Comments on: The Truth About Writing – Tell People You’re Scrapbooking Instead

By: crystal

crystal — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 18:14:50 +0000

Haha…I have select friends who know my secret (some because I’m using them as a resource!), and though I’m still halfway through a first draft of my first novel, I always thought I’d use a pseudonym and never tell. Instead, I’ve been gradually getting (forcing myself to get) the courage to tell it like it is and have thick skin. Publishing or not – it’s ME. Like me or not… (We’ll see where that really lands me.)

By: Kelsey Anderson

Kelsey Anderson — Sat, 25 Aug 2012 01:24:01 +0000

It’s so refreshing to know that I’m not the only writer that deals with this. I’m quite chatty about writing on Twitter, because I’m friends with other writers on there. But outside the social network world, my lips are sealed. My husband, my two best friends, and a few family members are the only ones that know why I’m typing to no end on the computer. It’s not that I’m ashamed of my writing, I just think “less is more.” If I get published, eventually people will know, but until then… *ziiiiipppp*

By: Regina Jennings

Regina Jennings — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 23:23:51 +0000

I think it’s flattering that people are so interested in our work, but there are a lot of assumptions they have. To me the biggest tragedy is that there are so many people out there who would love to write…but they know as soon as they make that confession, the pressure is on.

By: RK Barclay

RK Barclay — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 22:28:47 +0000

Hello, Everyone! Yes, this seems to be a universal issue with many writers, myself included. I have been writing for years, but only ‘seriously’ (meaning seeking publication) for about 3 years. As soon as I ‘finally’ made the decision to fess up and disclose, I was immediately accosted with “Are you published? Well…then…When will you be published? How much money do writers typically make, anyway? When do you think you’ll have to give it up and find a ‘real job’ again?” To be fair, I do not think people understand how intrusive and even cruel their comments can be, so I just blow them off…smile…and walk away. After all, I only answer to my Lord. Thanks for the article…It provided a genuine chuckle…
In full disclosure, for me the most challenging part of being a writer is people’s inability to comprehend the amount of time and effort it takes to produce quality work. For most, my being a writer rarely seems to strike the same chord of importance or urgency as that of my years in information technology. For example, if something needs doing, I am expected to drop everything and volunteer, given I do not have a ‘real job’…smile. It must be a ‘money thing’. I am curious (published authors), does this attitude subside once the books hit the shelves and the meager dollars begin trickling in…? Keep smiling!

By: Preacher

Preacher — Sun, 19 Aug 2012 03:27:27 +0000

Oops! The last line in my comment above SHOULD read: “Apparently, get published and you’re immediately famous.” (This is why editors are so important.)

By: Missy Tippens

Missy Tippens — Sat, 18 Aug 2012 22:48:28 +0000

LOL! I love your title. 🙂

Yes, I had those same feelings. It took me quite a while before I told any of my friends I was writing. Then once I finally shared it, I went for broke and asked my women’s Bible study group pray for my writing. But they still often asked when it would be published. 🙂

By: Preacher

Preacher — Sat, 18 Aug 2012 21:22:07 +0000

This is too true! I’ve had the same experience but from a different angle. I’m a pastor. I serve 2 churches full time. When a parishioner found out I was going to a writers conference, he asked why. When I said that I was working on a novel, he said, “Oh great! You’ll get a book published, become famous and then leave us!” And he was serious. Apparently, get published and you’re immediately published.

By: Chana Keefer

Chana Keefer — Sat, 18 Aug 2012 18:47:04 +0000

Regina,
The part that really resounded with me was the pressure folks unwittingly pile on with “bestseller,” “publishing deals,” “earnings,” etc. Yes, it is like asking a recreational runner when they will enter the Olympics! Ha! I just want to change the world, that’s all 🙂
Chana

By: Dawn Turner

Dawn Turner — Sat, 18 Aug 2012 17:52:32 +0000

I used to keep it quiet. I got so sick and tired of the same stupid question – “So have you had anything published yet?” grrr Then last year I started taking my writing truly serious and everything changed. I realized if I wanted to be taken seriously, I had to take myself seriously (and I wasn’t). When that question came up after that, I’d smile big and tell them I’m working on it! The ones that get me are the ones who see writing “fiction” as a waste of time. They seem to think it would be noble or something to write non-fiction, but to write fiction is like confessing to spending my days watching Spongebob (*shudder*). An admission that I write mostly contemporary romance lowers their opinion to about Tele-Tubbies level. Even then I realize – just because they see no value in it doesn’t mean I can’t. I know I’m doing what God has called me to do. Their opinions no longer matter.

By: Kari

Kari — Sat, 18 Aug 2012 16:33:40 +0000

I’ve only just recently started telling people that I write, and it started with telling another writer. Now my family wants to know when I’m going to get that darn book published. “Haven’t you been working on that thing long enough?” I don’t have the heart to tell them I’m actually working on four or five different things. Even once we reveal ourselves, we’re still a secretive bunch. 🙂