Writing, while a profoundly personal journey, doesn’t have to be lonely!
If you’re starting as a writer or you’ve been writing for years, having your family’s support can make a huge difference.
Have you ever explored this option before? If you haven’t, we’ve got you covered!
This article will discuss how you can encourage your loved ones to cheer you on, engage with your work, and maybe even become your biggest fans.
These aren’t complex hacks. So, follow along and learn from The Exquisite Writers!
6 Ways to Get Help From Family Members to Enjoy Writing
Here are six ways to get help from family members and enjoy writing:
1. Communicate Why Writing Is Important to You
Sometimes, family members don’t immediately understand your passion for writing, especially if they aren’t creatives.
To them, writing might feel like scribbling in a notebook without much to show for it or staring at a screen for hours. As a result, it’s key to open up about what writing means to you on a deeply personal level.
So, the question is:
- Is writing your way of making sense of the world?
- Is it a childhood dream you’re finally chasing?
- Are you considering it as a side hustle that helps you earn an income?
- Or maybe it’s something you find more emotional, like a form of therapy, healing, or self-expression when words are too complicated, complex, or loud.
Whatever it is, tell them! Yes, tell them your “why.”
For example:
You can tell your family members something like this:
- “Writing is so important to me because it helps me feel like myself again.”
- “I write because I’ve always dreamed of doing it seriously.”
- “I am pursuing this craft because I can turn this into a career someday.”
When your loved ones can catch this, they will understand that writing isn’t “just a hobby” but something that gives you peace, purpose, or joy.
Once they understand that, they are more likely to take it seriously.
Caution: This isn’t about making your loved ones love writing—it’s about helping them see how much you love it, why that matters, and ultimately giving you all the support you need.
2. Ask for Specific Support
Some of your family members might want to support you.
But you know the problem? They don’t always know where you need support.
Thus, your family might genuinely want to support you because they care about you, but may not always know how.
As a result, it is crucial to be clear and specific. That means you would steer clear of general expressions.
For example, instead of saying “I would appreciate your support with my writing,” try asking for one specific thing they can do.
Let’s go over a few examples:
- “Would you mind reading this article on my blog and telling me which part made you smile?”
- “If you love this short story, could you help share it with your friends, colleagues, or workmates who might enjoy it?”
- “Could I have two hours of quiet this weekend to complete this draft?”
- “I’d appreciate your opinion on this article I’m working on—can I read the two versions I have?”
These small, clear requests are easier for them to say yes to—and don’t be surprised, they will feel included without being overwhelmed or unsure of your expectations.
But must they be readers or even writers? No way! Even if they aren’t writers or readers, your family members can show support by cheering you on, listening, or protecting your creative time.
Remember that most people are willing to help if they know what you need.
3. Start Small and Keep It Relatable
Don’t just think that everyone in your family will appreciate your writing.
No, this doesn’t mean they’d not support you.
But you might be mistaken if you think they will have the same passion as you do.
Not everyone in your family will love deep poetry, long-form writing, or multi-chapter fiction—and that’s fine!
One of the best ways to welcome family members into your creative works is to start with something simple and relatable.
That means that instead of handing them a full 3 thousand words or a 10-minute poem, try sharing:
- An exciting quote in a paragraph
- A funny paragraph that will make them laugh
- A microblog post or social media caption you crafted
- A relatable quote from your content that captures a universal feeling
- A simple story inspired by a conversation or family memory
When you offer small, digestible pieces, you will make your writing easier to enjoy, especially for those who say they don’t read.
Sometimes, all it takes is a sentence or a relatable line to evoke interest, emotion, or laughter.
Also, when you share pieces that reflect familiar themes or everyday moments, your family members may see themselves in your work.
And you know what that would lead to? Building connections.
They need not be literary critics to appreciate your art and voice.
The goal is to bridge the gap between your creative world and theirs, and you can do that gently and with kindness.
4. Respect Their Time and Interests
While it’s natural to desire your family’s enthusiasm and full attention, it’s equally crucial to remember that everyone in your family will support you differently—and that’s not a reflection of how much they care, it’s the truth!
Some may not have the energy, time, or interest to read your 60-page essay or poetry collection.
Others, still within the family, might not enjoy reading at all—but they might love brainstorming with you, hearing your writing process and progress, or simply giving you a quiet space to create.
For example:
- Your Dad might not want to read your self-help draft, but he might happily share your wins with his friends.
- Your cousin might not be a fiction fan, but she might help design a book cover.
- Your brother or sister might not read your blog, but he’ll proudly tell people, “My sister’s a writer!”
So yeah, support isn’t one-size-fits-all. Hence, you must respect your family’s boundaries and preferences.
When you do, you can create a more relaxed environment in which family members can genuinely show up for you.
Hence, the primary key is to invite your family members and not to pressure them.
Also, when a family member offers encouragement and time, celebrate it, irrespective of how small!
Gratitude has a significant impact, which can strengthen your connections with family members.
5. Celebrate Their Involvement
When a family member buys time to engage with your craft, even if it’s just reading your article or blog post, sharing your work online, or offering a quick comment, it’s vital to acknowledge them!
While a small gesture from them might feel like something ordinary, it’s something much for you as a writer.
So, let them know that!
To give you clarity, a simple message like:
- “This share really meant a lot to me! I appreciate what you’ve done.”
- “Your feedback has helped me see my draft differently.”
- “Thanks for sharing my blog post. It did give me a confidence boost.”
Words of appreciation like the ones outlined above will indeed validate their efforts. It will also do more: Reveal that their support is noticed.
When individuals feel appreciated, they are more likely to continue supporting you.
But wait, does that mean that’s all you’ve got to do? No way: Make your appreciation and acknowledgement fun and fulfilling.
Creatively, you can:
- Ask a family member to suggest funny line or scene ideas
- Interview your parents for your family-themed blog post, asking them to comment on your shared point.
- Write a story that’s inspired by your family story
- Dedicate an article to someone in the family who encouraged you.
When your family members are involved like this, they’ll feel invested.
Not just in the writing, but also in your growth as an individual.
This transforms your solo creative process into a shared connection.
6. Create Lovely Moments Around Your Work
One of the most astounding ways for a family to enjoy engaging with your writing is to turn those moments into a shared experience.
It shouldn’t seem like something they are only asked to read. Make the moment interactive, memorable, and personal.
Let’s explore some of the ways to get that done:
- During dinner times, read a short poem aloud. Then, ask what memory or emotion it brought out. Trust me – it could spark impressive conversation.
- Initiate a relaxed reading night where everyone in the family shares their story, someone draws, or your dad’s favorite quotes.
This shouldn’t be official. Instead, it should be casual.
Brainstorm character blog ideas together—ask your partner, little cousin, or even your dad. It would surprise you to see them come up with gold!
Pen down a story that depends on heartfelt or funny family moments. Read these out loud and watch their reactions.
They won’t feel pressured to be part of your writing journey. Instead, they will enjoy being part of it.
With time, these experiences and rituals will shift tone.
This is what we enjoy doing together.
And let’s be frank, that’s the actual magic.
Final Thoughts
Now, how much support have you received from your family members? If it’s not that significant, can you consider the tips in this article that will work best?
You might have been sleeping on a remarkable support system.
Well, your family doesn’t have to be readers or writers—just little acts of inclusion, honest requests, and a little patience can do the job!
The more they see your passion, the more they will be influenced to support you!
And who knows, you might inspire your sibling to consider writing as a craft.