ISWG: When a Story Feels Like a Hug: Lessons from the Winding Path of Writing

 

When I started writing my current book, I was focused on one thing: creating the kind of story I loved as a child and that my friends were longing to find for their own families. I wanted a world where homeschooling wasn’t a problem to be solved, but a natural way of life—a place where laughter truly is the best medicine. Most of all, this story is a love letter to my favorite book, Anne of Green Gables, and to my sons' beautiful childhood, which I am so grateful to have had a front-row seat to.
 

As I sent the manuscript off to beta readers, I wondered: would my joy (and my sense of humor) land? Would readers relate to my spunky, Anne-hearted main character? Most of all, I hoped my friends who love a comfort read would feel like the story was one big hug. I wanted to create something that fellow homeschool parents would not only feel safe with but would be excited to pass along to their children. After getting some early feedback from beta readers, I was so relieved to find that the heart of the story arrived safely.

 

If you don’t already know, I am a member of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group, a wonderful community of authors who share monthly about the winding paths of the creative life. It’s a place to be earnest about our hurdles and celebrate our small victories together.

This month’s question: What was the most inspiring feedback you received from readers, including agents, editors, and beta readers?

 A few quotes that have encouraged me to keep going (and finish these endless edits):

a few of my favorite books

 Is my story too old-fashioned? 

"As a big fan of Anne of Green Gables... I was ten years old again, immersed in Anne's world."

–CW, Middle Grade Author

I was worried that no one read Anne anymore (as I was told numerous times) or that my story was too quaint. And I definitely worried I could not do Montgomery justice. When CW mentioned the classics, it reminded me why these stories matter so much and why many of us give our kids a taste of them early. It’s about building memories and being part of a long conversation.

a breed of rabbit similar to those in my novel

 Were my characters too niche?

 "Josephine. 100% Josephine... she has a really, really, really, exasperating food allergy. I have never read a book with a character with food allergies like that. Also, Josephine is a HUGE rabbit fan. I love rabbits."

–Lizzy B, Homeschool Graduate, Reviewer, and Up-and-coming Authoress

 

Sometimes, as writers, we worry that our characters are too small or too specific, or that no one will relate to them. But it’s in being so specific (and often writing from our own experience) that we create a character that makes a reader feel seen. As readers, we’re always looking for a story where we can latch on to a character like a long-lost friend. “Oh, you too?” That’s the wonderful part of reading—getting that inner glimpse of someone else’s life.

books, paints, and tea, what else do you need?

    Will readers even like the story? 

"It's a really great story, and I'm looking forward to recommending it to friends when you're done!"

–TR, homeschool mom

There’s the muddy middle of a rough draft, but there’s also the muddy middle of editing and finishing a book. It’s so easy to lose heart—to feel like we won’t ever finish and no one will ever read the story anyway.
 

But this quote inspires me to keep going. I have a goal—finishing—so those friends can read it. And as a reader, it reminds me of one of the joys of having this blog: suggesting my favorites, discussing yours, and feeling like we have our own online book club (where we actually talk about books—and not just other things).
 

Whether we are the ones writing the words or the ones tucked under a quilt reading them, we are all looking for the same thing: a story that leaves us feeling happy and a little less alone.

On the Front Porch

    To the readers: What is a book that made you feel "ten years old again"? 

    To the writers: What is the one piece of feedback that kept you going when the path felt long?

   

I'm so grateful to be part of the Insecure Writer's Support Group community. 

 

A special thank you to this month's wonderful co-hosts: 

Jenni Enzor, Jemima Pett, Jamie of Uniquely Maladjusted but Fun, and Kim Lajevardi!

 

You can join us here.

 

If you love gentle, heart-filled stories, come sit a while—I’m writing one, too. 

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Photo credits: Front porch from Canva, all other photos by Jenni Enzor, Watercolor of books, paintbrushes, and coffee cup by Jenni Enzor