12 Comments
User's avatar
James Bailey's avatar

A spiral?!?! I’m soooo sorry if I was one of them 😵‍💫. It’s just that you’re so interesting…fascinating…compelling… 😊

Expand full comment
Charlie Bleecker's avatar

Haha James! I adore you. It was a spiral that led to clarity.

Expand full comment
James Bailey's avatar

Yes! I’m so glad!

Expand full comment
Rick Lewis's avatar

Thanks for sharing what's going on for you in this big pivotal moment of your book creation process. : )

Expand full comment
Charlie Bleecker's avatar

LOL.

Expand full comment
Priya Nain's avatar

I would rather wait and read that YOU wanted to write and share than get something that you didn't enjoy, and didn't write with patience. Does that make sense??

Expand full comment
Charlie Bleecker's avatar

It absolutely does, Priya, thank you for saying so!

Expand full comment
Alden Cox's avatar

Charlie! Thanks for describing your experience of this pivotal moment in the process of completing your book! Here's the author's version of the same tensions you share with us about parenting, about being yourself in relationship with your loved ones, with anyone, and now the readers of your book. 'Love and cold-bloodedness at the same time' sums it up, but it's also keeping your own balance in the sharing with others, and trusting that the connection will hold true, one way or another. Your knee jerked accurately, didn't it? James's comment sums it up: your readers, your children, your loved ones will always ask for more because 'you're so interesting...fascinating...compelling...' I'll bet you ask for more of your loved ones, too, and you also accept and savor just what you get. Can't wait to read your memoir!

Expand full comment
Charlie Bleecker's avatar

Thank you so much, Alden! I appreciate your comment!

Expand full comment
Agent99's avatar

Saw this and thought of you

Same general feedback, two completely different ratings:

1-star review: The book is short.

5-star review: The book is short.

You can’t please everyone.

So write what feels right to you.

Expand full comment
Larry Urish's avatar

Charlie, Joanna said it best: "Most readers are going to subconsciously try to have you make your book what they want. … You ultimately know what you want to do."

Your "knee-jerk" reaction to the request for more introspection is a hard NO. That's your gut telling you something in no uncertain terms. Listen to that. Trust that feeling.

Expand full comment
Drake Greene's avatar

It’s possible that if you “attempt to give them more”, you will actually give them less. Inference can be stronger than statement.

Expand full comment