I've noticed over the last few years that the only people who really understand being a writer are other writers. I'll be agonizing over a huge plot hole or wondering how to make a character less annoying when I suddenly notice whoever I'd been talking to- be it my husband, mom, best friend, Starbucks lady- is rocking that glassy eyed look. You know the one, where they're there, and they physically hear you, but mentally they're a thousand miles away? And who can blame them really? It's the equivalent of trying to have a serious discussion about a movie they haven't even seen.
I think that's why having critique partners and following other writer blogs can be so helpful. You get to see everyone else pushing through the fog of novel writing and you're surrounded by people who actually understand.
But sometimes it can be so frustrating! All I want to do sometimes is sit and talk about my story without feeling like I'm imposing. Writing can be so hard without support...
Who listens to you ramble? Do they do it willingly or are they like my husband- fighting an eye roll the whole time? :-)
Almost all my friends are writers to some serious extent or another, so I'm pretty fortunate in that regard.
ReplyDeleteBut yes, I've given up talking to my family. They don't eye-glaze, they give "suggestions." They kind of suggestions only people who know nothing about writing can give. XD (Usually it's, "Well, you should add more vampires. Vampires are really big right now at the library.) (Hint: I don't write supernatural anything.)
I'm lucky, because my husband and my sister are both writers, so I've always been able to talk to them about writing.
ReplyDeleteI run into this a lot, especially with the hubby. I too find the only people who understand my pain are other writers. I'm glad I have a CP who doesn't mind my ranting and raving. :-)
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