Happy February, writers! Join us for the Insecure Writers Support Group, founded by science fiction author Alex Cavanaugh.
Thank you to the wonderful co-hosts Joylene Nowell Butler, Jacqui Murray, Sandra Cox, and Lee Lowery!
February’s Question: Is there someone who supported or influenced you that perhaps isn’t around anymore? Anyone you miss?
I’m fortunate my 88-year-old aunt Nancy is still very much part of my family. I do miss her, though, because she lives in Los Angeles, and it’s been too long since I flew out from Ohio to visit her. (Too many states between us.)
Nancy is a a trendsetter and her own woman, wearing birkenstocks long before they were en vogue! She’s also a big reader, and she gave me some helpful feedback about my writing before the publication of my first novel, including:
- Improve the realism of characterization. My first draft gushed about the beauty of my two romantic leads, and with Nancy’s help, I made them more lifelike by giving my hero a crooked nose and my heroine a flat chest. They still thought each other was hot. 😉
- Cut out the cliches. As a newbie writer, I didn’t realize how cringe-worthy it was to write phrases like, “She shot out of there like a bat out of hell” or “Better safe than sorry”. Now I try to use metaphors that relate to the content of my story. In Rivals, a sports romance between coaches from rival universities, the Michigan coach thinks, “While the wolverine’s away, the rabbits will play,” and “She probably thinks I’m angry at her for spilling the Buckeye beans.”
The happy ending to my story is that my sister and I plan to visit Nancy soon!
Jennifer Lane Books 
Hi,
Nancy sounds like a woman with a purpose, and it is one that she has been true to.
Thank you for introducing her. I find her a big encouragement.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange
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“A woman with a purpose” –> Perfectly stated, Pat! Hope your 2022 is getting off to an incredible start.
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It’s great your aunt is still alive and that you plan to visit her. It sounds like she gave you honest, helpful advice when you needed it.
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Honest and helpful feedback is amazing, Natalie! I’m glad you had your husband to guide you as well. ❤
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That’s great you are going out to see her soon!
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Thanks, Alex. Hope your new release is going well.
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Nice tribute, Jennifer. I bet your aunt is super excited about your upcoming visit.
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I’m super excited as well, Joylene!
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How wonderful you have Nancy in your life, even if she is a long way away. I have an aunt in Canada (about the same age). Sometimes it’s easy to confide in someone further away (and for them to advise them).
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That’s interesting, Rosemary. I hope you get to see your aunt soon as well! ❤
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How lucky you are to have had her in your corner and that she is still there for you to talk with. 🙂
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Outstanding feedback from a family member is rare. What a treasure. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
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I’ve learned from many writers that sometimes we get better support from strangers than from family–just the way it works. My dad is a voracious reader but no way would you catch him reading romance like I write, ha ha. I’m lucky for my aunt and other supportive friends and family!
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What a fantastic supporter! Kudos to embracing those tips!
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She has been a great supporter, Heidi. And I’m glad I listened to her. 🙂
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Aunt Nancy sounds like a gem – the perfect family member that every writer needs in her corner. Cherish her.
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She indeed is a GEM! Thank you, Michelle. Hope you start feeling back to your old self in terms of energy soon!
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