My Cheerleader by T. L. Wiens

It’s important to have someone in your life that believes in you. I’m lucky to have such person in my life—my mother. She’s always been someone I can go to for support.

My mom isn’t just one of those parents who offer blind encouragement. She’s honest. I let her read my rough manuscripts and they come back to me covered in comments. If one of my stories doesn’t appeal to her, she tells me. She’s my first line of help in the long journey of writing a book.

I’ve watched shows on television where parents are standing behind their child, telling them they’re a star when in reality, it’s an unattainable dream. The child doesn’t have the talent. I often think it would be better for the parent to be honest so that the child could pursue true talents. I would be upset with my mom if she lied to me.

I’m blessed with a mother who gives me a true edit, not just in my writing but with many life decisions. But she’s not one to force her opinions on me. She’s watched me make mistakes and been there to help pick up the pieces. Since I was a teenager, my mom has told me that she taught me right from wrong and that I knew the right decision in most situations. It was up to me to take the right path. And she’s shown me a path of integrity and love that I try to follow so I too won’t be a blind cheerleader for those around me but an honest editor as well.