Perhaps it's just me, but I often worry what people will think when I tell them a writer.
For various reasons, I'm currently unemployed and a stay-at-home mum. If anyone were to ask what I do for a job, the closest answer would be 'a writer'. When I'm not fulfilling the many duties of a stay-at-home mum I'm either editing my novel, or promoting myself as a writer/ networking.
But I fear people who don't know me or don't know what writing a novel entails wouldn't understand that it's a full time job. I worry people will ask what I've published, and when I answer "nothing yet", they'll reply "oh, so you're not a real writer. You just sit around at home."
Maybe I'm not giving people enough credit or maybe I'm being paranoid, but that's how I feel.
What are your thoughts and experiences when telling people you're a writer?
I get this from people. I've gone crazy and told them I write, and so they always know to ask about how my writing/books are going. And then I'm like, uh, I got a really nice rejection...
ReplyDeleteLOL!! I think they don't understand what a long process it is, and what it takes to *get somewhere* with your writing!
LOL Well at least it's not only me who feels like that!
ReplyDeleteIt definitely seems like people are ready to accept being a writer as a professional choice until after they are published. But I think it's just because they don't understand how much work goes into getting that first novel published!
ReplyDeleteYes, I think that's exactly the problem. Unless you've experienced it yourself, it's hard to know how much work goes into publishing a novel.
ReplyDeleteI usually avoid the subject if it's someone asking out of curiosity instead of genuine interest. I don't like feeling like a guinea pig. : )
ReplyDeleteAh, avoidance. There's an excellent idea.
ReplyDeleteI don't really tell people. My friends and family know, but if someone off the street asked me I would say I'm a mother :)
ReplyDeleteYeah, I guess it'd be easier to just say that if it's someone you don't really know.
ReplyDeleteI completely understand. Most people don't even know that I'm a writer. Only a select few. Happy Monday!!
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean. I tell people I'm a writer, but most don't understand how hard it is to be published. Since unpublished writers don't get paid, that means we aren't working. People don't get that we are still working. Hard.
ReplyDeleteTell them you're a writer working on your first big project. Then at least they won't ask if you're published.
ReplyDeleteAnd if it's any consolation, even after being published, you'll tell them the title of your book(s) and they'll say "I've never heard of them." Oh well!
I hate telling people I'm a writer. It always leads to awkward questions... or other people saying "oh yeah, I always wanted to write a book" and so forth.
ReplyDeleteI think this is an issue that many of us struggle with. I wrote about this very issue for one of my Insecure Writer's Support Group Post, http://fictiontoolbox.blogspot.com/2011/10/insecure-writers-support-group.html
ReplyDeleteand I have read quite a few post from other bloggers on it as well.
I just tagged you in the Lucky 7 meme on my blog
I'm like many of these ladies. I don't tell people :)
ReplyDeleteBut if they do ask I say that when my manuscript is ready I will work to get it published.
First of all, as a stay at home 'mum' you are definitely NOT sitting around the house! That is no easy work, I know.
ReplyDeleteSecond, when (and if)I tell people I am a writer, I don't take their responses too critically.
When asked that question, ask them if they are a reader. lol
I hesitate sometimes because I don't want people to ask, "What have you published lately."
ReplyDeleteBlog Post...
But, you are a writer.
Thanks for stopping by and commenting everyone.
ReplyDeleteKimberly - Yeah, it's tough sometimes. I've only told those I'm closest to that I'm a writer.
Stina - Exactly! I think perhaps people have a hard time getting their head around it when you've got nothing of monetary value to show for it. The hundreds of hours hard work don't count ...
Alex - LOL Excellent! Hopefully I'll have that to come one day!!
Elizabeth - I love the people who say "oh yeah I wanted to write a book" as if it's the easiest thing in the world.
Melissa - Thanks for the link. I will check it out in a moment. Oh, the Lucky 7 meme, I shall do that shortly too!!
Kelley - That's what I think I'll do in the future. Or better yet, carry my manuscript with me and bash people over the head with it when the ask ...
Jeremy - You'd be surprised what stigmata being a stay at home 'mum' (I like my Britishisms) gets too. But that's a post for my personal blog ...
"When asked that question, ask them if they are a reader. lol"
LOL Excellent idea! I might try that!!
Peaches - That's how I feel. But as long as those close to me know what I do I suppose that's all that matters.