So.

This is almost as cool, though perhaps even cooler, than getting an acceptance for the submissions I'm waiting to hear on.

From Neil Gaiman's blog (http://www.neilgaiman.com/journal/journal.asp):

Hi Neil,

First of all, I just read "The Problem of Susan". I loved it! The Narnia Chronicles have always held a special place in my heart, so it was particularly cool to see you go back to that and write such a smashing story.

If it's alright, I'd like to ask a few questions. I'm curious about the "family life" aspect of a writer, and since you're married with kids, I thought you might be the person to ask.

In your estimation, how important is it for a writer to have an understanding, supportive spouse who believes in the writer?

In terms of children, I'm aware that writing isn't usually a 9-5 job. I know if one wants, they can make it that way, but that's not necessarily in the job description. How does being a writer, in your experience, affect your children and the time you spend with them? How about your spouse? How about responsibilities around the house?

I know that these can be quite personal questions. I'm happy if you answer them just generally, based on your experience and the experience of other writers you know.

Thanks a lot. I appreciate your time.

I don't think that an understanding supportive spouse is important. I do think not having a spouse (or significant other) who doesn't believe in you is probably very important: you're already fighting a small war just to get published and to write, there's no reason to fight it on two fronts. But I can't recall ever having met a writer who said that their Person didn't like them writing. Mostly, we marry people who believe in our dreams.

When I was first married I was practically nocturnal, and my wife was diurnal, which made splitting the baby-work fairly easy (if Holly cried in the night, she was mine to look after). Over the last few years there's been the occasional trade-off of me going away on a book signing tour for a month here or a month there, or going off to write somewhere for a bit, but then, when I come back, I'm at home all the time. It works out.

I just went off to answer the phone. This was on my screen when I returned:

Sometimes my family gets annoyed because I'm the kind of writer that is very interested with other writer's books. If they need my attention they'll have to say something good like, "Hey Neil, (Or dad) I made a wheat free strawberry pie; it's in the kitchen" then I drop the book and start running( If I'm hungry that is). But if that doesn't work...... Go get the cold water and pour it on my face( Just kidding)!!! Sorry that I didn't mention it before, but this is actually Maddy typing in dad's point of view. That's why everything is so whacko. Now, Back to dad. : )

I should probably point out that she's never yet poured water on my face to get me out of whatever I was reading. (She just asked, "Do you think they'll be able to tell it's me writing the last bit and not just you making an excuse?" "Yes, I think they'll be able to tell, Maddy. Go to bed.") I wish I were nearly-ten years old and up for multiple exclamation points...

Also, I'm not a big strawberry pie fan.

Anyway, I don't think writing means you don't do your share of the house stuff (it never got me out of anything significant). Does that help?

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That's right, ladies and gentlemen -- Neil Gaiman asked MY question. Better yet -- Miss Maddy got involved. I mean, how cool is that? That part *really* made my day!

And it's such a good answer.

As an anthropologist and a wife and mother I'm curious about how writers work out the domestic aspect of their lives. Besides, there are *so* many questions that Mr. Gaiman gets daily and he can only address so few, I just am so excited and feel so fortunate that he answered my question.

(Little happy dance, here.)

So, writers, how do you work out the domestic aspects of your lives?

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Cool -- And people reference me in their questions for July 18th, 2004. Someone thought I was a gent, however -- oh well. That's what you get for being a shadow :).