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Tanner Millett's avatar

I have a friend who read one of my novel manuscripts and started comparing it to "Lawrence of Arabia." My manuscript fell far short of such a comparison...but having that comparison and at least one person who saw the seed of something great in my storytelling has helped me to keep writing and improving. Knowing you have just one dedicated audience member gives an infinitely powerful boost over having no audience at all.

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Bob D. Smiley's avatar

So true, Tanner. Love the friend dropping the Laurence of Arabia comp. We're rational enough to know in our heads "that's not literally true," but can't be so cynical we don't want to see how close we can get to it. Thanks for sharing.

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Jake Vest's avatar

I can't think of anything more inspirational than to be given credit by someone for being an inspiration, so I am going to bask all afternoon in "myself-ishness"... BTW, I used to visit the classrooms of your fellow screenwriter Brad Copeland to do cartoon lessons when he was an elementary school student. For all I know, he may have been listening and inspired. Until I hear otherwise I will think so and start looking into the notion of billing myself as a mentor. (Great post, BBTW)

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Bob D. Smiley's avatar

Bask away, Jake. Thanks again.

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MaryBeth Lathrop's avatar

Nice. I loved this. I agree entirely. Thank you so much for sharing.

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