Support at Home

So like, I don't know about anybody here, but... I don't know... Maybe I just want to vent.  It seems that my folks are... less than encouraging so far as nanowrimo has gone thus far, and have even taken things to the point of going out of their way to make things more difficult while I want to spend time writing.  I guess perhaps what I'm looking for is advice, although I can't possibly kid myself out of the reality that this is just as much a cry for help as a plea for sympathy.

Not sure what to say... I've never had to try it when I had an unsupportive home. (My wife kicks my butt about it...)

I am dealing with the non-support a little, although I don't have to live with them.  I think a lot of it is they don't understand why something that you don't really get anything for can be so important. 

Have you tried telling them that it's important and you're willing to do X during the time that you're not writing, if they will be courteous enough to allow you the time that you are?  It might help anyway.

I'm sorry that you're having to deal with that.

So like, I don't know about anybody here, but... I don't know... Maybe I just want to vent.  It seems that my folks are... less than encouraging so far as nanowrimo has gone thus far, and have even taken things to the point of going out of their way to make things more difficult while I want to spend time writing.  I guess perhaps what I'm looking for is advice, although I can't possibly kid myself out of the reality that this is just as much a cry for help as a plea for sympathy.

I hate to admit it at my age, but I not only sympathize, I empathize. I've recently moved back in with my parents, and it seriously took me aback when my mother's first response to my comment that I was thinking of doing NaNo this year was, "No WAY." When I asked what she meant, she explained that she expected this to be a giant time-suck (which it is) during which I would simply "dump" my energetic young children on my dad (which I won't). We've since had several talks about why on earth anyone would think this is a good idea and why some people just feel the need to write, whether good or bad, just write something. But I'm preaching to the choir here.

The short answer is, I feel your pain. Feel free to vent anytime.

My parents keep helpfully asking about my studies, as kind of a gag reflex to anything NaNo. For example, if I should mention my impressive word count, they would say, "That's nice, honey. So, how are your grades?" It's more of a passive-aggressive lack of support, so I guess I should be grateful. At least they haven't threatened to chain me up in the basement.

My parents keep helpfully asking about my studies, as kind of a gag reflex to anything NaNo. For example, if I should mention my impressive word count, they would say, "That's nice, honey. So, how are your grades?" It's more of a passive-aggressive lack of support, so I guess I should be grateful. At least they haven't threatened to chain me up in the basement.

Think of it this way. They can chain you up in the basement and you can take your compy with you.

I feel your pain!

For the first time in the five years that I've done Nano, my husband isn't very supportive.  He claims it's because I'm "large with child" and doesn't think sitting for long periods of time is a good idea.  And we have two very active children who don't do so well without parental supervision (another reason I love our vast movie collection).  But I keep going.

And if your parents seem to be limiting your time on the computer, I suggest carrying a small notebook with you where you can jot down ideas, lines for dialogue, and even outline a few scenes when you are able.  It will help you make the most of your time when you do finally get to the computer. 

But perhaps the best advice I can give is DON'T QUIT!!  Don't give them a reason to doubt your next big decision.

Enough with the advice...come and vent anytime.  I'll bring the cookies.

Thanks for the help.  They're still not very happy about everything, but they seem to have let up a little at least. 
Thanks also for the words of comfort, I really needed someone to just think that me doing this was a good thing, not some insane waste of time, so, thanks a lot. 
(did I mention that I'm grateful?... No, well, then thanks a ton! I'm really grateful!)

I'm not very much fun to live with when I'm NOT writing, so this year my family was all "YES, please." Maybe that's the secret.