Optional Question: What was the most inspiring feedback you’ve received from readers, agents, editors, or beta readers?
This is actually a hard question for me to answer, not because I haven’t received encouraging feedback, but because I’ve been blessed with more than I sometimes remember when sales feel slow.
A few moments stand out.
Several years ago, I received an unexpected email from Hannah Heath asking if she could interview me for her blog because she loved my books. I remember thinking, Who, me? Really? I had no idea how she found my work, but I was incredibly honored—and encouraged that my stories had reached someone in that way.
Last year, I had another unexpected moment. While traveling to Mongolia for my first mission trip—on my birthday, no less—I received an email from a reader who had picked up Dark Blade Forged at a car show I attended. She loved it so much that she asked not if, but when I would be coming to her city in California for another event. That kind of enthusiasm stayed with me. It reminded me that readers are out there, even when I can’t always see them.
And then there was a conversation with an agent last year about a book that isn’t published yet. He saw something in my sample pages—enough to ask for revisions and hand me his card. That moment meant a lot to me. It reminded me that I’m growing, and that there’s more ahead if I keep doing the work.
What encourages me most isn’t just praise, it’s the personal connection. When someone takes the time to reach out directly, it means the story mattered to them. And that’s why I keep writing.
Update:
I’m currently deep in the revision trenches, working on Book 2 of my trilogy. It’s slow, steady progress, but I can feel the story coming together. My goal is to finish revisions and order a proof copy in May, then move on to Book 3.
One step at a time and thankful for every reader along the way.
What inspiring feedback have you received?
Those are all very encouraging! Congratulations.
ReplyDeleteYou are growing as a writer and those comments show it!
ReplyDeleteThose are some great unexpected boosts.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Tyrean! I especially love this part - "It reminded me that I’m growing, and that there’s more ahead if I keep doing the work." :)
ReplyDeleteAll of those experiences are very encouraging.
ReplyDeletePositives help writers believe in themselves. Bravo, Tyrean! And--no kidding! You've been to Mongolia? Cool!
ReplyDeleteThose unexpected boosts are the best. Sometimes those are the things that keep us going. I've always enjoyed your writing and am glad others are enjoying it as well.
ReplyDeleteWhat great encouragement, Tyrean! Good luck with your revision!
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