tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133489888936435050.post1985187716245281153..comments2024-03-12T18:52:31.920-04:00Comments on Write with Fey: Good News and a Confession + FREE EBOOKSChrys Feyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11955009490266358041noreply@blogger.comBlogger110125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133489888936435050.post-40861632719535975882014-11-25T11:02:53.221-05:002014-11-25T11:02:53.221-05:00Thank you for sharing your story with me, Anna! No...Thank you for sharing your story with me, Anna! Not receiving the support and recognition we need from your loved ones is tough. Finding this somewhere else is important and I'm glad you've found it with your friends and children. Having your children back up your dreams and help you is a blessing. And I think, ten times more powerful than having our parents do the same, even though we always want/need their support.<br /><br />I don't actually have a relationship with my extended family, which is how I grew up. My father's family was across the United States and my mother didn't talk to her brother and sister. But like you, I've found much support from friends and bloggers. :)Chrys Feyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11955009490266358041noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133489888936435050.post-15333575532700772582014-11-25T04:58:04.405-05:002014-11-25T04:58:04.405-05:00November 25th, 2014
Dear Chrys,
I could write vo...November 25th, 2014<br /><br />Dear Chrys,<br /><br />I could write volumes answering your question. <br /><br />Does my family support my writing ambitions? you ask.<br /><br />No. <br /><br />My mother wanted me to be a nurse or something normal. My father wanted me to be a doctor, but secretly supported my dreams of being an artist by buying me art supplies and paying for an art correspondence course when I was eleven years old. I had to choose between a drawing course and a writing course and chose the drawing course because I thought that writing was something I could always learn along the way.<br /><br />My father probably wanted to be an artist himself but got zero encouragement and ended up as a WW2-veteran and an economist for the Department of Labor. He wrote extremely well, but only reports. I don't think he ever allowed himself the luxury of writing fiction. <br /><br />But then he could hurt my feelings by talking about artistic talent as a "curse". It's just something you do. Why do people make such a big deal about drawing and painting? <br /><br />My mother remembered all of these starving artists in Sweden during the depression (1930s) who paid my grandfather for his services (he was a dentist) with artwork. So my mother had no respect for artists when I applied to art school. My mother changed her mind somewhat when I became a commercial artist and could earn a living doing it.<br /><br />When I started writing translations, I dearly wanted my father's approval. I wanted him to read my English texts and say how well I wrote. But by that time he had become legally blind and asked me to not send him any more books to read. He never read my English translations. (After that, I switched languages and started translating English texts into Swedish.)<br /><br />I wish that I had had parents who were more supportive of the arts. But I have had (and still have) dear friends who have filled (and fill) that role. I had an uncle who wanted to support my artistic efforts, but I was too shy to accept his offer. My paternal grandmother was an artistic soul. My maternal grandmother taught me Swedish. (I owe her a lot.)<br /><br />But surprise, surprise! Guess who helps me now? My children! My son and daughter are my cheering-squad! My ten year old daughter looks at the computer screen and corrects my spelling! She makes up her own stories that I dutifully write down for her. I ask her advice about characters' names.<br /><br />My son has started learning French in school and wants me to help him. I'm so relieved! French is a language that I have studied and could pick up again. Earlier, he was talking about learning Mandarin and going to China. France is much closer to Sweden that China!<br /><br />If you really want to write or be creative in some, there are still ways of getting there, even if you don't have a cheering crowd at home; even if you don't get it from Mom and Dad. Do you still have grandparents or great aunts and uncles who are alive and still clear in their heads? Maybe one of them could give you some moral support.<br /><br />Thanks again for visiting my November post for IWSG!<br /><br />Best wishes,<br />Anna<br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17926688000745346961noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133489888936435050.post-34944784370425428002014-11-12T11:25:08.314-05:002014-11-12T11:25:08.314-05:00Thank, Deniz! :D I think my family will view it as...Thank, Deniz! :D I think my family will view it as a serious career when I publish a print book, or land an agent.Chrys Feyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11955009490266358041noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133489888936435050.post-51245060829357732302014-11-12T03:59:49.554-05:002014-11-12T03:59:49.554-05:00Happy belated blog blitz! It's a shame when pe...Happy belated blog blitz! It's a shame when people equate overnight success with validity. My family are supportive of my writing but until I get published or win some major award they'll continue to see it only as a hobby. I treat it that way myself