Over the course of many years I’ve honed the craft of creative writing. I worked hard, had my works critiqued, took the lumps and bumps, and came out on the other end a better writer. Finally reaching a point where I felt comfortable submitting manuscripts again (I stopped a long time ago knowing that I needed to improve–a lot), a family emergency arose that took my time, energy, and focus. While I’m okay, it’s taken a toll on me and I can’t get back in the groove. Sometimes your direction changes, especially after life-altering events, and perhaps this is what has happened to me. It’s hard to accept, even if that’s what it is.

But that’s not the specific issue that brings me here.

An old, dear friend gave money to a “publishing house” to get published on a topic of great importance to her. I cringed when she told me how she was getting published (i.e., the non-traditional route, money flowing away from the author instead of to the author, etc.) I also worried that it would be…not good. She’d never written before, hadn’t studied writing, and was paying someone who was going to publish her regardless of the quality of writing.

I need to be her cheerleader. I want to be her cheerleader. I read her book. It’s…not good. That said, I think her message has come through. Of course she is expecting my feedback, and that’s my dilemma.

I think I will tell her that her message came through, then add a couple details I found endearing, hoping she doesn’t see through it OR push for more feedback.

How would you be her cheerleader?

Many thanks….