Sometimes, just sometimes, it can be a little frustrating, this whole writing malarkey. And quite frequently, you might find yourself (however unreasonably) not wanting to talk about it. At all. Especially just after the times where you’ve erupted into a ball of angry frustration tears at the latest bout of writer’s block, and swear you’re never going to write another decent sentence in your lifetime.
It’s at delicate times like these that you know your nearest and dearest are going to either ask all the wrong questions, inadvertedly insult you, annoy you, or all three. Little known to them, you’ve been considering collecting everything you’ve ever written and holding a burning ceremony and possibly deleting everything from your hard drive too, stabbing the delete button maniacally (you don’t tell anyone you have everything secretly backed-up though). Welcome to the qualms and complaints of the writing world. Here’s just a quick heads up of which things it might be best NOT to say at these scary times…
“What’s your little book about?”
“Ooooh, is that your little book your writing there?” Heads up: never refer to anything a writer is working on, no matter how big or small, or even miniscule as ‘little’. It will not be good for the health of either involved.
“Can I be in your book?”
No.
Don’t ask to have a character named after you either.
“Oh my god, you’re writing a book? Tell me everything about it.”
Is there anything that makes you heart sink more? I never even liked playing twenty questions in the first place. When someone tells us they are a doctor, we don’t demand to hear all the surgeries they’ll perform that week, or a teacher to recite the times tables, or a lawyer to regurgitate hundreds of legislature to us.
Unfortunately however, there’s some sort of free pass in regards to writers: “How many words have you written? How many pages will there be? Who’s the main character? Does anyone die? What the beginning, middle and end all about? What’s the title?” The questions are relentless, and by the end of it you’ll wonder why this interrogator isn’t just writing the book for you.
“Don’t worry, you’ll find a real job soon.”
“Oh are you still writing? You’ll find a real job soon enough.” That’s right, because slogging away hours a day researching, churning out thousands of words and the pressures of deadlines always looming is just a made-up fantasty as crazy as one of these books we always have our noses stuck in. Like unicorns, or flying pigs. In fact, maybe I should write something about them instead.
“No way, you have a paid writing job?!”
“You’ve got a writing job? That’s cool. Wait, you’re getting paid for it? That’s amazing!”, (said in loud, shocked voice). Yup, it’s actually quite common for jobs to include the exchange of money for work. I find it a system that works quite well.
Don’t be alarmed; apart from all these minor aggravations (and a few hundred more, depending what mood you catch us in), writers are a happy bunch really. Apart from the psychotic rage that escapes every now and then when you literally can’t think of three words to write. Or when you throw anything you can reach across the room and make a dent in the wall. Or when you’re having a good old cry when it’s three hours before a deadline and all you’ve written is your name. Yeah, a happy, slightly unhinged, bunch. But on second thought, it could just be me…
Guest post contributed by Laura Blackhurst. Laura is the editor-in-Chief at Scotcampus, lives in Scotland, and regularly travels throughout Europe. Check out more of her articles on her blog.
I always get the question – “Is it done yet?”
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Or this one: How much money will you make? (Hubby asks me that all the time!) LOL
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Loved this post!
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Would be quite nice to like this a dozen times over, but I don’t think the buttons work that way. Can there be any writer in the world who has not had at least one of these questions jabbed thoughtlessly at them?
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Reblogged this on Freefall.wordpress.com.
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So true. All for these are just so true.
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Great post. I have had all of these things said to me in various ways. Another is the supposition that I have but one book written or on the go. Another is the assertion that the person talking to me is writing ‘their’ book too. When they find the time to start it. Quite.
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I got a good chuckle out of these. Since I write romance, I get the “When will you write a real book?” in the mix. LOL
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6) “Oh, you and 2 million other people, huh!” 7) “Gee, do expect to make money with this one?” 8) Well, just don’t set those expectations too high girl!” 9) “Why?” 10) Okay, another one? Is it different than the one I bought?” All real comments I have heard… lol and STILL it doesn’t stop me!
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I can’t wait to just hear ONE of those questions!!!
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Yeah, I might occasionally get asked if my writing earns anything, but people rarely ask me anything in-depth about my books. Maybe we’re just lucky not to get too much hassle!
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Reblogged this on adaratrosclair and commented:
Tee hee hee hee hee. 🙂
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Thanks for the reblog!
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Reblogged this on Insomnia, Nightmares and General Madness and commented:
That first one (and the condescension that it implies) are a constant rub from those around me. Still, amusing post. XD
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Thanks for the reblog!
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No problem. Thank YOU for the amusement. XD
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🙂
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😂😂 This is so perfect. And so perfectly true. I also hate it when people say, oh so you’re a writer, so why don’t you just write a book. Like it’s just that simple. Oh sure. I ‘ll just go and write that book and I’ll be back later. 😒 Smh.
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So true. I especially love the question: “How many pages have you written yet?” – and related to it: “How far are you?” “Will it be finished soon?” Aaarggh.
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I think I’ve heard them all and after awhile, it doesn’t take me long to realize why murder is against the law. The demeaning term ‘little’ in reference to writing projects is especially annoying. Enjoyed the post!
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I like nos. 2 and 3 – and “all you’ve written is your name”.
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I once had someone ask me if I could dedicate my book to one of their deceased relatives. And this was a person I had never talk with offline. haha
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I quite like being asked what the book is about. Then I get to gauge whether or not they would like to read it based on their reactions 🙂
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Reblogged this on Books and More.
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I hate the “what’s it about?” my heart sinks
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Reblogged this on quirkywritingcorner and commented:
I laughed when I read this. I used to get the same comments and questions, but no so much anymore. Some are surprised that I write for a local magazine. I am using friends and family names for characters and they know it. My daughter-in-law Sandi volunteered to be the bad girl in one novel. A former co-worker has a name I like and she doesn’t mind being a deaf character. My first novel has all my family’s first names.
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I think there is still place for one more:
“I have this fantastic idea, you can write a book about it!”
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Reblogged this on and commented:
This just a few.
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Reblogged at Finding My Muse(https://freeingmymuse.wordpress.com/).
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I’m going to a writers’ conference this weekend, and someone (who shall remain nameless) said, ‘Oh yes, you’re going to your book club this weekend.’
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funny and true 🙂
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I really love Jenna Moreci’s YouTube video on writing, which came to mind when I read this.
The Nine Weird Habits of Writers
(Includes a few swear words – just to warn those who prefer to tune out.)
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What about, “Where do you get your ideas from?”
And, especially if you’re a poet, “So what you’re trying to say is….”
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“When will the film be about?”
Didn’t you know? We only write books with the expectation it will be converted to celluloid. Everything else is not worth the bother.
“Can I read it before it’s finished?”
Yes you can. You know that house you’re building, you know… the one without a roof and only three walls. Can I come and stay there with you before building work has finished?
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out not about
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These were funny! Ah, yes, the writer’s life! Thanks for the like on my blog about NaNo.
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