by Edie Melson
When someone asks me what I do or where I work, I always hesitate to mention that I’m a writer. Not because I’m ashamed of it or think I’m not worthy to be called a writer, but because it often leads to some frustrating conversations. Let me see if any of you can relate to some of my experiences.
- “I've always wanted to be a writer. Can you help me?”
- “I have a book I've written. Can you send it to a publisher for me?”
- “I used to write in high school—maybe you could look at a few things and tell me what you think.”
- “I've been through (fill in the blank) and want to write a book about it. Can you tell me how to get it published?”
Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing inherently wrong with these questions, the problem comes when I answer them. I’ve found that most people don’t really want to hear the truth – they want a shortcut to fame and fortune, not the truth.
- There’s no shortcut to becoming a professional writer. It takes time and commitment.
- I don’t have an inside track into getting your book published.
- If I take the time to look at your samples, I’ll tell you the truth and that may not be what you really want.
There are no shortcuts to becoming a master at your craft and writing is no different. Even exceptional talent needs time and experience to hone it into brilliance. I rejoice when I find those who are willing to put in the time and really learn about the craft of writing. Those individuals are a pleasure and I love taking time to help them.
Now it's your turn to share. What funny situations have you encountered when you confessed you were a writer?
Don't forget to join the conversation!
Blessings,
Edie
Yes, I was one of those a couple of years ago. It definitely is a "process." You've got to love it, right?
ReplyDeleteTwo or three times when I've told people I'm a freelance writer (and I hesitate also but haven't examined why yet), they've said, "Really? Have you been published?" I think that's a funny one.
ReplyDeleteGuess we're just not credible until we're in print. Actually, the first few times I said,"I'm a writer," I felt like I was making it up since I wasn't sure how many articles you had to have published to be one. What a funny line of work all the way around!
I'm new to bringing up my writing life in public, but have already gotten the "Oh, aren't you cute," with accompanying eye-roll, response.
ReplyDeleteI'm late to this discussion, but I love the polar extreme responses that are out there. My favorites are the ones who think all you have to do is write a book and mail it off to get it published, the ones who have no idea how hard it really is. That's my favorite because that used to be me. :-)
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