NON-stupid things that non-writers say...

thethinker42 · Mar 5, 2008

Ok, now that the "Stupid Things Non-Writers Say" thread has reached biblical proportions, maybe it's time for something positive. We've all heard stupid, ignorant things said to us and about our craft...but what about the positive, encouraging things?

Anyone?

I have one...

Last night I reconnected with a friend I haven't talked to in probably 7 or 8 years. Somewhere during the conversation, he said, "Are you still writing?" When I said yes, he said, "Oh good! I'm glad you've stuck with it. A lot of people drop it before they have a chance to get really good at it. I imagine your work has improved a LOT in the last few years."

It wasn't much, but just having someone remember (after all this time) that I write, was really encouraging.

Anyone else?

Red-Green · Mar 5, 2008

Non-writing readers rock! :e2headban

One yesterday said, "I don't know. It just feels like something's missing in this chapter. Like, I want to like the character, but I can't stick with her."

She was exactly right and I think she saved me from botching a whole series of queries because there's something missing in the first chapter.

underthecity · Mar 5, 2008

I have a couple of different coworkers that ask me from time to time how my book is coming along. And they're genuinely interested, too.

allen

AnnieColleen · Mar 5, 2008

underthecity said:
I have a couple of different coworkers that ask me from time to time how my book is coming along. And they're genuinely interested, too.

Same here, and they understand that it's a lengthy process. One lady who just left gave me her email address (among other reasons) so that she can read my WIP whenever I get this round of edits done.

nevada · Mar 5, 2008

my friends bug me all the time. "did you finish that book? I absolutely have to know what happened to that character." One of my friends still talks to me about something i wrote twelve years ago. I dont even remember it, but he remembers the plot line, the characters. he wants me to finish it. i dont have the heart to tell him i have no idea about that book anymore. I can barely remember starting it. But it makes me feel good. It shows me that my writing has made some impact. good impact.

Sean D. Schaffer · Mar 5, 2008

A non-writing friend of mine recently encouraged me to pick one of my old manuscripts out of the trunk and start writing it again. She was one of several people who did so. I'm re-writing the book, and it's coming along great!

--Sean

Mr Flibble · Mar 5, 2008

I had to give up writing for a while when I was really ill. One of my mates kept nagging at me - when are you going to finisih the book so I can find out what happens? The same mate who rung me at midnight to say 'You *&%%$%!, you killed him!' me: 'Hnnf?' 'X, you killed him, I'm never going to forgive you!'

Just the incentive I needed to get back to it.

bsolah · Mar 5, 2008

Great idea for a thread.

I have a few non-writing friends who are really proud of my writing. They often say that they'd love to give it a go some day.

Puma · Mar 6, 2008

And I've heard - "I could never do it. I really admire you." Puma

Broadswordbabe · Mar 6, 2008

My dear ex, of the current WIP (I don't usually let anyone see stuff in first draft, but he was insistent) - "I love this book. I want to move into it."

I may have to take him back.

KTC · Mar 6, 2008

I have a lot of supportive non-writers on my side who have read my stuff and promise that I will one day have a book published and that when I do they will be among the first to buy it.

writin52 · Mar 6, 2008

NON-stupid things that non-writers say

I still smile when I remember this one. I once wrote a kid's serial for a local newspaper called "The Adventures of SlowBunny Bob". I got stopped on the street of the small community by a preK teacher who proceeded to explain that she used the serial as a treat for her classes. If they were good all day, she read them the next installment of the serial! She said it hadn't failed yet and when was the next adventure coming out?

sunna · Mar 6, 2008

From a coworker: "Funny, isn't it? - how when you said you write after work everyone started talking about the TV shows they watch, like the two have anything to do with each other. I bet it's more like a second job."

I love her.

~grace~ · Mar 6, 2008

"This is my roommate Grace. She's a writer."

Sean D. Schaffer · Mar 6, 2008

~grace~ said:
"This is my roommate Grace. She's a writer."

I've had people say that about me, too. I'm almost embarrassed when they say it.

But they're right, and I'm honored that people have such a good opinion of my chosen profession.

~grace~ · Mar 6, 2008

Sean D. Schaffer said:
I've had people say that about me, too. I'm almost embarrassed when they say it.

But they're right, and I'm honored that people have such a good opinion of my chosen profession.

Oh I was super-embarrassed. But warm-fuzzies anyway.

Toothpaste · Mar 6, 2008

I have yet to come across someone who wasn't supportive of my writing. It's so weird, because I do know there are a lot of people out there who don't consider writing a real job, but everyone I've met not only think it's awesome, they treat me like a celebrity. Seriously awesome!

Higgins · Mar 6, 2008

Broadswordbabe said:
My dear ex, of the current WIP (I don't usually let anyone see stuff in first draft, but he was insistent) - "I love this book. I want to move into it."

I may have to take him back.

Oh...funny how one's ex-es tend to suddenly have nice things to say about your prose -- if nothing else.

I was more intrigued by a the statement of an artist who was at that time just somebody I was pursuing...I said something like, "I don't like doing things that are that crazy."
And she said, "Well, you aren't an artist, you're a writer."
I said something vaguely dismissive...but in some strange way she was right. You just can't be all that crazy when your work time is a matter of typing a lot of sensible things.

shakeysix · Mar 6, 2008

after thirty some years i managed to find my best friend from high school. right after college she joined a commune for nine years and we lost touch. in her first e-mail she asked if i was writer yet. she told me that she still had a story i had written for a class in high school. have to say that was a boost---s6

Robin Bayne · Mar 6, 2008

Yesterday my mom told me that my 6 year old nephew was constantly creating books and was taking after me as a "writer." Was cute.

MMWyrm · Mar 6, 2008

Just the other day, my Mom stopped next to my computer, waited for me to stop typing and looked up at her, and said, "Every time I see you smile when you are writing, it makes my heart sing. Never give up. It's who you are. Anyone with eyes could see that."

No one I know is non-supportive, but most dismiss my writing as nothing more than a happy pastime. My Mom is special.

mscelina · Mar 6, 2008

"Where can I buy your book?"

My current personal favorite. I have another non-writer friend who constantly brainstorms ideas with me. I bounced a lot of Terella off of him. Just yesterday I got an email from him asking me if he could read the end of the book. "I just wanted to see if what you wrote turns out as well as I imagined it."

I think I'll buy him a few shots Friday night.

AnnieColleen · Mar 6, 2008

~grace~ said:
"This is my roommate Grace. She's a writer."

My little brother (HS sophomore) did that - "This is my sister; she's a professional writer." And his friend's eyes got all big and she wanted to know how many books I had out. (Umm, none (yet), but thanks?) It was pretty cool.

chartreuse · Mar 6, 2008

"Have a beer, you'll feel better."

Works for me.

Potluck · Mar 6, 2008

Ok, where's "The stupid things that writers say."?

Did it get to full and explode?

NON-stupid things that non-writers say...

Abnormal Romance Author

KoalaKoalaKoala!

Finestkind

Invisible Writer

They've been very bad, Mr Flibble

AW's Resident Commie

Retired and loving it!

I'd rather be a cat.

Stand in the Place Where You Live

the good old days

the good old days

THE RECKLESS RESCUE is out now!

blue eyed floozy

~writes for Him~

Teh doommobile, drivin' rite by you

Invisible Writer