A Confession by Emily McKay
I have a confession to make. I’ve never blogged before. Not even once.The truth is, I don’t have a very bloggable life. So if you’re expecting stories of my latest shopping spree at Nordstroms during which I spent thousands of dollars on shoes … well, you’re going to be disappointed. See, I’m a mom. And not one of those sophisticated moms with a nanny to take care of her kids either. My day-to-day grind consists of filling sippy cups, changing diapers and kissing booboos intermixed with trying to eek out a few pages of writing during the odd moment when both kids are distracted. On a good day the most exciting thing that happens is I realize there are enough leftovers in the fridge that I won’t have to cook dinner. (Woohoo, tonight is such a night!) Behold, the glamorous life of the professional writer.
However on Tuesday something truly exciting did happen. While I was off folding laundry, the UPS guy dropped a package on my doorstep. A box of books from Harlequin/Silhouette. My author copies of my latest book, Baby on the Billionaire’s Doorstep. Getting my author copies is always my favorite part of the whole writing process. After all the months of work, all the revisions and line edits, all the waiting, one day, this magical box of books just appears on my doorstep. My heart leaps every time I see a box with those four Harlequin diamonds printed on the side.
Getting my author copies of this book was particularly exciting because this is the first book I’ve written with a child in it. (I’ve had pregnant heroines before, but no babies until now.) Usually I identify more strongly with my heroine, but with this book, I felt a strong connection with the hero, Dex Messina, who unexpectedly finds himself caring for the five month old baby girl he didn’t know he had. This baby completely turns his life upside down and he’s amazed at how quickly he falls in love with his daughter.
That’s pretty much how it happened with me too. Before my husband and I decided to have kids, I wasn’t even sure I wanted them. And frankly, I had serious doubts about my abilities as a Mom. I just wasn’t sure I’d “take” to motherhood. No time to myself? All day alone with kids? Humming that tune you can’t get out of your head that you later realize is the theme to Blue’s Clues? Or—most embarrassing of all—asking your adult friend if she needs to stop and use the potty?
Let’s face it: motherhood is rife with challenges and humiliations. But the truth is, I love it. And I loved writing about a hero falling in love with being a father.
Emily McKay
P.S. I’m running a contest on my website. Be sure to stop by for a chance to win a one of two $50 gift cards from Amazon.com.
I felt much the same way about children before I had them Emily. Hubby and I waited 8 years of marriage before we had to say ‘It’s now or never, my eggs won’t last forever’ (we didn’t sing it in rhyme quite like that, but you get the picture). Now I have one amazing daughter and number two is on the way. I can’t remember my life pre-motherhood – this is where it’s at for me. Despite the loss of long relaxing baths and hours of free writing time, I wouldn’t change a thing.
Love your book cover – Dex is so handsome. There’s nothing quite like a good looking guy holding a baby.
Sami
Welcome, Emily! Congratulations on your release! Adding that one to my list. It’s nice to see you out and about.
Congratulations on your new book. I was never a person who loved babies until I had my own.
Well, I lost track of the days (despite RJ’s nice reminder), and my contest won’t be up until tomorrow morning. But I hope everyone will still stop by and enter!
Great first blog post, Emily! My husband and I were both younger siblings in our families, with no experience caring for younger children, so parenthood has been an adventure of surprises for us! Still lovin’ it every day.
By the way, I like your book teaser video! 🙂
Emily, I can relate, too, and I WANTED kids 🙂 Nothing truly prepares you for the reality of parenthood 😉 It’s a gift though.
BTW, Dex sounds wonderful–can’t wait to read all about him!
I loved your post. When my husband first introduced the idea of having children my reaction was, “Couldn’t we have a cat instead?” Previous to that discussion, when people asked us when we were going to have kids I just said, “I don’t need kids, I have him.” *pointing at hubby*
My children are a wonderful part of my life and I am so glad that we made the decision to have children. But at the beginning, I just wasn’t sure that I was wired to be a true Mom.
i think we would be lost without our son.but i still love a little time to
myself.
My husband & I felt the same way about having children, and after being married for ten years we finally decided to take the plunge. Now I can’t imagine my life without our sweet little man! Let’s hear it for the unconditional love of parents for their children… and for leftovers! *g*
~Lindy