Damned with faint praise and praised with faint damns

I've told people about my plans to write a book and peoples reactions have been really odd, a couple of friends just totally ignored me, there wasn't even time for the tumble weed to start blowing across the hole that my disclosure had dropped into. Another friend has tried telling me what to write and finding bit and piece of information for me to include, none of which are relelvant to what I'm writing about. My Mum, son and step son are the only ones who have been encouraging, I don't get the negativity? Is it because I'm a working class older woman? Do they think I'm getting above my station in life and that people like me shouldn't do things like write, or would they be OK with me writing fiction rather than non fiction?

I didn't expect rounds of applause and street parties, but the lack of response is quite deafening, some who have responded have been very half hearted and I feel their responses match the thread title. Maybe because I'm doing it for pleasure rather than with any expectation of publication, people feel it's unimportant and not worth a comment.

Does this resonate with anyone else? I feel like theres some borderline hostility going on and it's really confusing me.

Parents
  • Hi catwoman.

    It’s disheartening when people you expect support from don’t respond in the way you hope. I know how crushing that can be. It sounds like your friends might not fully understand the value and importance of writing, especially when it’s driven by personal passion rather than commercial ambition. People often have their own preconceived notions about what is “acceptable” for others to pursue based on their backgrounds, especially when it comes to something like writing, even if it’s not meant in a hurtful way it can definitely come across in such a way.

    I think your decision to write for pleasure instead of just profit is absolutely valid and deserves recognition, regardless of what others think. Keep focusing on your passion and the support from your family—it’s great that they encourage you! Try not to let the ones who didn’t encourage you play on your mind. Writing is a journey that you’re taking for yourself, and that is something to be proud of. Let the negativity roll off your back, and remember that the most important approval comes from within. I like to do writing as well and I hope yours goes well and you continue to enjoy it!

Reply
  • Hi catwoman.

    It’s disheartening when people you expect support from don’t respond in the way you hope. I know how crushing that can be. It sounds like your friends might not fully understand the value and importance of writing, especially when it’s driven by personal passion rather than commercial ambition. People often have their own preconceived notions about what is “acceptable” for others to pursue based on their backgrounds, especially when it comes to something like writing, even if it’s not meant in a hurtful way it can definitely come across in such a way.

    I think your decision to write for pleasure instead of just profit is absolutely valid and deserves recognition, regardless of what others think. Keep focusing on your passion and the support from your family—it’s great that they encourage you! Try not to let the ones who didn’t encourage you play on your mind. Writing is a journey that you’re taking for yourself, and that is something to be proud of. Let the negativity roll off your back, and remember that the most important approval comes from within. I like to do writing as well and I hope yours goes well and you continue to enjoy it!

Children
No Data