Quote:
Originally Posted by Ninja  Darnit, why (with the exception of my parents and sister) do I only get complimented on my attitude online? All my friends just keep telling me to tone it down (translation: start doubting myself), because there is only a small chance (translation: no way in hell! You're too normal for that, just like the rest of us!) this crazy scheme of mine will work, and I'll fall flat on my face.
Maybe I need better friends... I'm all for being realistic and showing a little humility (rather than sending out a three line summary of my novel and expecting hordes of young, male and ridiculously handsome publishers to fight to the death over who gets to sign me on as their author), but just assuming things won't work out... or not even trying... that is just not the way I roll.  |
Yesterday I attended a party, and in a conversation with a cousin-in-law, I said two things that I think are relevant and important.
1 - If I have to make a choice between taking care of myself and pleasing other people, I will choose to take care of my well-being.
IMO, your writing is tightly tied to your well-being.
2 - I want my relationships with other people to be based on mutual respect and a genuine appreciation for who the other person is. I am no longer interested in interactions that don't meet that criteria.
People that respect you and appreciate you for who you are will support your writing. If they have doubts, they will express them honestly, with an attitude of wanting be able to trust that you are right if only they understand better or get more information.
I agree with Bruce's suggestion to fire your unsupportive friends. Some relationships simply are not worth maintaining—the cost to your well-being is too high.