Still, if you’re not expecting some of these things, they
can be frightening. So since it’s Halloween I thought I’d give those
unsuspecting family members a sneak peak at what they’re in for with the 13 scariest things about living with a writer.
1. Going out in public can turn into a foray into the art and craft of eavesdropping. As writers—whether we writer fiction or nonfiction—we’re always looking for a good story. And I’ve found a lot of good stories by eavesdropping. For some reason this tendency makes my husband and family nervous.
2. Sometimes family members are drafted as impromptu actors
when the resident writer is trying to accurately portray a scene. I'll just let your imagination run wild on this one. Trust me, it won't come close to the reality. 'nough said.
3. Normal dinner conversation can be off-putting for
unsuspecting meal-time guests. For some reason people don’t like to discuss
gory details during dinner—go figure.
4. Normal dinner conversation held at a restaurant can make
those around you nervous. I remember the odd looks my husband and I got once
while we were out. I was discussing different ways to kill people without
leaving a trace. The looks from other diners were comical, to say the least.
6. Normal hours aren’t so normal. Writers write when
inspiration hits. Hopefully that’s during daylight hours. But if the muse works
the graveyard shift, so does the writer. Beyond that, if inspiration strikes at night, experienced writers know to write it down because it won't stick around until morning. It's the writing it down part that can cause family members difficulty. Imagine lights snapped on at 2am, loud exclamations as sleep-fogged writer tries to find a pen that works and something to write on. You get the idea. Inspiration isn't quiet.
7. Writers have an insatiable curiosity. I believe that
trait is one of the reasons many of us are so successful. We go through life
with a goal of finding out who, what, when, where, why and how. My husband
refers to this as being nosy, but I think it’s a trait that’s stood me in good
stead with my chosen career.
9. Family situation frequently end up in print. Oh don’t
worry too much, we’re careful to change the names. But the tendency of writers
to write what we know, can almost
always leave a trail back home.
10. Writers have a love/hate relationship with technology,
especially computers. We all have our favorite brands and are fiercely loyal
(can anyone say Apple?). But we also are the first ones to rail against the
necessity of relying on such temperamental beasts.
11. Writers wear their hearts on their sleeves. A good
review puts us over the moon. A bad review makes us vow to give up writing
altogether. Just get ready for it, we’re an emotional bunch.
12. And along that line, writers are insecure. No matter how
many good comments we get, it’s the one bad one that we’ll remember. We’ll
dissect it, analyze it, and agonize over it for weeks.
13. We’re always afraid our last book (article, devotion, blog post, etc) was the last one we have in us. We’re certain we’ve reached the pinnacle of our career and the rest won’t be worth reading.
13. We’re always afraid our last book (article, devotion, blog post, etc) was the last one we have in us. We’re certain we’ve reached the pinnacle of our career and the rest won’t be worth reading.
This is my list of the scariest things about living with a writer. I'd love to know what you'd add to the list. Be sure to leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
Don't forget to join the conversation!
Blessings,
Edie
TWEETABLES
In honor of Halloween, 13 Reasons it's Scary to Live with a Writer - @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Edie Melson is a woman of faith with ink-stained fingers observing life through the lens of her camera. No matter whether she’s talking to writers, entrepreneurs, or readers, her first advice is always “Find your voice, live your story.” As an author, blogger, and speaker she’s encouraged and challenged audiences across the country and around the world. Her numerous books reflect her passion to help others develop the strength of their God-given gifts and apply them to their lives. Connect with her on her website, through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Edie Melson is a woman of faith with ink-stained fingers observing life through the lens of her camera. No matter whether she’s talking to writers, entrepreneurs, or readers, her first advice is always “Find your voice, live your story.” As an author, blogger, and speaker she’s encouraged and challenged audiences across the country and around the world. Her numerous books reflect her passion to help others develop the strength of their God-given gifts and apply them to their lives. Connect with her on her website, through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Too true. I’ll have to let my wife read this to show that, though I’m wired, and safe.
ReplyDeleteTim, all our writing spouses need to band together! Blessings, E
DeleteMy husband listening to me read my stories aloud. I gallop into his TV room where he's watching a ballgame and plop down with my story in hand. My husband knows the que and mutes the game. With delight I begin reading my short story. Fortunately, he's a good listener and likes to hear my latest and greatest.
ReplyDeleteWhere would we be without sympathetic spouses! Blessings, E
DeleteLol! So true! My daughter's boyfriend found out #4 at ACFW in Nashville. Three suspense writers at dinner. Need I say more?!
ReplyDeleteSuch fun!
Delete