Tuesday, October 19, 2010

That Man is For Me!

As a romance writer I'm often approached with that one original, insightful question:

Sooo (cuz you know they drag that word out all coy-like)...is your husband your inspiration?

Well, honestly, no. He's not. Vin Diesel is my inspiration. Halle Berry's ex-boyfriend (the blond, golden guy who's her baby's daddy?)...he's my inspiration. Brandon Lee...even posthumous is my inspiration. I mean...I write fiction. And the chances of me ever meeting up with any of these men--especially Brandon Lee--are straight fictional.

And besides, reality is so much better than fiction. My husband isn't my inspiration because he's my real life. He's my fiction come true. After recently celebrating ten years of conjugal bliss I realize there are certain moments where he expresses his love in ways that would seem unbelievable if they were written in a romance book. But it's the little things...the things that don't exactly beat the path to the bedroom but they seduce the mind all the same. They say in subtle, low-key ways, I'm paying attention. I'm sacrificing for you. I love you enough to put up with listening to the Annie soundtrack back to back to back... Know what I mean? Think about it. When your man...

...orders 7 creams and 9 sugars in your coffee and isn't embarrassed when they ask him to repeat it 3 times...

...enters the names of all your favorite authors in his phone and keeps track of when their new releases come out so he can surprise you with their books...

...massages your feet and doesn't expect sex afterward...

...remembers the brand and size of your...uh...napkins and can go to the store by himself and purchase them...

...buys The Labyrinth movie and actually sits in the room and watches it with you. And then surprises you with the soundtrack? C'mon, people! David Bowie as the Goblin King!!





...scarfs down the Red Velvet cake that tastes more like Red Rubber cake just because you made the effort of baking...and then tries to hide drinking Maalox afterward so he doesn't hurt your feelings...yeah, that was a good one...


...keeps you in coffee and Chex Mix when you're chasing a deadline...


...lets you study his penis to get an accurate description for your love scene...


...goes to every prenatal appointment with you...


...supports your dream unconditionally without skepticism but with total faith...


So, no, I don't use him as my inspiration because my husband is better than any hero I could imagine or begin to write. Anyway, no one would believe a man as good, kind, giving and wonderful existed! Here's to ten more years!!
Okay, I'm through being sappy...week after next back to sex toys and shameless self-promotion...

8 comments:

Michelle Polaris said...

You just made my day, Naima. So sweet. What a warm fuzzy loving fantastic thing for you to write. You are a lucky gal to have such a special husband. Here's to your real life better than fiction hubbie.

Hot Ash Romance Novels said...

Excellent post, Naima! Very good description of real-life love.

Recently my hubby gave me the last Zantac after a stressful dinner...and he's the one with acid reflux. Now, that's love!

Ash

Cara McKenna said...

Awesome post, Naima! My favorite moment was your choice to use "conjugal bliss" above "marital bliss". I know it's totally valid, but now I've got a brilliant image of you and your mystery husband standing hand-in-hand before a visitation trailer.

Here's to ten more!

Cara Bristol said...

Wow, you've definitely got yourself a keeper!

It's very thoughful of him to do all those little things for you...and thoughtful of you to recognize it and not take it for granted.

Katie Reus said...

Aww, what a sweet post! I love your list, especially the one about the foot rubs with no afterward expectation (I'm still waiting for that day, lol). Your hubby sounds wonderful :)

Anonymous said...

Well said, Naima. Real life can be better than fantasy.
~k
www.kristalleeromances.com

Dalton Diaz said...

I know what you mean, Naima! It's not the great sex, tho that rocks for the same reasons. It's having your sandwich cut diagonally because he knows that's how you prefer it, and it matters to him. One example of such a little thing that makes all the diff in the world.

Unknown said...

Hey Nyami.....G is "That Dude"! So glad to see that you recognize and appreciate him!.....Oh...and maybe when the kids are 16 and 12 we'll get to see them! Smh

Love you guys!