“Real pressure is when you are asked to do something you are not prepared to do.” ~ Lou Holtz
I thought about this quote when a reader asked, “What’s the one thing that kept you going when you wanted to quit?” I immediately felt a bit of pressure, because I wasn’t prepared to answer such a penetrating question.
I’m continually fascinated by the contrast between writing a book and talking to readers about their responses. Writing is a solitary activity in which the writer controls the storyline and the depth with which each issue is addressed. Perceived audience needs are a primary factor, but the author manages the direction of the interaction.
That all changes when someone reads the book. Because each person views the story through the filter of personal experience and world view, predicting the course of their reaction becomes impossible. A chapter that meant something quite specific to the writer may convey an entirely different message to a reader.
The trick, it appears, is to expect unanticipated interactions between my words and a reader’s perceptions. This allows me to be fully in the moment as I listen, and permits the joy of learning and growing in response to feedback.
Question: Have you ever written something that prompted a response for which you weren’t prepared?
Please leave a comment, visit my website, and/or send me an email at rich@richdixon.net.