The Other Characters in a Writer's Life

There are many characters you will meet in your career as a writer, not all of them on the page. Here are a few to watch out for:

The Encouraging Teacher
She sees your ink-stained form hunched over your Hilroy composition notebook and she says, "I do believe you're going to be a writer, Susan Juby!"
Keep her words close to your heart. You may need them later on.

The Less-Encouraging Teacher
He'll say things like, "Susan, would you please stop writing and pay attention or you're going to fail the quiz on equivalent fractions. Writing won't get you into college!"
He may have a point. So keep writing, but pay attention in math class.

The Concerned Parent
"You're going to be a what? In other words you're planning to live at home forever. Could someone PLEASE get me an aspirin?"
Don't worry about concerned parents. They'll come around, especially if you eventually move out. And pass your math exams.

The Discouraging Friend
"I didn't get your story at all. Are you sure you want to be a writer?"
Disregard. Note time and location of insult in order to remind so-called friend about it later, when you get published and win major literary award.

The Supportive Friend
"I loved it! OMIGOD you are a genius!"
Cultivate this friend like the precious flower she is, but keep in mind that she might not be completely objective. Temper her comments with those of the Less-Encouraging Teacher.

The Disinterested Publisher
"Thank you for sending us your work. Unfortunately, due to the volume of submissions, we are no longer accepting unsolicited manuscripts."
Weep quietly when not raging against the unfairness of it all. Then disregard and do things like participate in the HarperTeen FanLit project.

The Editor Who Eventually Publishes Your Work
"I love your story and we would like to publish it. I do have a few suggestions, however."
Dance, sing, shout with joy. You have found your greatest ally. Send flowers to the Encouraging Friend and get to work on your revisions.

The Reader Who Doesn't Like Your Story
"Dear Ms. Juby, I really didn't care for your story."
Rejoice that the hater got to read your story at all!

The Reader Who Loves Your Story
One of the most important characters you will meet in your whole writing life.

I have a whole group of people who read my stories at different stages (the most important, of course, is my editor). Who do you ask to read your work? Who encourages you in your writing—and who doesn't?

Susan Juby
Author of Alice MacLeod, Realist at Last