The Four Weird Things People Will Say When You Tell Them You’re a Professional Writer
Keep that pen in your hand, even if someone is putting their foot in their mouth
The idea of the life of a writer is a lot more glamorous than the actual life of a writer.
People picture me typing on a beautiful vintage typewriter, sipping delicious coffee in a clay mug, while longingly glancing outside at the picture-perfect nature scene outside of my window.
Alternatively, they may picture a life of art, sex, and drugs à la Charles Bukowski.
In reality, I am typing manically on my phone because “I have to write this article now”, while my daughter hauls on my arm, even after I played with her for two hours. There is nature outside, but I have no time to stare longingly at it. Truthfully, I barely had time to comb my hair today.
These days, I work longer and harder than when I had a conventional full-time job.
Yet, the stereotypes of a writer persist.
“Why don’t you try getting a real job?”
Writing is a real job. Many companies hire writers to market their ideas, come up with slogans, and write their blogs.