The Other Writer in the House

Back in January, I received an invitation from Jill Cooper to participate in The Yes Book project. Jill, an experienced editor as well as an excellent writer, had boldly embarked on the adventure of launching her own press: Exult Road Publishing. The Yes Book will be Exult Road’s first publication.

I found the prompt—write about the word “Yes”—a supreme challenge. Jill was calling upon writers to produce texts of affirmation, and I fiercely wanted to take part in that. At once, the wheels started spinning in my head. Sadly, they weren’t finding much traction. Every idea that came to mind was quickly discarded for lack of depth and wisdom. And the topic of Yes, in my heart, called out for nothing less than the sagest writing one could muster.

This story, however, comes with a twist. 

Jill also extended an invitation to Erinn, my wife. 

I remember thinking, “That’s very nice of Jill. She wants Erinn to feel included.” 

At that time, I believed that Erinn would be far too busy to contribute to The Yes Book. After all, she is a high school principal and, in addition to that, she’s fully engaged in pursuing a doctorate in educational leadership through the University of Missouri.

Besides, I was the writer in the family.

I assumed Erinn would go on with her busy life and bypass the invitation.

In the meantime, I kept struggling to get a grip on every fleeting strand of inspiration.

Not long after Jill’s call, Erinn shared with me a piece she had written for The Yes Book. She had produce it quietly, without fanfare. (I tend to make a lot of proclamations before, during, and after completing a project.)

Her essay stunned me. It was a heartrending account of a moment—well known to me—in which she regretted not saying yes.

Erinn submitted her work and the editors accepted it immediately.

“I cried in the end,” Jill wrote to her.

In the meantime, as Erinn was basking in the glory of acceptance, I was panicking because the deadline was upon me and I had yet to discover my approach to the topic.

Thankfully, when Balboa Academy’s graduating class of 2014 invited me to be their commencement speaker, I saw the opportunity to offer wise counsel while tackling the theme of “Yes." 

My speech, titled “Say Yes,” will also be included in The Yes Book.

I am proud of my contribution as it represents one of my best moments as a writer. But I’m prouder still of Erinn’s debut as a published author—and in such an uplifting anthology.

It’s fun to have another writer in the house.

The Yes Book goes on sale next month. I urge everyone who wishes to embrace the birth of Exult Road—a publishing venture that seeks writings of light—to pre-order a copy of this wondrous project.