Published and yet-to-be published writers--how's your support system?

[MorningGlow]

I'm curious about everyone's support system--spouses, friends, family, etc. Do your loved ones encourage you and support what you do, or do they try to discourage you and urge you to do something more "practical" or do they take the middle ground and humor you but remain neutral? :hi:

[Tangerine LaBamba]

1. I'm published -

I get my support from my agent, and my family just regards what I do as what I do. Nothing special, just a job.

If someone isn't published, and pursues writing as an avocation, what's the harm? The fact that others don't think it's worthwhile is meaningless.

When you start looking to others for approval or sustenance, you're in trouble...............................

[heidler1]

8. I agree

When I retired 20 years ago, I decided to try writing for the fun of it. I didn't pay much attention to criticism because I knew that I had a lot to learn about grammar and where the line was concerning too much detail about sexy stories and figured the only way was to get a lot of words on paper and see if I could find someone that would take the time to read the words and give me an honest opinion.
Just recently with my last effort I seem to have come pretty close to making the grade. I'm using LULU a print on demand publisher that gives me free use of their book creating soft ware and all it costs me is for the copies that I order. In my case I was not in financial need of writing a best seller. This makes a big difference I know, but I believe it is the safest way to go.

[sybylla]

2. I've basically remained underground

My spouse has been terrific support. We've had a business for ten years which has given me cover for my writing. I've showed my parents and now adult children newspaper articles I've had published, but they know little to nothing about the novel I'm shopping around. Once it's sold, then they get the whole story.

It's just been easier for me to keep it close to the vest. No need to constantly explain where I am in the process to everyone I run into, no unnecessary criticisms or funky looks to face down when I already have my own best critic riding around in my head, no distractions from family members who either just don't understand or love to gossip regardless of whether there's really anything to talk about. I find it's just easier to focus on the work.

What life will be like once I get this novel sold, who knows?

[ScreamingMeemie]

3. My husband was my biggest fan and my greatest critic.

His encouragement is what gave me the success I have had. Picking up the pen after two years has been rough without him.

[Tangerine LaBamba]

4. When you're ready,

you'll do it.

The one thing I know from that kind of loss is that you can't force any of it. It travels on its own timetable, and you're just the unlucky passenger along for the ride.

You could, though, write about the ride, just to keep the ink flowing.

Now, you're writing just for yourself, and that, paradoxically, can be the hardest writing of all.

How honest, in fact, are you willing to allow yourself to be?

Dangerous stuff, indeed.

But, not impossible.

If you can't write, read. And don't think twice about it, OK?

[marions ghost]

5. I have benefitted from a writer's group

that meets weekly. I know that isn't for everyone, but in my case, it's been very supportive and educational. That way I don't really depend on family for support in it. My spouse is good and interested, but just very busy and has to read a lot at work. You have to get with the right group though, one that shares your degree of commitment.

[sybylla]

6. Agreed. Not all writers groups are the same

There is always a difference in the level of commitment to the work, the willingness to learn and a willingness to take your genre seriously. My first experience with a group was not good. It was filled with retirees who wanted to work on their memoirs or poetry - I was sure it wasn't really the right venue for a romance novel.

But my current group is with three women, more or less my age, all professionals (two with writing experience in different fields) all with varying interests and were open to the romance genre. We've been together now for almost five years and they've been terribly supportive. I couldn't have finished my first novel without their insightful input.

My only problem is that I'd like to meet a little more often.

[BamaGirl]

7. For me it's just work. Now.

I've published 19 books. (Ok, 17 published, the next 2 out in Oct and Dec lol.) Everyone around me knows I write and most of my friends are writers too. They took me seriously before but it wasn't until I was able to quit work that most of them really got it. Of course now they think all writers can make a living. Which is so far from reality it's laughable.