Ode to my co-writer during our launch

My daughter Katherine called me three years ago with an idea.

She wanted us to write a book together about the Packer wives during the Glory Years. She suggested we produce a companion podcast as well.

Of course, I said yes. Katherine lives more than 1000 miles away from me and I look forward to any opportunities to spend time with her.

She’s also an impressive task master so I knew we wouldn’t just be whiling our hours away.

We got to work immediately setting up interviews. That first weekend, Katherine flew in and we interviewed Ruth Ann Skoronski, Barbara Knippel, Dave Robinson, Dana Caffey and my mom.

Katherine had brought in some sound equipment and sent me a list of items to rent, so we had good quality audio from all those interviews.

From there, we made a list of wives and family members we wanted to interview. Nearly everyone agreed and we enjoyed those conversations immensely. We debriefed after each one, delighted with the stories we heard.

We sketched out our chapter framework, divvied up the writing assignments and edited each other’s work.

Once we completed the book, Katherine really took the reins. Like any good sailor, I looked forward to my assignment each week as Katherine captained our ship.

She created the spreadsheets, researched the publishers, drafted pitch documents and took the lead in our pitch meetings.

We both signed the book contract, but Katherine got us there.

She also spearheaded our podcast efforts and hired a crack team to produce it. Grammy nominated Hillary Reynolds wrote our jingle. Leah Frires, who is a sought after editor with Transit Productions, in addition to being a talented sketch comedy performer, produced and edited all six episodes. Composer and sound mixer Andy Forsberg balanced, blended and equalized our episodes so well we are thrilled with the outcome.

Then, when it came time to launch our twin labors of love out into the world, Katherine coached me through our appearances as well.

Even as she poured her heart into this project, she has juggled other aspects of her life as well. During the three years we spent putting Lambeau Ladies together and then launching it, Katherine got engaged, got married, got pregnant and gave birth to a sweet, hungry little baby girl.

I am a writer and I enjoyed myself immensely throughout this process.

I am also a mom and I’m so proud of the job Katherine has done.