Finding the Right Writing Support
Eons ago, I had no other writing support besides my husband. The problem was, he didn’t share my interest in the craft.
But I’d still bug him to read my writing. And not just read it. I’d ask him to comment. What’s working? What isn’t? He’d say it’s good—but how was that supposed to help me improve? So I’d push and I’d push and he’d finally say, well, maybe this character is a bit unbelievable.
And you know what I did? I got mad at him. Of course that character is believable! You just don’t know anything about writing!
Is there any wonder he never wanted to read my writing? 🙂
That’s when I learned that the kind of support I needed from my husband was entirely different than the kind of support I found in my book coach. So we came up with a new way: I go to my coach for tough love that will improve my writing; I go to Scott for effusive praise. Now he happily reads my work and he happily tells me what he loves.
If he does have suggestions, I’ve learned to listen. But now it works for the both of us. I get positive reinforcement. He doesn’t have the burden of trying to be a writing expert.
So think about the best way your family and friends can support your writing. Maybe they have skills to help your craft. But if they don’t? That’s okay. That’s why I’m here. 🙂