By C. LaRene Hall
Usually, if I tell someone I’m a writer they say, “That’s what I’d like to do.”
After quizzing them further I find they spend more time wanting to write than actually trying to write. Some of them have never written their first sentence. I get the feeling they think it’s easy to be a writer. Those of us who write know that’s not true.
Why do so many people say they want to be a writer? I laugh when I think about it. I guess besides thinking it’s easy, they probably think it’s exciting. In reality, it’s lonely. I’m sure most of them see dollar signs. Little do they know that if someone paid me for the time I spend writing, I doubt I’d make one cent in a month, and I write every day. Of course, there’s always an exception to the rule. I’m just not one of those.
How many of those who say they want to be a writer really try to reach that goal? Very few of them go beyond the words. If you press them for what they’ve tried to write they usually duck their head. What happens when you invite them to a writing meeting? They always have an excuse why they can’t come. Maybe someone says they have a story started, but when you offer to critique will they let you? Probably not. I think it’s because they really don’t have a story started.
As in most cases, there is always an exception. Occasionally I’ll find someone that does want to come to a meeting. I’ve even found a few who let me read their story and were open for suggestions. They just needed someone to get them started again.
I’ve decided that if you are born to write, you will. Nothing can stop you, because it’s part of who you are.
My new blog is http://clhall.blogspot.com/
4 comments:
So true. I can't count how many people have told me they want to write, or plan to write someday, or whatever--when they have time. What they don't get is that time won't just drop into their laps some day. It must be made.
I am one of those people who have often *thought* about writing and have finally taken the plunge. I've recently written sentence #1 (plus a few others). Just starting was one of the scariest things I've done. The ideas are no longer bouncing around in my head known only to me, but are now on paper (MS Word really). I've now taken the first step of my thousand mile jouney.
Thanks Annette. I knew some of you writers would understand. For most of those people who say someday I'll write, someday will never come.
Golfing libarian - Congratulations on starting to write. I agree that is a scary step to take. It will be a long journey, but well worth the effort. I have a friend who has been writing for several years, but now is facing the next step - submitting. She is scared to death and doesn't know if she can take this next step. Good luck to you in your writing.
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