(Feedback used in this post was not solicited. —MKB)
Let’s face it, writers have egos. Those egos are fragile and no matter how large, they need feeding.
I tell my creative writing students that a writer has to have an ego. If you’re going to put words out in the world for people to read — and yes, make judgments on — there has to be some sort of confidence within. And, a writer has to be able to talk about their work — it’s no different than an artist, craftsman, performer, singer, or even top level athlete experiences.
For a writer, the reward is when something is written and readers enjoy it. The biggest compliment is when readers share that with others or with the writer. Recently, someone sent me a message on Facebook and told me “Galvanized” was “easy to read.” I can’t think of a better compliment for me. (Someone mentioned that in comments to me on a piece I wrote while working on my MFA and told me they hoped I didn’t take it as an insult.)
I’m going to post photos and comments on here from time to time and would love to hear from you. Photos of you, your kids, pets, hobbies — with Galvanized — are all welcome, as are comments and QUESTIONS. I’d also love any old photos of ancestors, especially from the Civil War era. Send to brantleystudio@gmail.com.
But here’s the thing: when someone takes the effort to actually write and tell me he/she enjoyed my work, that’s just the best. That takes effort. Think about the things we enjoy — how many times do we go out of our way to actually respond.
For example, I had the best strawberries I’ve ever tasted from Strawberry City outside Nashville (N.C.) yesterday. I did not call or write them, so I hope they see this.
It’s only been a couple of weeks since Galvanized it the streets, so I’m just starting to get feedback. I’m enjoying them and the photos. I’d love for you to send me of you reading the book in your favorite place and give me permission to run it. I’m starting with the first this week (above).
Wesley Brown, a well-regarded Edward Jones financial advisor in Wilson, sent me some comments that I asked if I could share.
“Just had the opportunity to finish the book and I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed it (Admittedly, I don’t read books as often as I should these days). Your unbiased insight of the times and putting everything in perspective from both sides really allows one to put their “loyalty guard” down and entrench themselves in reality. I absolutely loved the historical accounts and your addition of “presentism” was spot on in “The Future of the Past”… I think a lot like you and this really put context behind my thoughts w/o me having to do all the work for validation…hahaha! Great piece you should be very proud of!!! The hard work it took to credit and discredit facts and/or errors is highly appreciated from this reader. I have come through with new enlightenment of the war and history….thank you.”
That really adds a level of satisfaction that goes beyond book sales or publicity. Thanks, Wesley. And by the way, your kids are adorable.
GALVANIZED is a fine addition to Civil War literature, a detailed journey of an ordinary soldier, with valuable context included. That Bachelor survived Pickett’s Charge, only to be shot dead on the courthouse steps in his hometown (over a dead dog, no less) seems the supreme irony of his life. The persistence of your research journey, through good times and bad, is fascinating in itself. You present the complexities of that time with clear-eyed compassion, and I agree with your assessment of the present-day controversies over Confederate symbols. That war means many things to many people.
Thank you for reading and for the kind words.