Working Writers and Oxymorons

By Nichole Giles

Lately, it seems to me like the terms working and writing become more and more of a contradiction. First, when you tell someone you have work to do, and then sit down to start a chapter or edit a book—they automatically assume that your work can wait while you write. (Because, as we all well know, writing isn’t actually working, right? Or is it?)

Thus, these same people have trouble understanding why making a word count or chapter conclusion goal is a pressing matter. (And while we’re at it, can’t we just whip that thing out and be done with it?) Says the person, “You can’t drop what you’re doing to babysit extra kids? But…you’re home. It’s easy to babysit while you write since you aren’t actually doing anything.”

Or are you?

Do we treat our writing as work? I think in order to actually do much of it, we have to. There will be times when we have to feel like the bad guy and actually say, “No, I’m sorry, I have work to do,” when someone asks to infringe on our precious writing time. And though the feelings of extended family members or close friends may be hurt, or misunderstandings ensue, at some point it becomes a necessity for us to stand our ground.

Just because some people perceive our writing as a fun hobby doesn’t mean that’s all it really is. For most of us, writing is a calling, a life path, and hopefully, someday, a career.

But how do we make those around us understand our need to write? This absolute hunger that eats away at our hearts and brains to tell stories in the way only we can?

I think first we have to convince ourselves. This is why it’s important to set aside specific times to write, and treat those times the same way we’d treat a job, sport practice, or other regular commitment. It may take some adjustment, and will definitely require some sacrifice from us and our families, but in the end, if we keep at it, the rest of the world will come to understand that writing is work—and that it requires love and dedication, as does any other job in the world.

That doesn’t mean you won’t still be asked to give up your time, but perhaps people will be understanding when you have to tell them no.

I believe this, and yet, find it hard to say the words writing and working in the same sentence. Because while writing really is a lot of work, most of the time it’s so enjoyable or massages such a need that it really feels more like recreation.

Are the words ‘working writer’ an oxymoron for everyone or is it just me? And if it really is that, then why do I so often avoid it, only to give up sleep so I can give into the need?

Hey, I never claimed to be normal. Working or not, I’m a writer. Yes, I am.