Unexpected Reaction

Puma · Jul 31, 2008

I have to share this because it pretty much blew me out of the water. My family is highly literary and super-critical. I had expected my siblings' comments on my novel to run along the line of - pretty good. I was flabbergasted last night when my sister (who's the pickiest of the bunch) called and said she'd started reading my novel as soon as she got it and - "couldn't put it down". I had never in a million years anticipated a comment like that from her - or from anyone, especially because the novel is stuffed with historical fact and on a different planet from bodice rippers. Needless to say, my head's a little fat today. Anyone else have unexpected family reactions to share? Puma

Appalachian Writer · Jul 31, 2008

Congrats on the family's reaction. Me? My daughter seems to like my work, but she never reads the whole thing. My mother and sister, they keep saying "Write something happy." It makes me cringe. I don't know what will happen should I get published. Maybe some cover art will change their minds.

StoryG27 · Jul 31, 2008

I'm glad your family enjoys your writing. It's a good feeling.

donroc · Jul 31, 2008

Family support is not always a given as expressed on other threads. Good for you.

Disa · Jul 31, 2008

That's great news for you. Congratulations! Family support is really something to be treasured.

I haven't shown my work to too many people because I always get the same reaction "That's good," ....but you know how that goes. I guess the best thing someone said to me was when a friend sent her mother one of my short stories and her mother said something to the effect of: "to heck with the short story I'm waiting for the novel Where's the rest?" I thought it was pretty neat she said that.

Ol' Fashioned Girl · Jul 31, 2008

I'd see if I could get her to repeat that into a recorder, If I were you... just so I could play it back later, over and over.

Mumut · Jul 31, 2008

Well done. I have the same thing from all my family but I expected it. They've all been beta readers and supported me from the start. That didn't mean they agreed with everything I wrote. My wife has never had any problem with criticising me and she was very frank in places. And my daughters have given very considered opinions. But it is really fantastic when they give a glowing report to others about my book.

Mandy-Jane · Jul 31, 2008

Congratulations. Very exciting!

Doogs · Jul 31, 2008

Congrats, Puma! That's awesome!

I recently had a similar experience with the final draft of my novel. My mother-in-law's always said she wanted to read it when it was done, and I always took it as her being polite. She reads a ton, but her tastes typically run toward the light-and-humorous romance type novels. I was certain she'd be tripped up by the Roman names and the like. To my surprise, she tore through it in two days, absolutely loved it, and called me to rave about it.

mab · Jul 31, 2008

Good for you! I'd say loved ones are sometimes hardest to impress so you must be pretty good!

julie thorpe · Jul 31, 2008

What a nice thing to hear. I'm pleased for you, Puma - let's hope it's a good omen for the book's success with the good ol' Public. All the best!

tehuti88 · Jul 31, 2008

I wish I could say I've gotten a reaction like that. I envy you right now! Very nice.

BardSkye · Jul 31, 2008

Congrats, indeed!

My family's reaction has always been mixed. Mom loved the thriller I figured she'd hate. Dad didn't like that one but liked the sports mystery even though he doesn't like sports... or mysteries, as a rule.

My brother says he's liked all of them so far but admits he's not sure if it's because of the story or because it's his sister's work. (What a sweetie he is!)

funidream · Jul 31, 2008

A wonderful feeling - revel in it.

It is so important to have a family that is truly supportive and proud of your creative endeavors and achievements.

Congratulations on the publication of your novel!

c.e.lawson · Jul 31, 2008

Congratulations, Puma. Your book is such a wonderful achievement, and then to have a family member have that great reaction is just icing on the cake. Excellent.

c.e.

Barb D · Aug 1, 2008

Well, my 8-year-old likes mine.

Does that count? (It's YA, FWIW.)

euclid · Aug 2, 2008

Well done, Puma.

My sister really loved my first novel (the one that's been flushed down the toilet)

Unexpected Reaction

Puma

Retired and loving it!

Appalachian Writer

Somewhere in the hills....

StoryG27

Miss Behave

donroc

Historicals and Horror rule

Disa

Ol' Fashioned Girl

Hand? What hand?

Mumut

Well begun is half done...

Mandy-Jane

venturing ever further into the unknown

Doogs

mab

julie thorpe

tehuti88

Mackinac Island Fanatic

BardSkye

Barbershoppin' Harmony Whore

funidream

c.e.lawson

Barb D

euclid

Where did I put me specs?