This week begins the month long Warm Fuzzies Blogfest hosted by the uber-talented Juliana Brandt.
About the blogfest in her words:
For the next four weeks we’ll celebrate being writers and revel in the amazing community surrounding us. Sign up below and hop on over to the other blogs. Build your platform and most importantly, make some new friends
To start off the fest, we’re going to tackle the issue of those who aren’t in our community. How do you broach the subject of being a writer to other people who aren’t authors?
So this week we get to talk about how we tell people we are writers. Well, for the most part, I don't tell people, but when I have in the past it can often go something like this:
non-writer person: "So what have you been doing with yourself these days?"
me: "Well," pause, "I've kind of been writing."
non-writer person: "Writing? Really? What do you write?"
me: Looking down at my toes to hide the blush creeping into my face. "Oh nothing really, I wrote a young adult book."
non-writer person: A very exaggerated, "Oooohhh," followed by a forced laugh, "like that Twilight book huh?"
me: "Um, well, yes Stephenie Meyer does write young adult, but it isn't about vampires if that's what your asking."
non-writer person: "Yea I hear lots of people are doing that these days after her success. You should let me read it sometime. I'm very good at critiquing."
me: "Yea, I'm sure you are," fake smile, "anyways, how about those Cats." (I'm from Kentucky, hence the quick subject change to Kentucky Wildcats)
And that's it folks, the reason I choose to keep my lips sealed. It would seem certain people think I want to write not because I LOVE to write, but because other people did it and got rich. Go figure. Not to mention, I don't think there is one thing wrong with a healthy dose of motivation by successful writers by the way:) I get it from you all every day...as well as Stephenie Meyer, Colleen Houck, Becca Fitzpatrick, Suzanne Collins, Cassandra Clare...and the list goes on. So thanks to you all! I just love writers:)
If you'd like to get in on this blogfest, do it now. She is giving away awesome prizes, one of which being a professional edit of your manuscript. HELLO! Go HERE to sign up.
Also, don't forget, Killer Characters Blogfest is on day two today. It's the Protagonist Challenge. I'd have to say my all time favorite is Alvin Maker from the Alvin Maker Series written by Orson Scott Card. If you haven't read those books, YOU SHOULD! Who is your favorite? Join in and tell us for a chance to win some pretty cool prizes.Until next time...
Keep writing. Keep learning.
18 comments:
This is so true--and sad. My favorite thing about telling non-writers is that they think anyone can write--like it doesn't take years of study and work. Oh well.
I let my book club read my MS, mostly to see if I was ready to let the world see it, and the new I was writing a book went around my church pretty fast. But everyone has been nice :)
Oh yeah, how did I forget that response?? In a way it's an honor to ask if we follow in the footsteps of those before us, but it's never said in a way of praise. I definitely don't write for the money! Haha!
Wait...you and I might have met the same non-writer person...oh forget it, that's the conversation I have with EVERY non-writer person. Although instead of "go kats"...they usually end by asking me where/when they can buy my book?
Umm..if I'm lucky 2013???
At least the person attempted. When I tell people I write, mostly I get glazed expressions and then the person suddenly has to use the restroom.
I solve this problem by not telling anyone anymore - or maybe, I'm just a coward :-)
I'm doing Juliana's blogfest too!
I've never been asked if my work is like a famous authors...wonder if that's good or bad...
Love the blog!
oh my lord, i've had the SAME conversation with people like a hundred times. So much so that I don't even say I write any more. It's so depressing. The 'real' world has no idea what its like to be a writer. The only conversation that's worse is the one that goes, "Oh, yeah. I was going to write a book. I mean, how hard can it be, right?" grrrr!
I'm a non-writer and have the utmost respect for those who do. I am constantly being amazed & impressed. I know I could NEVER write a book. It's a gift I don't have. Keep it up!!
marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
I don't usually have to tell people I'm a writer because other people do that for me (whether I want them to or not). But I usually get very shy about it, too. I don't know why.
See, I'm married to a golfer. Once you are married to a golfer, you realize that you can claim to have abilities because you take part in the activity.
Great post.
I love Orson Scott Card's books, but I haven't read the Alvin Maker series. I definitely need to.
And I owe you an apology. I didn't realize that you were also hosting the killer characters blogfest. I definitely would have noted that in my posts if I had known. I'm sorry!
I usually tell whoever I'm talking to whenever it pops up, but I have a big mouth at the same time, and besides being a mom, writing is what I do, so it's kind of all I have to talk about sometimes! I haven't read the Alvin Makers series, but I like Orson Scott Card's stuff!
if i had thot about it, i might have chosen andrew "ender" wiggin - love orson scott card!
Hi Deana!
I'm visiting from the Warm Fuzzies Blogfest. Really like the layout of your blog and you do seem to be an enthusiastic writer, despite what you say to non-writers when you tell them what you do. Keep up the good work!
Kim Van Sickler
http://swaggerwriters.blogspot.com/
I don't like telling people either because I want to avoid those sorts of conversations. Most of my family knows, but because my parents told them. My grandma hugged the air out of my lungs, an aunt grilled me about it, and most haven't said anything. It makes me wonder what they're thinking about it. ^^;;
Oh I've not heard of the warm fuzzies blogfest. Interesting. I just say I've taken up writing. It seems less direct and people look at me wistfully as if they wish they could do the same
Hi Deana - I have come via the Warm Fuzzies too.
My partner and I give each other 'the look' when folks ask what I do - we silently agree whether the truth will be revealed, or not. As you say, not everyone understands.
See you again soon on the WFBF!
Emma Calin
PS added you to my blogroll
http://emmacalin.blogspot
Haha...I liked your little dialogue. Made me laugh. We've all had that conversation. Just stopping by via the WFBF to say "hi" and follow :)
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