Thanks, Jim. You can imagine as well as I, how a negative response to our stories could hurt. Our writing is self exposure, down to the very core. I am so grateful that the readers and writers on Substack are as kind and supportive as they are. It is a perfect place to experiment and grow.
Awww. She will help him get over it. If you are going to be a writer, you have to develop a thicker skin. You put yourself out there, you better be ready for the response! Right, James?
If pain does diminish, it does so very slowly. Personally, I believe we learn to accommodate it, to just accept that it will be with us as a part of our lives. Not sure it ever goes away, but it does get easier when we stop fighting it.
A wise thought. I need to learn how to STOP fighting it.... still, though, I am is complete disbelief about how the whole shebang came down into pieces in record time////
What a powerful story, Sharron. I feel for Malachi and hope he can let some of the criticism go...it can be enough to drive a writer mad! Building a wall around himself is a great metaphor.
Well.. yes. We writers want so much to be OUT THERE, and yet the risk of public embarrassment or ridicule or criticism are always lurking. I have wanted to crawl behind a wall a couple of times. ha ha ha!
Great metaphor there at the end, yes!
Thank, Linda, for giving this little story another look! I know it is second time around for you. Happy day to you!
I feel ya, Malachi! And it takes a minute to build that wall! Great little read, Sharron!
Thanks, J. Mud, I think we all feel a bit like Malachi from time to time. It is scary to open up your insides to strangers!
Malachi will build a fine wall, he's good at building walls. A touching and powerful vignette, Sharron. Bravo!
Thanks, Jim. You can imagine as well as I, how a negative response to our stories could hurt. Our writing is self exposure, down to the very core. I am so grateful that the readers and writers on Substack are as kind and supportive as they are. It is a perfect place to experiment and grow.
Love watching you experiment, Sharron. The stone wall metaphor was just lovely. And worth building on!
Thanks, my hero.
Stay the course, Malachi! Really fine, Sharron!
Awww. She will help him get over it. If you are going to be a writer, you have to develop a thicker skin. You put yourself out there, you better be ready for the response! Right, James?
Yep, one needs a thick skin - Armadillo thick! : )
Don't we all build walls to shield us from the sticks and stones that are thrown our way...
Malachi is fortunate to have you behind that wall with him.
Criticism hurts, no matter how much you protest, especially when it is of something you have created - like a story or a child...
So true, Sharron.
“...when does love ever walk away?” Painful and sweet.
Thanks so much, Amie, for dropping by to read 🍁Leaves!
A lovely metaphor explored absolutely beautifully, Sharron.
This line is so special: 'I am still his biggest fan after all these years.' ♥️
Thank you,Rebecca!
Niiiiiiiiice !!!
"Or a metaphor for piecing together a successful marriage." It hit me hard. I don't think the pain will ever diminish.
If pain does diminish, it does so very slowly. Personally, I believe we learn to accommodate it, to just accept that it will be with us as a part of our lives. Not sure it ever goes away, but it does get easier when we stop fighting it.
A wise thought. I need to learn how to STOP fighting it.... still, though, I am is complete disbelief about how the whole shebang came down into pieces in record time////
Sounds like the trauma is still very fresh. Sorry to hear it.
What a powerful story, Sharron. I feel for Malachi and hope he can let some of the criticism go...it can be enough to drive a writer mad! Building a wall around himself is a great metaphor.
Well.. yes. We writers want so much to be OUT THERE, and yet the risk of public embarrassment or ridicule or criticism are always lurking. I have wanted to crawl behind a wall a couple of times. ha ha ha!
Haha! You’re not alone, my friend. Me too. 😄