by Edie Melson @EdieMelson
As I got ready to start a new writing year, I took time to look back and find ways to avoid the things I struggled with last year. One of the things I noticed in 2024 was that I let myself get so exhausted, I forgot to rejoice in the things that make me love writing. So before I have a chance to get sidetracked, I'm making a list of the what I love best about being a writer!
15 Things I Love MOST About Being a Writer
1. I get to use my own experiences—good and bad—to impact others. I’ve learned that we all share a lot of the same fears, hopes and struggles. Writing gives me a chance to share what I’ve been through and watch it impact others.
2. I hear voices in my head and it’s completely normal. Not only is it normal, but it’s downright scary when our imaginary friends stop talking to us
3. I can buy books and write it off. Books are some of my favorite things in the whole world. Now I need to buy them to further my career.
4. I can take revenge on those who irritate me. Of course I don’t make them recognizable, but it makes me feel better when I can expose their actions in my books and articles. After all, there’s a reason for that old saying, the pen is mightier than the sword.
5. I get to work in my pajamas. Or at least in comfy clothes. There’s something to be said for working at home where I don’t have to worry about how I look.
6. I get to be the boss. I’m a total control freak, so being in charge fits my personality perfectly. I’m in charge of me, my schedule (to a certain degree) and I get to tell my characters what to do.
7. I get to be friends with other writers—and some of them are famous. Some of my first heroes were authors. Now, I’m friends with other writers and get to hang out with the people I’ve always admired.
8. I get to research anything I want. I like to think of it as a healthy curiosity. I refuse to accept my husband’s description of me as nosey.
9. I get to hang out in coffee shops and libraries. I love the atmosphere of coffee shops and libraries. As a writer, I have a legitimate reason for hanging out there.
10. I get to buy pens and paper. Again, these are some of my favorite things. But since I earn my living as a writer, I have to have them for my business.
11. I get paid to make things up. No, not when I'm writing articles and things like that. But for those of us who write fiction, we get to create everything from our imagination.
12. I get fan mail. It’s not the fan mail exactly that’s the best. For me it’s hearing from someone I don’t know that has been touched by the words I wrote. I love getting to see glimpses of God working through me.
13. I get to be weird. Writers look at the world a little differently. I can embrace that because people expect it. No need to hide behind a mask of normalcy.
14. I get to daydream. All those hours of daydreaming are legitimate work time. Even if I'm working on nonfiction I still have to come up with new and different ways to present the information. That means time spent thinking and dreaming is a workday requirement.
15. I am courageous enough to follow my dreams. We talk a lot about the fears that come with being a writer. It’s important to never forget the courage it takes to following our dreams. That's something we should celebrate!
These are my 15 favorite things about being a writer. What’s your favorite thing? Be sure to leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
Don’t forget to join the conversation!
Blessings,
Edie
TWEETABLE
What a great way to start off my day! Everything you mentioned I totally agree with and thank you for reminding me of the joys of being a writer!
ReplyDeleteI’m so glad my list brought you joy this morning!
DeleteEvery single one of those, but my favorite is making up stuff that touches people.
ReplyDeleteMe too!!!!
Delete💯!
ReplyDeleteI love your list, Edie. The thing that brings me the most joy about writing is having the time and resources to answer the call.
ReplyDelete