I just had a pleasant experience.

[engmajor2005]

There's been many a thread about how non-writers seems totally not interested in what we do, but I just had a non-writer ask me how my book was going and actually seem interested when I told him that it was finished and the query letters were in the mail.

I felt happy.

[Broadswordbabe]

Hey, it is nice. It matters.

Glad the outer world acknowledged your struggles.

[MightyScribbler]

So, no sarcasm?

No patronizing remarks?

No, "good luck with that." (with a side of sarcasm)

No, "is it about me?"

No reminder about the odds?

That's awesome.

[Sage]

I think it's because I've been so excited about my latest novel & betas' responses to it, but my parents have suddenly become really interested in the process. They have been asking about the querying process, about how I was finding beta readers (& why), how getting an agent works, & so on.

Of course, once upon a time, my mom's reaction to this novel was: "Angels of Death? That sounds dark." (not just once, but twice).

[The Lady]

And today a friend who only ever asks whether I'm married yet, rang and said she'd heard from another friend I had some poems published. I felt quite weak.
There were talking about my writing, in a good way, when I was actually not there.

These non writers are changing.

[Siddow]

Golly, all I ever get is, "Oh yeah? I had some stuff published when I was in college. But ya know, that was a long time ago. Moved on to paying jobs."

Freaks.

[Imelda]

Dear GOD I wish someone would ask me that and actually care. I get the occasional 'how's the novel going', and the only person who seems interested is my tutor, who then swiftly moves on to telling me how he hopes it isn't interfering with my studies. :rolleyes: And if my mum says anything ... it's in this stiff tone like she doens't actually care. She hasn't uttered a word about it for months. I think she's doing that selective memory thing and pretending I never said 'I detest science, all I want to do is write'. :mad: I wrote 10,000 words in a day once, and I was on a total high ... told my family and they were just ... :Shrug: and quickly changed the subject. Drives me nuts.

Rant over. Sorry. :D

[jerrymouse]

when i first started writing i went on and on, and on, about my story and writing so much to friends and family i felt i had pilled loads of pressure onto myself.
when friends and family stopped asking about "the writing" i found i could write without feeling the pressure.

[IrishScribbler]

I have a few non-writing friends/family who are interested in my work (mostly b/c they think it's cool I'm a writer), but the usual response I get is "Will you take a look at my story/poem/song/play/etc?"

[johnzakour]

I've found most of the non-writers in my life (almost everybody else) seem reasonably interested in my work. At least as interested in my work as I am of theirs. :)

[icerose]

You guys know weird people. I always have experiences like the OP, in fact I haven't had any other kind of experiences.

[Broadswordbabe]

...I think she's doing that selective memory thing and pretending I never said 'I detest science, all I want to do is write'.

Ah, yes. I remember showing my parents some of my work, or a competition win, or something, and saying the same thing - and getting 'Well, that's very nice dear but you must get a proper job.' Some people, sadly, are never going to get it - but in the case of parents, it's usually because they do actually want you to be comfortable, safe, and solvent, and they don't see writing as a way to do that.

And, much as I loathe admitting it, a 'proper' job has advantages. Being unemployed, broke and worried sick about paying the electric bill is not conducive to concentrating on your writing, trust me. Been there.

However it finally occurred to me - only took 20 years or so! That not all paying jobs have to be as boring as (insert rude word here). Some people do actually do things they find interesting, and get paid. I am now looking for an interesting job. You never know, with any luck it might be improper, as well....;)