What is the best compliment you've ever received as a writer?
Mine came a few nights ago when I read my current WIP, Mountain Escape, to my husband. Now, he has been there for me through ALL of my books and ideas. He's listened not only to what I've written, but what I've read, plus some of the beta reads I really liked. He's listened to me rant about banned books and other stuff. He's heard the whole publishing spiel about how it all works. And he's still married to me, lol.
This has been going on for well over a year. Of course, throughout the course of our fifteen years together he's also had the reader's digest version of health, herbalism, horses, and everything in between. I think it takes a really good man to put up my ramblings, especially when I start talking about what my character's would like as if they were real. (This confuses some of my friends, they're like, "Who?")
So I read him parts of Addie's story. At one point he said, "Should I feel really bad and depressed? This is terrible." YES!! Then at another point he started laughing and said, "Wow, how can you insert humor into that terrible scene. That's amazing." Double Yes!! He laughed where he was supposed to, was horrified at the appropriate time and actually liked it!
When I got done he stood there for a few minutes and just looked at me. Then he said, "I'm impressed. Your writing continues to get better and this one is great. You'll definitely sell it."
Now, that is high praise from my husband. He only says what he means. I learned a looong time ago not to ask a question that I didn't want an honest answer to.
What is your best writing compliment?
That's so wonderful!! I really envy those whose spouses are so supportive of their writing. My best compliment came from a beta who said that she could see my book being made into a movie. I think I was a little light headed that day. :)
ReplyDeleteThat is AWESOME! One of the best compliments I ever received was one of my betas, namely, my mother in law, who said that it takes a lot for a novel to hook her but mine did :)
ReplyDeleteThose are both great compliments!!
ReplyDeleteAwesome compliment, that must have felt amazing! I think one of my best has to be the experience of having my CP read my MS in the same room as me, and keep having fits of giggles. Mission accomplished! Score!
ReplyDeleteYour husband sounds so supportive :)
ReplyDeleteI think the best compliment is having someone read your manuscript -- to the end! That's pretty awesome and it makes you feel like it's not too bad if they made it through 300 + pages. Hehe.
Yes, Amie, I think that's the greatest compliment when someone reacts the way we want them to.
ReplyDeleteKathy, I loooove IC! Srsly. And I want more :-)