A few weeks ago I was chatting with some email friends. Friends I've had for several years. I don't chat with them as much as I used to and felt compelled to update them about the recent happenings in my life. Along with the typical updates about my family and the various things we've done in the past few months I also mentioned some the stories I've submitted to Harlequin. And - and I should know better - I even went so far as to share a few pages of some of my submissions.
Only one of my friends even bothered to comment about my writing and it was of the generic - gee, that's great - variety. Sigh. I realize these women aren't romance writers, and I'm not sure if they're even romance readers, but I was still annoyed. Not deep, dark depressed annoyed, but annoyed none the less.
I'm not really sure what point I'm trying to make with this post, but receiving this kind of generic response has bugged me for years. And who better to understand than other romance writers. I guess basically I'm just looking to vent, so thanks for letting me rant.
SandySue
I am right there with you. Not to depress you further but my take on it when it happens to me: they aren't really interested in me. When you like a person you take time to listen and you just care.
I am guilty of reading a long blog and responding to one specific point and then realize I missed commenting on other things. I put that down to being a goober, though.
Feel free to rant. You are a writer and should feel proud of your work. Wanting to share with others is only natural. Have you submitted yet?
Angel
www.angelinabarbin.blogspot.com
Non-Writer Friends
I've had a similar experience with some of my friends. I don't blame them. They don't know how to analyze writing or what to say about my characters, but....if they read at all, it wouldn't take too much to look at what you've written and say I like your characters/plot because of xyz. Just to show that you're paying attention.
Laughter is an instant vacation- Milton Berle
Thanks for the comments
Angel - Yes, I've submitted. Two to Desire and just recently to Special Edition. I have request from American that I'm trying to get out the door but with my day job, kids, life, well, I'll save that for another rant. LOL
And yes, it would be nice if my friend had made at least a few specific comments, but what can you do?