I imagine that, having a cartoon based semi-loosely on life, it can be confusing to readers as to where the strip ends and reality begins. For instance, when I wrote about the character, Rob, getting laid off back in March, many concerned readers and friends asked if my flesh-and-blood husband similarly lost his job (which he didn’t).
Likewise, last week’s light-hearted story arc about Jill’s new haircut drew a similar (if more subdued) reaction. Folks wanted to know if I, too, got hacked. The answer is no. Often it’s just creative license.
But then there are real life occurrences that end up making it into print. Although I rarely write verbatim, documenting my realities in a humorous light can be pretty cathartic. For example, a few years ago I discovered (after months of driving my family nuts) that I had PMDD, or Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. I needed to go on a mild antidepressant to ease the symptoms. I wrote a small story line based on my wariness about taking the drugs. Or an even better reality scenario: Rob’s vasectomy series (man, my husband’s a good sport).
Soon I’ll be developing another medical-based story line modeled after real events. Let’s just say it’s been a tough month. From my warped cartoonist’s mindset, a sane way to put closure on that episode is to expose it to the masses. If anything, to give myself a laugh. Hey, someone’s gotta be entertained, right?
Hi Terri, Just wanted to find a way to say two of my all-time fave strips of yours were “Mom Cred” (I have 4 kids, so it was funny and relevant and still on my fridge!) and the “Mom Gallery of Art”. I’m an art docent at my kids’ school and also thought this was particularly funny. My 10 year old daughter, Anna, and I LOVE to read your comics daily. It’s the first one I go to. Thanks for making me laugh!
Thanks so much, Monica, I’m glad you got a kick out of those strips. By the way, I’m also an art docent at my kids’ school. Great program, eh?
Terri, I admire your creativity, but I feel sorry for you and your husband. If you really are as overwhelmed as your character, to the point of neglecting your husband and your own well-being, you must be miserable. Such a life, or lack thereof, is not sustainable.
Hi Mel,
Thanks for the input. But I think you’re missing the point of the strip. PD is meant to show the realities of being a full-time working mother with a humorous and sometimes lighthearted OR sardonic twist (depending on my mood). It doesn’t mean anyone is depressed/neglected or that you should feel sorry for anyone.
I do the strip because I love it, it’s cathartic (yes, I get my demons out), and because I like to make social commentary. Motherhood is hard. Working around it is hard. Marriage takes work as well. Throw all that into the mix, and you’ve got a challenge…albeit a rewarding one. Hopefully it’ll help shed some light on what needs to be done in this country…like getting more support for working parents.
Let me assure you that although we have our days, my family is happy and content, doing what we love. Pointing out the absurdities of society and certain realities does not equate to unhappiness.
Take care,
Terri