The Care and Feeding of Writers

If you are cursed blessed with having a close relationship with a writer, then there are some simple rules you might need to know to make life easier and more peaceful:

1. Don't mess with inspiration. If a writer suddenly cuts you off mid-conversation to scrawl down an idea, don't say a word. If he or she should forget a dinner date, then don't take it personally. Inspiration can hit at any moment, and usually at the most inconvenient moments. Let it happen, don't interrupt, or you might have to face something far worse—a writer with no inspiration.

2. Learn to use correct grammar, or expect to get corrected. Nothing is safe. Your writer will correct grammar on signage, in magazines, at the movies, etc. There's no sense getting upset about it. If you really want to make a difference to your writer's life, then don't ignore grammar, learn it.

3. Don't look for the off switch, because there isn't one. Writing is a 24 hour job. A writer is always thinking, processing and gathering every experience for future scenes or stories. Note: If you don't want your favourite show completely analysed to death, then wait to watch it when your writer is away.

4. Be a rock not a critic. Tell your writer on a daily basis that their work is worthy and they aren't crazy to pursue a writing career. Let them write. Let them read. Don't try to be their critique partner unless you want to summon The Monster (the less spoken about The Monster, the better). Instead, encourage your writer to find critique partners who are also writers.

5. Don't bother with to-do lists. If the lists have nothing to do with writing, then your writer will ignore them anyway. The cleaning may not always be perfect, the weeds might take over the garden, and food may not be eaten at regular hours, but a happy writer means a happy household.

6. Every writer needs a break. When your writer starts showing signs of cracking—mood swings, a deep sense of complete failure, staring for hours at an empty screen—whisk them away and give them new experiences to feed from. A day spa should do the trick, or dinner at a favourite restaurant, or a cruise. We aren't fussy.

Do you have any other suggestions to add to this survival guide?

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