In my December Insecure Writer's post, I talked about how I got a disappointing reaction from a family member when I announced I finished a novel. Yesterday, that same person told me how proud they are of me, and how they've been telling everyone how accomplished I am.
Wonderful, isn't it?
It would be, except this person told me she's so proud that I'm going to graduate school so I can be a college professor. I'm not.
I probably mentioned I would like to teach writing in the long run and am considering doing it. I'm reading some awesome medieval literature to refresh my memory just in case I can do it later. But it's definitely not something I'm doing now. I'm not enrolled. I haven't applied. It's absolutely not something that's going to happen before my babes starts all-day school (in three and a half years).
I'm writing now. That's it. (I know you all know how huge that is.)
Luckily, I'm old enough that I can only laugh at this conversation and file it away in my mind so one of my characters can have a similar conversation a family member. I am very proud that I had no reaction - no flushed face, no headache, no crinkled forehead, no emotional response during the conversation at all. I just listened and didn't respond at all.
I'm happy to report that I'm back in writing mode. I cleaned my desk last night and then jumped back into a novel I started last spring. I read it, edited it, and am excited to work on it some more today.
I try not to talk about writing to people I know in real life. It gets too awkward.
ReplyDeleteGrumpy - I think that's wise.
ReplyDeletePeople hear only what they want to hear...
ReplyDeleteMan, those family things can be so tricky. I had about 6 years I waited tables. During part of it I was in grad school and my mom ALWAYS focused on that, even though it was only active for 2 of those 6 years.... she was mortified I was waiting tables. They definitely focus on what THEY think success is. Wait until you are published--they everyone will be all proud, not having a CLUE what goes into it all ahead of time.
ReplyDeleteThat's pretty hilarious. Someone's getting coal in their stocking. :P
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on getting back in writer mode and with the progress. On the other note, you are a much better person than me, because I would have said something to that friend. Guess I am still a bit immature on that front. But you should be really proud of yourself and yes, just writing can be really great. In fact it is awesome. Good for you.
ReplyDeleteIt's a really good feeling to be deep in a work in progress, especially if it's just being edited. I'm proud of you, you seem like a real finisher of things. I'm more of a beginner of things.
ReplyDeleteAlex - True.
ReplyDeleteHart - Actually, I don't think getting published will cut it either. I'm OK with that. I know a younger guy that waits tables and is going to nursing school. It's clear his parents are mortified he wants to be a nurse - they tell everyone he's working at a restaurant. :)
LG - Definitely on the naughty list.
Murees - Thanks! I'm getting to the point where I can see where it wouldn't have made a difference if I did speak up.
Rusty - I'm better at beginnings too. I have a stack of manuscripts with outlines at my elbow and about fifty half-read books on my shelf.