The Encouragement Of Others
Several people have given me a lot of encouragement as I ventured along this journey to publish this book. My husband has been very supportive, my children, too. The quarantine has brought about this new way of living and working at home, so they have literally been by my side through this process. Many friends have come through with lots of support and encouragement, too, and it’s very heartening.
Giving your novel to friends and family to read is a little nerve-wracking, and little frightening. You offer it to them, knowing that their opinions matter, knowing that their thoughts about you may be forever altered by the content of your writing. Some may have a hard time reconciling the writing to the author. They might not like your novel, and you are putting them in the awkward situation of telling you.
Luckily, almost all my readers have liked my work, or have done a really fine job at covering it up if they don’t. It is gratifying to know that my friends and family understand what I’ve been working on and they enjoy it. My parents are too old to read my book. Age and dementia have taken their toll. My in-laws have read my book, and it’s lovely to have their encouragement.