Staying Home

by Charlaine

This has been a strange year for me. I’ve been home since January.

I realize that’s the norm for most people, but in today’s book-touting business, it’s almost unheard of for a writer to remain at home for five months. Solid. I don’t know when writing switched over from being an ivory tower occupation to being a traveling salesman’s occupation, but now the writer that doesn’t hit the road is a writer whose sales don’t mount, at least in the normal run of things.

The reason for my unusual stint on the homefront is simple. Our only remaining high schooler will graduate next month. I missed some things in previous years with our older children – not too many events, because I wasn’t much in demand. But with my increasingly hectic schedule of the past three years, I’d already lost out on things I wished I’d shared with our daughter, and I decided to dig in for her last semester at home.

Despite some tempting opportunities, I’ve remained here. And I really have enjoyed seeing her every activity. She’s a champion softball player, and I haven’t missed a single game. We’re headed to the state playoffs this weekend. I’ve been to every banquet. I was there for her prom preparation.

Though I’m glad I’ve been able to do this, I discovered (to my surprise) that I’ve missed traveling. I never imagined I’d see myself typing these words. Air travel is such a gigantic pain these days, and touring is stressful even when the conditions are ideal – good weather, a first-class seat, escorts at every destination.

It isn’t the movement of traveling that I’ve been missing, I discovered; it’s the contact with readers. I really enjoy meeting people who’ve read my books. That may be an ego thing. Maybe I’m so insecure I don’t believe people have read my work unless I actually meet those people. Or maybe I need the boost you get when someone tells you they admire what you’ve done. But I think it’s talking to all the literate, lively readers that still scatter the American landscape. I think it’s entering all the bookstores and seeing that there are customers on every aisle. That’s the draw.

But I wouldn’t have planned our daughter’s last semester any other way. For the first Mother’s Day in four years . . . I’ll be home.

Charlaine Harris

Comments

[Feeding the Grey Cells]

Bravo to you for being a mommy first...always the rewarding choice.

feedingthegreycells.blogspot.com

[Natascha]

Have a wonderful Mother's Day at home.

[Mer]

What a lucky kid to have a mom like you. My mom was always there for me and I appreciate her so much for sacrificing some of her life to help mold me into a young lady. Now as an adult she is my best friend although it wasn't always like that! Can't wait for the next Sookie! I reserved my copy yesterday at my local Borders. Happy Mothers Day!

[miriam barnett]

You are one of my fave authors these days because you know how to reach folks in all walks of life ~ your books, oddly enough, are amazingly comforting, I can't put my finger on it - perhaps its that they are like children's stories for grownups, fairies, maenads, shapeshifters, etc, but with an oddly innate joy streaming throughout. You have a great gift, Ms. Harris!

[Charlaine Harris]

Wow, thanks. My daughter is my last chick in the nest, and I'll really miss her. I still haven't gotten over the boys leaving, and now one has come back! I hope you all enjoy the next book, coming out this week.

[kmhalde@yahoo.com]

Charlaine you're writing is amazing; upbeat, mysterious, and humerous. I've read every Sookie book, including all the "in-between" and those within the compliation books you've done, Sookie included or not. I'm REALLY looking forward to the next book and then plan to read your other works. I'm really happy for you that you're taking the time to enjoy your family and participate in some of those memories that you only get one shot at. Have a wonderful Mother's Day, and please, KEEP WRITING!? Lol.

[Hank Phillippi Ryan]

Charlaine--you bring tears to my eyes. So lovely, and so wise.

But of course, you ARE traveling. Every one of your books that's in someone's home--you're there, too, right?

And without even going through airport security.

Happy Mother's Day. To all!

[readerdiane]

Enjoy your time with your daughter, it will never be the same again. But when you get back to touring-we'd love to see you in the Northwest.