Allie: What do you think Elijah will say when he is able to more fully absorb the magnitude of your prolific writings on your family?

Neal: The magnitude of my writings is very much in doubt at this point, but I think and hope that Elijah will like and appreciate them. He's the hero of my work, and he's always presented in a sympathetic light. I'd like him to see this as a valentine to him and to our relationship. At least that's how it's intended.

Allie: What do you suggest to parents -- professional writers or not -- who want to document their family's life via the written word, whether by blog or memoir?

Neal: Be prepared to have your every utterance and action picked apart by nasty detractors. The more prominent you are, the nastier it will get. Parenting is a topic that drives people absolutely crazy and brings out the self-righteousness more than any other. We've all got stuff to hide as parents. We all screw up. No wonder people are so defensive… [Allie’s note: He’s teasing again!]