sometimes, allowing myself to procrastinate on edits. Must buckle down!Deniz Bevanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17134553551048836979noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133489888936435050.post-16555790760476367372014-11-10T12:10:11.744-05:002014-11-10T12:10:11.744-05:00Thank you, Nicki! I could never give up on my drea...Thank you, Nicki! I could never give up on my dream. I have definitely found a lot of support here. :)Chrys Feyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11955009490266358041noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133489888936435050.post-22106078611857089382014-11-10T12:06:55.205-05:002014-11-10T12:06:55.205-05:00Good for you persisting with your dream even witho...Good for you persisting with your dream even without the support of family. I hope you've found tons of support iin other places -- like here for example. :) <br /><br />Yahoo for your big days going so well!!Nicki Elsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11412032684225126973noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133489888936435050.post-21747192508775375862014-11-07T15:58:01.972-05:002014-11-07T15:58:01.972-05:00I've been thinking about doing this. I've ...I've been thinking about doing this. I've been having financially problems this year, but my good news will change that, so I will definitely buy an ad for a day and see what happens. :) Thanks!Chrys Feyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11955009490266358041noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133489888936435050.post-75901329888598300422014-11-07T15:57:04.238-05:002014-11-07T15:57:04.238-05:00You're welcome for the free eBook links. :) I ...You're welcome for the free eBook links. :) I don't even think anyone in my family reads my blog, which is why I felt comfortable posting this. I don't hardly even speak to my father anymore. It's a shame because I was close to him as a child, but things changed when my parents divorced, he moved away and remarried. Chrys Feyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11955009490266358041noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133489888936435050.post-23296834971713330882014-11-07T15:55:11.385-05:002014-11-07T15:55:11.385-05:00It seems my family wants to know when I'll mak...It seems my family wants to know when I'll make the big bucks too. Or will only care if I'm a bestseller. <br /><br />Thanks, Dolorah!Chrys Feyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11955009490266358041noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133489888936435050.post-80289811495055490782014-11-07T15:52:25.530-05:002014-11-07T15:52:25.530-05:00I don't mind personal comments as long as you ...I don't mind personal comments as long as you are okay with sharing that with me. I don't judge. :) I don't share anything about my writing life with most of my family either. Unless they ask. Yes, God bless writer friends!Chrys Feyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11955009490266358041noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133489888936435050.post-83948818659931360042014-11-07T15:51:09.272-05:002014-11-07T15:51:09.272-05:00That's what I need to do. Thanks for commentin...That's what I need to do. Thanks for commenting, Medeia! Chrys Feyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11955009490266358041noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133489888936435050.post-29193932357255140642014-11-07T11:19:02.004-05:002014-11-07T11:19:02.004-05:00I meant to add that if you want to increase your f...I meant to add that if you want to increase your facebook likes you can buy an ad for as little as $5/day and you will be amazed at the positive exposure. You can choose your target audience for more success with the ad. It's worth it if you want to increase your page exposure. :)Lisa Thomsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05310475781785711620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133489888936435050.post-26847178892935621912014-11-07T11:17:42.413-05:002014-11-07T11:17:42.413-05:00Hi Chrys, Well, I'm sorry to hear your father ...Hi Chrys, Well, I'm sorry to hear your father doesn't GET IT! I can relate to this insecurity as well. My family is embarrassed by my book and blog. They never say anything to me directly but I know they read it. Actually, I don't see my family anymore but it is a long story and has much to do with my divorce and things that happened after. I think knowing that our parents are people with flaws and expecting zero from them, in the long run will help us move forward. Awesome links for free reading. Thanks for those Chrys!Lisa Thomsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05310475781785711620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133489888936435050.post-1211260830549520792014-11-06T23:32:44.225-05:002014-11-06T23:32:44.225-05:00My family is like yours; except they will buy my ...My family is like yours; except they will buy my shot stories but not read them. They only want to know when I'll make big money off my writing.