Remember a couple months ago when I mentioned here that I got a proof copy of my NaNoWriMo novel printed at createspace.com? (There’s a picture of the cover I designed for it at the top of this post). Well, my little novel without an ending has been making it’s rounds in my family, and the reviews have been positive. My Dad read it in a week, liked it, already has a sequel in mind, and also has actors picked out for the movie version. Thanks Dad!
This leads us to yesterday. My Aunt and Uncle were up visiting from South Carolina, and a big portion of my family gathered together at my parent’s house for a huge lunch (and dinner). As always, we all had a great time visiting with each other. My wife and I also took advantage of all the extra hands and let the rest of the family hold the baby for a bit.
At lunch, my Mom and Dad brought up the subject of my novel and my entry in the newspaper. I think it was at this point that my face turned a bit red. I sometimes feel like a make-believe writer and having everybody ask me questions about my writing just embarrassed me. I’m weird.
So my novel was floating around the lunch table and landed with my Grandfather. He had seen it a couple weeks ago and seemed interested. Let me tell you he was even more interested yesterday. In fact, my Grandfather sat and read my novel for two hours straight. Without pause. This is just amazing to me.
There is no better honor to a writer than to have their work read. It’s an even bigger honor to not only have one’s work read, but for it to be a page turner.
This is motivation to me to get this novel finished. For me, for my Dad, and for my Grandfather. And when I do get it finished, I’m gonna order a new copy of the book and I’m gonna sign it and give it to my Grandfather. I can’t imagine anything cooler than that.
Let’s be honest here. I don’t expect for the novel to ever be “published”. I’m not being modest, just stating the facts. It doesn’t really matter, though. What does matter is I’ve written a book that has caught the attention of at least a few of the closest people to me. That is an amazing thing.
PS Don’t worry Mom, I’ll get the book back to you so you can read it too!
The Struggling Writer 