You're a writer. I have often found it baffling that my friends and family were, at times, the hardest people to get to listen to the music I made. Strangers were more apt to listen and give feedback than people I've known for many years or even my whole life. I came to realize that some people get really uncomfortable being able to see that much of someone they know. Art opens a window into the mind (soul?) of the artist that friends/acquaintances don't want to look through. Plus, some people just don't get it and that's okay. That's why Harry Potter exists. Your audience may be decidedly smaller but if the work is good, they're out there. I think I sold less than 100 of our last album, does that mean that I am not a musician? They can't take that from me. They're lack of listening doesn't mean a thing. Your novel is no less wonderful because it lacks readers. You wrote it because you had to. Write another and then another and don't bother with what to call yourself, just keep bleeding. Btw, where can I read it?
Other side of the coin, I always find it much easier to share my writing, singing, whatever with strangers than with my friends. (Also, I totally listened to your most recent album -- I think the one with "maps" in the name(?), not 100 percent sure -- and absolutely loved several of the tracks.)I have often found it baffling that my friends and family were, at times, the hardest people to get to listen to the music I made. Strangers were more apt to listen and give feedback than people I've known for many years or even my whole life.
Thanks, I really appreciate that. I feel like there is less "baggage" beyond the actual "art" itself with strangers. Your friends/family bring their own biases of you in to their interaction with your work.
Hey thenewgreen thanks for this. Sometimes all it takes is one kind word from a stranger to brighten someones day. Too often have I seen someone's work go without praise, without a thanks, without a word. So thank you. You have touched me, and hopefully touched one that I love. It frustrates me that she doesn't get praise, hasn't been recognized. She's pounded the pavement for years trying to get this published, but to no avail. Thank you again. Also you can read it here: http://www.amazon.com/Journey-of-the-Eumenides-ebook/dp/B007...
Thanks. Both of you. And, oh I'll keep bleeding. Problem is I can't friggin stop!
Some people can't start and those that do often stop without cause, never to resume.