You’ve done something incredible: you wrote a book. Maybe you spent months or even years pouring your soul into the pages, rewriting, editing, and finally pressing “publish.” You expected your family—your inner circle—to cheer you on. But instead? Silence. Shrugs. Maybe even a hurtful comment like, “That’s nice… but what’s your real job?”
It stings. Deeply. But you’re not alone—and more importantly, you can bounce back stronger.
Here’s how to pick yourself up, protect your creative spirit, and keep going when your family doesn’t support your book.
1. Take a Breath—You’re Allowed to Be Hurt
It’s okay to feel disappointed. This isn’t about being too sensitive—it’s about being human. You want to share something meaningful with people you care about, and when that connection doesn’t happen, it cuts deep.
Give yourself space to feel the sting. Write it out in a journal. Vent to a trusted writer friend. Cry if you need to. Feel it—but don’t let it define you.
2. Don’t Confuse Their Silence with Your Failure
Lack of support doesn’t mean your book isn’t good. It doesn’t mean it wasn’t worth writing. It doesn’t mean you’re not talented or brave or wildly creative.
Often, when family doesn’t show up, it has more to do with them than you:
- They don’t understand creative work.
- They don’t know how to show support.
- They might feel envy, discomfort, or fear of your growth.
None of that is a reflection of your worth as a writer.
3. Find (or Build) a Support System That Does Get It
You need people in your corner—but they might not be the ones you were born into.
Look for:
- Fellow writers on Twitter, Instagram, or Threads.
- Book clubs or critique groups.
- Writing communities through online forums or social media groups.
- Readers who loved your book—build relationships with them.
Find your book family. The ones who understand the hustle, the heartache, the thrill of finishing a chapter. These are the people who will lift you up.
4. Celebrate Anyway—Loudly and Proudly
Just because your family didn’t throw a party doesn’t mean you shouldn’t.
Host your own virtual launch. Post your milestones online. Buy yourself a slice of cake or a new pen. Your wins are worth celebrating. Don’t shrink them to match someone else’s small vision.
You published a book. That’s a big deal.
5. Protect Your Creative Flame
Negativity—especially from people close to us—can dim your creative spark if you’re not careful. Guard it.
That might mean:
- Not sharing future projects with unsupportive family members.
- Setting boundaries around what you’re willing to discuss.
- Putting your energy into writing, not proving them wrong.
Remember: your creativity doesn’t need validation. It needs space to breathe.
6. Let Your Writing Speak Louder Than Their Doubt
Every time you show up at the page, you’re proving something: not to them, but to you.
Keep writing. Keep creating. Keep growing your voice, your skills, your reach. Let your work speak for itself—and trust that the people who are meant to hear it will.
7. Redefine What “Support” Looks Like
Sometimes, people do care—they just don’t show it the way we expect. Maybe your mom didn’t read your book, but she shares your social media posts. Maybe your brother never brings it up, but he tells his friends you’re a writer.
And if there’s truly no support? That hurts—but it’s also freedom. You get to write for you now. For the readers who need your story. For the part of you that refuses to be quiet.
Final Thought:
You Don’t Need Their Permission
You don’t need their praise to be proud.
You don’t need their applause to keep going.
You don’t need their understanding to know your story matters.
What you’re doing takes courage. Vision. Heart. Keep showing up for your words, your readers, and—most importantly—yourself.
They might not support your book today.
But one day? They might look back and say, “I always knew you could do it.”
Even if they don’t—you did it anyway. And that’s enough.
