Sunday, February 13, 2011

An Honest Moment

Me: (having a moment) I should be nothing but grateful for the upcoming release of With A Name Like Love, but part of me is terrified. Not everyone likes historical fiction, you know. Half the people will think it's totally lame.

Daughter: At least.

ah...so the truth goes...

25 comments:

Sarah said...

Tess, it's going to be lovely.

I was just given a chance to have some local girls look over my WIP and I'm terrified, because not everyone likes fairy tales. At least half of them will think it's totally lame.

And then I told myself that I'm writing for those who love that sort of story. I want them to feel they've come home when they read it.

I am certain that your readers (and there are many of them) will feel exactly the same way about With a Name Like Love.

Take heart!

Unknown said...

lol...nothing like your kids to flog you when you're down.

But, silly Tess, people will *love* it. :)

Tess said...

Sarah: aww, those are beautiful sentiments. thanks, friend. much appreciated. yes, half will think our work is lame (half would be great numbers, actually!) but we are writing for the few who might connect. yes, you are right.

Karen: yes, the comment was too rich not to post! and, I'm off the panic train now. it comes and goes.

Windy Aphayrath said...

It's a thrilling and amazing ride you're on and all you can do is hold on tight and enjoy it! So looking forward to your release!

superpaige said...

It's so nice to have teenagers who put us in our place, isn't it? I, for one, can't WAIT to read your book!

Tricia J. O'Brien said...

I read all kinds of different stories, and loved the historical fiction works of Kirby Larson and Jennifer Donnelly. You put your heart in it and that will show.

Anonymous said...

I read across all genres and you KNOW I'll be picking up your book and eating it with my brain. I can't wait!

Martin Willoughby said...

No matter what you, or any of us write, there will always be more people who don't like it than do. That's the way with artistic endeavours.

Whether it's a painting, a play, a story or a comedy act, those who like it will always be in a minority.

And since when did kids know anything.

Anne Gallagher said...

That's my biggest fear as well. But hey, you gotta write from the heart. And you do have a contract so somebody must have loved it enough.
Happy Valentine's Day.

lotusgirl said...

But those who love it will LOVE it. You can't please everyone, but your book will please fans of historical fiction. Of that I'm sure. It's a keeper.

You gotta love how our children keep us grounded. I was laughing so hard at your daughter's comment.

Heidi Willis said...

Bahahaha!! Kids are great at keeping us grounded, aren't they??

You can't think about who won't like it. Face it - half the population probably doesn't even like to read. They won't be picking up your book no matter what genre it is. :)

On the plus side, the people who will pick it up will probably LOVE it, and those are the people you care about anyway. :)

Davin Malasarn said...

Some people might not like it, but I am pretty confident that a lot of people will love it! Focus on the lovers!

Tess said...

Windy: yes, holding on tight

Paige: that is it exactly!

Tricia: I love Jennifer Donnelly, too...her Revolution is on my TBR list and I really need to get to it!

LT: eating with your brain..hahaha

Martin: yes, you are right...art of all kinds is subjective. I get that..but my daughters response still cracked me up. :D

Anne: so glad to hear I'm not alone in that feeling!

lotusgirl: it made me laugh too...once I got over the shock of it. thanks for the kind words...I hope it finds the right readers.

Heidi: you crack me up! half the population probably doesn't even read...sad, but so true.

Domey: I'm determined to keep that focus!

Sheila O'Connor said...

Oh Tess, you got to love that post. Leave it to kids. This is the funniest thing I've read in weeks.

Mary Aalgaard said...

And, think of the ones who will love it so much that they'll recommend it to all their friends, sigh when it's over, and write you letters for more, more, more!

Sherrie Petersen said...

Don't you love the brutal honesty of children?

Don't stress over it. You've got a host of people who believe in you or the book wouldn't be coming out at all. I have no doubt readers will be happy to discover this story.

Susan Fields said...

She sounds a lot like my daughter! And I've read enough of it to know, nobody's going to think it's lame!!!

Robyn Campbell said...

Tess, it will be absolutely wonderful. ENJOY this time. YOU CAN'T DO LAME. ;) Love you, Tess.

Crystal said...

Tess, I can understand your fear, because I feel the same way! :) My daughter (she's 11) kind of told me that, too, in so many words. (I think it's that fear that's keeping me from sending out my own work, but I'm trying to overcome it). But TESS, I just KNOW your book is going to do well because you write beautifully and from the heart.

Heidi's comment was too funny! It's just mind-boggling to realize that half the population doesn't read . . .

Cynthia Chapman Willis said...

Aww, of course your terrified. Having a book come out into the world is so exciting, but equally, if not more, scary. All those gruesome "What ifs?" Focus on all the good stuff and all those readers who will love your story and get lost in the world that you've created for them.

I hope you don't mind that I laughed at your daughter's comment. Family members gives us their honest opinions whether we want to hear them or not, don't they? ; )

J.A. Palermo said...

Tess, it will be great. And guess who will love it the most? That wonderful little daughter of yours.

A.L. Sonnichsen said...

Historical fiction rocks, imho. I am so excited to read your book, Tess!

Amy

Tess said...

Sheila: yes...very funny. thanks for stopping by.

Mary: from your mouth to God's ears.

Sherrie: I tell myself not to stress and 99% of the time I'm good...but JUST YOU WAIT till your work gets pub'd (and I KNOW it will)...there are definitely those 1% moments.

Susan: typical teenager!

Robyn: oh yes, I CAN do lame...for some people, you know? we love our work but not every book is for every person. I know you get that.

Crystal: you are so kind, friend. Thanks for understanding this feeling. The moment made me laugh (after the shock of what she said wore off..haha). It's true...novels are subjective. You are a gifted writer, Crystal. I've seen some of your work...don't be too hard on yourself. Without risk there is no opportunity for growth.

Cynthia: having walked this road before I know you understand..and I don't mind you laughed. I laughed. That's why I posted it...it's funny!

JA: so kind, thanks. Maybe she'll like it but she's almost 17 and a big paranormal buff...I think she'll like that it was from me, you know?

AL: another HF fan? me too! thanks, AL :)

Stephanie J. Blake said...

I totally DIG historical fiction and can't wait to read yours.

Uncle Jerry said...

Me, too! I dig it, too. I hate how much I love it, actually. It's like you said at the top: half the audience doesn't find it interesting--which means it's a risk to write it. But I think you're so right to go for it. The best writing says "this is about what people want from life," and it doesn't matter if it's set in the past or on Planet Pyrne, as long as it is honest about that.