<br /><br />Congrats on your good news.dolorahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08715849844092553699noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133489888936435050.post-53209807530857922342014-11-06T22:50:47.215-05:002014-11-06T22:50:47.215-05:00Oops sorry, my earlier comment has gotten a bit mo...Oops sorry, my earlier comment has gotten a bit more personal (and a little begruding even though I hadn't intended it to be at all) so I deleted it. Anyway, I understand about the lack of concern from family and the hurt that comes with it. Ironically, I've chosen to let them (most of them) know as little as possible about my writing these days because I feel more at ease that way. Can't really explain it lol. *Thank goodness for writer-reader friends! Yanting Guehhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04788603550626277974noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133489888936435050.post-60945594469181955382014-11-06T22:23:28.759-05:002014-11-06T22:23:28.759-05:00I can relate, but what I do is write on and share ...I can relate, but what I do is write on and share my good news with friends and writer buddies. If I don't get open arms from one group, I turn to others for support. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133489888936435050.post-46283769011140141732014-11-06T17:44:02.209-05:002014-11-06T17:44:02.209-05:00You're right. I've even blogged about that...You're right. I've even blogged about that. Having writer friends does make all the difference. Chrys Feyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11955009490266358041noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133489888936435050.post-54228774052885090022014-11-06T17:42:46.737-05:002014-11-06T17:42:46.737-05:00Thank you for the like Colleen! I really appreciat...Thank you for the like Colleen! I really appreciate it! You could be right, Colleen. I can only think that their support/views will change when I actually have a print book available and not just eBooks. Thanks for telling me about your family/support situation. Chrys Feyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11955009490266358041noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133489888936435050.post-45395227373472007412014-11-06T17:40:34.087-05:002014-11-06T17:40:34.087-05:00Thank you, Sherry! And thanks for the like. I like...Thank you, Sherry! And thanks for the like. I liked you back. :DChrys Feyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11955009490266358041noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133489888936435050.post-44057870114039063422014-11-06T17:40:03.553-05:002014-11-06T17:40:03.553-05:00Thank you, Lexa! I liked your page in return. :D I...Thank you, Lexa! I liked your page in return. :D I have no idea how those people get them. I can only think they have a lot of fans or they solicited a ton of people for likes. Chrys Feyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11955009490266358041noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133489888936435050.post-26801861176569830982014-11-06T14:06:46.684-05:002014-11-06T14:06:46.684-05:00There are a lot of misconceptions out there about ...There are a lot of misconceptions out there about what writers do and why writers write, and I think that's why sometimes writers don't get the encouragement that they need. So I think it's important to know people who do get it so they can be there for you when you need support. Cynthiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00912167351889969855noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133489888936435050.post-85744410484285110142014-11-06T12:45:04.107-05:002014-11-06T12:45:04.107-05:00I liked your FB page too. :) My family has been th...I liked your FB page too. :) My family has been the same in lack of support. Starting from when I said I wanted to be a writer when I was nine and my parents told me I couldn't, because I wouldn't make enough money. Then one of my sisters offered to beta read my novel with her boyfriend and it was amazing how deeply that touched me, realizing how much I wanted them to want to _see_ me (because I feel that someone won't actually know me unless they read my writing). But I also realize that people express love in such different ways, so I try not to be hurt when family members do it in a way that doesn't involve liking my forms of self-expression. Maybe things will change in your family...sometimes it takes time for it to sink in, this image of you in present time that's so different from the image they're stubbornly sticking to.Colleenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03971798802079783209noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133489888936435050.post-39031629201740674722014-11-06T12:23:22.392-05:002014-11-06T12:23:22.392-05:00Glad you have some good things happening in your l...Glad you have some good things happening in your life! I hopped over and gave you another like for your Facebook page.Sherry Ellishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07844837212122243321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133489888936435050.post-62664315410155108592014-11-06T11:37:52.475-05:002014-11-06T11:37:52.475-05:00I "liked:your FB page! I have about the same ...I "liked:your FB page! I have about the same as you - how do those 1000-like people do it? My family doesn't support me at all. That's why I have writer friends and a great CP group. Go where the support is. :)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07735576044552810103noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133489888936435050.post-84179611690209781992014-11-06T11:02:59.345-05:002014-11-06T11:02:59.345-05:00I'm sorry half of your family isn't suppor...I'm sorry half of your family isn't supportive of you, Allyn. Sounds like our sisters are two peas in a pod. ;) I agree that we should focus on only the ones who do show us support and ignore the rest. I'll be doing that for now on. :)Chrys Feyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11955009490266358041noreply@blogger.com