I’m sure you’ve all felt the, “I love being a writer!” vibe, and I’m sure you’ve also had days where you wish you could be anything but. Today I’m talking about why I love being a writer and why sometimes I hate it.
Let’s start with the downside, so we can end on a high note. There’s one thing I’m sure we can all agree sucks about writing: how non-writers simply do not understand it. I’ve had people refer to it as a hobby, because it’s not my only job. I’ve had family members not understand why I’m always stuck behind a screen. I’ve even had family members telling people when my next book is coming out – before I even decided myself! Needless to say, I almost had a heart attack. Non-writers don’t understand how much work we put into this and how long it takes. Good news is, they don’t have to. People can be confused by it and still support you, and if not... Persevere anyway. Keep your head held high. One day, they’ll try to take back all their harsh words and it’ll be too late.
However, I’d say the worst part of being a writer for me personally is that every other job now just seems to fall flat. It doesn’t matter what I’m doing; I’d much rather be writing and I spend as much of my free time as possible doing so. At first glance, this might not seem like a bad thing. Passion is good. Yet, my writing career does not support me financially and until it does, I have to go to my day job. Bummer.
So, is there an upside? Of course! The best thing about being a writer, in my opinion, is hearing readers talk about your book. It’s hearing people talk about something that once existed solely in your head. Being a writer is magic and I love it. I’ve had so much fun listening to friends, family, and complete strangers tell me how awesome my book is. There’s no better feeling in the world. So when your book is getting you down, remember what’s waiting for you at the finish line: a whole world of readers waiting to devour your masterpiece.
My most recent favourite reader reaction was from my first beta reader to finish the sequel to Silent Night. She gave the book a 9/10 rating and had all the right reactions I was hoping for. It made my entire week to find out that the book comes across as I intended.
So everyone has good and bad days, in any profession. We just have to learn to cherish the good days and to acknowledge the bad days. Maybe there are bad things you can live with and maybe other things you need to change, but know that there is a reason why you write and every moment -- good or bad -- is worth it.
My next blog topic is kind of up in the air right now, but I should have at least one more this month, so stay tuned!