I put on my writer’s hat and asked my friends to do the same.

Husband 1 – I’ve been working on the same bathroom renovation for over 6 years now, and we’re still married. I’m happy the writing distracts her.

Husband 1 – (Serious answer) I love my wife and will support her in all her endeavors, but I’m jealous of the muse who steals her away for painting and writing and all the other commitments she takes on in service to her craft. I wouldn’t have her do anything else though.

Husband 2 – You spend an awful lot of time hashing over tiny aspects of books. You go on and on about micro-parts of books you’re working through. (He’s glad it entertains me.)

Husband 3 – I have to be careful what I say in case it gets immortalized.

Family 1 – Eye rolls. “Obsessed.”

Family 2 – You’re always having new ideas when you’re just sitting around watching a show. “Exciting.”

Family 3 – You’ve always been a writer, so it would be weird if you weren’t. I like that you’re a writer because I learn so much about writing from watching you. Also, you get a lot of free books and I get to read them.

Family 4 – I like it. In school, I’m really good at watching out for grammar and punctuation because I’m used to doing it for your manuscripts. I like that you always ask for my opinion and I get to read your books. I like imagining what it’s going to be like when your book comes out and your famous and I’m going to be instantly awesome just because I know you. (Bwahahahahahah)

Family 5 – We’re proud of you. It’s epic. We never run out of books to read.

And now my family:

My darling son: Will you make money? (Oh man, I hope so!)

My darling husband: You’re always writing, when you’re not making sure the boys get to the doctor, get up in time for the school bus, or teaching martial arts. Where do you find the time? (I don’t sleep, hence the coffee addiction)

Everything around you is a cornucopia of ideas. Sibling squabbles? Write a note. Boys and their love for farting? Hold nose, jot down an idea. Husband makes an off-hand comment? Hey, that’s great, mind if I use that? You’re constantly writing, researching, crafting, revising, reading, revising – molding your story to be read and enjoyed by others. I’m lucky to be part of that, as long as you blame the farting on the boys…or the dogs. (No guarantees on the last part, but I love the support!)

A third degree black belt in taekwondo, HALLI GOMEZ teaches martial arts and writes for children and young adults because those voices flow through her brain. She is published in Police Chief magazine and her regional SCBWI bulletin, and enjoys family, outdoors, reading, and is addicted to superhero movies. You can find her on Twitter.