When I was young, I never knew how to respond to people who ask me what I wanted to be as adult. “Soldier, Sailor, Indian Chief” came to mind, but writer? The only one who ever suggested that I pursue writing was my high school junior-year English teacher, but she never really talked to me about it as a as profession. Nor did my counselors. As a young woman in the Sixties, my options were limited to teaching or nursing. I took a test to help determine my line of work; the results were far from revealing: operator of farm machinery (I was a city girl) or writer for the love-forlorn. Since there already was a Dear Abby and a Dear Ann Landers, writing a column of this nature did not seem a viable alternative. Additionally, as a 16 year old, I did not feel qualified.
In the Eighties, I became a technical writer, more or less by default—I had a knack for writing easy-to-follow work instructions. When I told others that I wrote about maintaining and servicing machinery, their eyes would gloss over; though productive and worthwhile, most people did not see me as a real author; nor did I.
Everything changed when I published my first book. Now, when I tell people I am an author, they seem genuinely fascinated, especially if it is a genre or subject they enjoy reading. I am no longer just a writer, but an expert, someone with experience and something to say. All of a sudden, I have become noteworthy.
People also assume that as a published author I am raking in the cash. They do not understand that 10% of the indie authors make 80% of the money, that many self publishers only sell 100 books, or that to earn a decent living, an indie writer needs to publish at least five books.
People often ask me if being a writer is a lonely profession. Perhaps they envision me sequestered for long hours, even days, alone at the computer. Though I may limit human contact when the creative juices flow, I never feel lonely. As a nonfiction narrative writer, I am reliving exciting experiences, recalling engrossing conversations, and processing changes that have happened to me as a result. These events and people were not boring when they happened, and reminiscing is like visiting old friends. Perhaps fiction writers have a more difficult time convincing non-writers that the process in not solitary. To develop characters that readers love or hate, a writer must envision their characters as real people with depth, flaws, and complex natures.
People are always surprised to hear that I do not spend my time writing, to learn how busy I am, and how difficult it is for me to get everything done. Rarely do they understand the work involved with being a writer. They do not realize the amount of time a writer expends on research, editing, and marketing: what counts to most readers is the final product. A smart writer does not spoil this illusion–let them think it comes easy.
Misconceptions
- Being a published author elevates you from being “a writer.”
- Authors are experts with something worthwhile to say.
- Authors make a lot of money
- Writers are lonely, removing themselves from society to write.
- Writers spend their time writing.
Do you have similar reactions from people when you tell them you are a writer? Do people see you differently now that you are published? Please comment.
