*Psssst. I’m also nice and like when my friends get book deals.

My partner’s a writer too and although we’ll take the time to try and work through specific plotting and research problems, we more or less leave one another alone to do the actual hard work of writing. My friends are writers, who chat to me constantly about their latest projects. We talk for hours about them – and I couldn’t tell you a single specific about any of them. I’ve got my own plots and characters to worry about after all!

We definitely do have similar backgrounds/experiences. I still need to listen to your podcast about copywriting/fiction writing as I’m pretty sure I’d identify with it.

I should also excuse my lady — the examples here were extreme really, and more illustrative than my actual experiences. She’s likewise read all the stuff I write, but there has to be a distinction between relaxing together and blathering on at her about this character and that. And this wouldn’t be a resonant post if I went on about how lucky I am to have that support. But still. Significant others play significant roles in these processes, and maybe that’s something I’ll touch on in a future post.

So, you’re spot on. We’re people and that’s why we’re loved — not because we ferret ourselves away and get moody about the telly being on loud.

Thanks for saying hello again

–Nellie

YOU need some new pals!

But no, I jest. But one of my very best friends just doesn’t read at all, and will doubtless never read anything I produce. I don’t begrudge him that — I just go drinking with him instead. It’s another way to keep the feet on the ground. Horses for courses, and all that.

Everything you said here rings true (although I may have to excuse my girlfriend who in reality has probably read my novel several times over in one way or another). No one cares really, and like you I’ve come to accept and understand it.

What these people actually care about is you/us the person. You’re a writer? Great. Fine. Whatevs. Just don’t get hit by a bus. I’d miss you terribly.