What Happens When You Show Your Parents Your Debut Novel?
The author shares the emotional experience of giving their debut novel to their parents. They express fear of how their parents might perceive the characters and situations in the book, worrying it could lead to misunderstandings. Ultimately, the author confronts their vulnerability and the significance of sharing their work with loved ones.
- ▪The author felt apprehensive about showing their book to their parents, fearing they might take it personally.
- ▪They experienced a mix of vulnerability and anxiety, likening the act of sharing their work to a painful emotional exposure.
- ▪Despite their fears, the author decided to present the book to their parents, emphasizing their gratitude in the acknowledgements.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
I gave my book to my partner before I gave it to my parents, figuring it was better to conquer one gut-churning fear at a time. I refused to watch him read it, but I was aware when he reached the scene where the protagonist meets a figure sculptor with a buzz cut. “It’s not you,” I said quickly, with hauteur and also panic.Article continues after advertisement “What? I know it’s not me. It’s a novel.” I relaxed very slightly. After all, most of the character’s details do not match my partner’s real life. For example, he does not live in a shack in the woods like a hermit. But then he reached the scene where my protagonist visits her apartment in West Philadelphia and said, “Is this my apartment?” “…Yeah.” I felt that I had done my loved ones a disservice.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Literary Hub.
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