On Wednesday last week, my Regency novella, Her Captain Returns, released.  It also happened to be a snow day, which meant two kids at home, with me on the computer doing a lot of promo!

I was so excited for the release, I thought I’d share it with my girls.  Daughter #1 is almost 8 and daughter #2 is almost 3.  #2, couldn’t have cared less.  She wanted a pop-tart, some orange juice and to watch Clifford—and if I didn’t let her wear her favorite flowered pants with her snowman t-shirt (totally not a match!) she was going to make sure all hell broke loose…So I relented, and turned to #1.

“My captain book releases today, I’m so excited!”

“Wow!  That’s so cool, can I read it?”

*Mouth opens and closes like a fish for a minute*  “Maybe when you’re older.  But I just wanted to tell you, because I have to be on the computer for a little bit this morning, and then we’ll go to out and run some errands and do something fun.”

She gave me one her beautiful smiles and trotted off to do whatever 8 year olds do when their mommies are glued to the computer…

A couple hours later we went to Wal-Mart and happened to wander into the book section (in fact to pick up Melissa’s new release!)  All the sudden, #1 got really excited.  (Meanwhile #2 is jumping up and down in mock excitement wanting to be a part of the fun—too cute!)

“Mom!  Did you find it?”

*In my head I’m thinking, how did she know what I was looking for?  I didn’t tell anyone, its my little secret…You see I have to keep my book buying a secret or it will get out how much I spend!*  “Find what, sweetheart?”

“Your captain book?!” 

Bless her little heart!  I had to let her down easy, because my novella is an e-book, but none the less, her support and enthusiasm for my work was heart-wrenching.  I ended up buying her the new High School Musical book she wanted and a few others, and we called it a day.   

I tell this story, because no matter how young they are, they are thrilled when you are thrilled, and I don’t think sometimes we realize how much we influence them.  Case in point, #1, wants to be a writer when she grows up.  Of course, I am so proud about that!  She’s always creating little stories, and stapling them together.  She also writes little notes I find all over the house.  Sometimes they’re on my pillow, sometimes stuffed between the cushions of the couch and others, left scattered on the kitchen floor like snow.

Here’s some examples I’ve saved:

“Dear people of the city!  Congratulations, you’ve won a prize.”

“Dear Family, you are the best family.”

“Dear Mom and Dad, I love you so much.  You’re the best in the whole wide world.  Sincerely, Ashleigh.”

“Love Song—show mom and dad.  When my heart is broken, I just want you to help me.  Just don’t forget I am yours and you are always mine.”  (This one she actually sang to me, it was so sweet!)

When I went to the 1^st quarter parent teacher conferences, #1’s teacher showed me some of her stories.  He was very impressed, said her stories were very creative and thoughtful and asked if she did a lot of writing at home and aren’t I a writer?  Naturally I said yes, she does and I am.  Then my face turned bright red…now if her teacher were a woman? Probably wouldn’t have been so embarrassed.

Who knows if #1 will change her mind and decide to become a doctor, and maybe #2, who likes to take out her play laptop and type away next to me will become a professional volleyball player, I don’t know.  What I do know is, that I am proud of my girls, and proud of what I do, and excited that they’ve made writing, something that is so important to me, an important part of their own lives.  Hmm…I guess we really are a product of our environment huh?  As I’ve written this I realized, I sat breastfeeding them both while typing away…I guess it was ingrained from the beginning. 

Whether or not I’ve brainwashed them, lol, it shows I’ve instilled in them a love of reading and writing, and to support one another.  No matter, what they decide to do with their lives I will always be there for them, and jump up and down, and exclaim with excitement at each little accomplishment, because you know what?  I’m their biggest fan! And I think, even though they don’t read my work quite yet, (maybe not ever) they are my biggest fans too. 

Hugs!

Eliza

Eliza Knight is the author of sizzling historical romance and Highlander time-travel erotic romance.  Check out her website at www.elizaknight.com