Michelle Thompson is building a career in both non-fiction and fiction writing. She's blogged for several years, and has previously written for arts, hobby and blogging themed magazines and websites. Her current work involves writing for some group blogs, pursuing a Second Life, and freelancing for some Second Life magazines. In fiction, Michelle is currently working on her second and third novels. Please visit her website Juiced On Writing.
I wrote a post earlier in the year titled, "10 Reasons You Know You Are A Writer." Michelle wrote a response to this in her article Thirteen Problems in Being a Writer [Opinion]
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Being a writer is not for the faint of heart. As I read blogs/websites of published writers/aspiring writers and their ups and downs, I find this to be true. I really had no idea of all that is involved to make a career as a writer. At times I question myself if I am up for this challenge. I want to say I am, that is why I started blogging, to get exposed to the process and to learn about the writing craft.
I was touched the other day when I read a post by Rebecca Woodhead, of From Brain To Bookshelf. Rebecca writes: "The last few years have been intolerably hard for many reasons and it has been a real work of determination to get these books written. There have been times when we've gone without food or without warmth so that we could afford the electricity for me to get words on a screen or the ink to get words on paper." I was impressed by her committment and drive to pursue her passion of writing and goal of getting published. She made sacrifices in hopes that it will all pay off in the long run.
What problems and/or sacrifices have you faced as a writer?
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10 comments:
My sacrifices have been much smaller. I have had my work interrupted by family, chores thrust upon me, errands I don't want to run but am the only available to do so, sick kids, a spouse who asks for help NOW because he's gotten himself in a bind, kids who need rides to trains, malls, appointments....
I'm lucky. I still have electricity. Sanity? Yea, that's another story. :))
I've had long drought periods in my writing. Time moves by so quickly with my daily routine and obligations. I'm glad that blogging has forced me to schedule time to write each day. It is also wonderful to find a receptive audience for my writing.
I have yet to make any sacrifices for my writing, but I know I will have to in the future, when my writing really gets underway. I just pray that my husband can be understanding and supportive. I will have to fill him in as to the whole process. He will at times tell me, "Just start writing your book." If he only knew, it is not that easy, at least not for me... not yet.
Problems I have faced ... several, one is the confidence that people would want to read what I have produced.
Thanks for the note on Family Fountain. I hope you enjoyed the "Encouraging Word" post. wb
I haven't made any sacrifices-yet. :) But I remember being at a conference and hearing Sherrilyn Kenyon's story. It brought the room to tears about her sacrifices and writing journey.
I will check into her story, thank you. I like to hear about a writer's journey.
Ah, sacrifices. Great topic. We were just talking about sacrifice at my writer's group yesterday! We came to the conclusion that a sacrifice had to be something you really, really valued. Something precious. If that is true, the thing I would say I have sacrificed most is the "ease of a normal life." Many, many times I have wondered how nice it must be to NOT be editing or worrying about word choices; not having sleepless nights over plot development; not sweating out another query letter. Best of all, imagine those lucky people who simply pick up a book--and read for pleasure! And when they get together with their friends, they never, ever talk about publishing houses or genre requirements or character motivation. Just that sheer brain relaxation--it must be heaven. (I think it's time for me to take up Zen...)
Like everything in life, there are rewards and sacrifices. I think as long as the rewards are greater, it is worth doing what we are passionate about.
I just found your post and the what you wrote about me was so kind. Thank you and thanks for putting up my banner too :)
I put up some info on my blog about an agent actively looking for authors at the mo - might be of use to you or your followers if you want to check it out.
Thanks again,
Rebecca x
Rebecca - thank you for the information about the agent. I will check it out.
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