You're Writing WHAT?

My husband and I had dinner with cousins last night. It was the first time we’d seen them since our wedding last May and we had a lot to talk about. At some point, the conversation turned to my writing. Though I write this blog and tell them about it on Facebook all the time, not many of my family members read it. So for my cousins I started at the beginning, about querying and the requests I got, about my newest novel and the contests I’ve entered, about my critique group and my next shot at querying.

My cousins had so many questions and were so supportive. They wanted to know everything and wanted to make sure I continue going for my dream, even after my failures. I assured them I’m not giving up. I’ll keep doing this as long as it takes, no matter how many novels it takes. I loved their enthusiasm and encouragement.

Not everyone I tell about my writing is like my cousins. Some look at me like I’m crazy, some like I’m wasting my time.  When they ask questions, they aren’t enthusiastic and they don’t sound encouraging. I feel like I have to defend myself when I’m talking to these people, like I’m in a hostile police interview where the police are convinced I’m guilty even though I know I’m innocent. Things only get worse when I explain what I’ve written. I can see it in their eyes as I say the words young adult science fiction. It’s like they’re thinking, “You’re writing what?!”

Sometimes in these situations I try and convince these people that what I’m doing is exciting and worth it. It’s my dream, I try to tell them. I convince some, but not all. And sometimes, I don’t bother trying to defend myself. I let it go. I let them think what they will.

Because here’s the thing. They may not like young adult science fiction—hell, they might stop listening at young adult—but I LOVE IT. I wrote in my last post about the YA novels I love and why I love them. I also love writing. I’ve been doing it since elementary school and I’m not going to stop, no matter how this coming round of querying or the next one goes. I’ll write for myself if nothing else.

Some people think I’m crazy for doing this, but plenty don’t. Many of my family and friends are supportive. Last week, a coworker gave me an ad from a newspaper for the Mad Anthony Writers Conference near Cincinnati. Though the conference was more for non-fiction and adult crime/mystery novels, I thanked my coworker. She wanted to help me and I was so grateful for that. For all she knew, it could have been perfect for me—it could have been the turning point. She gave me the ad because believes I can achieve my dream.

I think that’s the most important thing for others to understand about what I’m doing. THIS IS MY DREAM and the best thing they can do is support me while I go for it. Compared to what I’m doing day in and out for my dream, their supportive part is easy. So, thank you, all of you who’ve supported me through this. I know what it’s like to be on the hard end of chasing a dream, so I’ll support you while you go for yours, whatever they may be.