So You Want To Be A Writer

Thinking of being a writer? That’s awesome! Writing isn’t so much a job as it is a compulsion. But you should know what you’re getting into…

It’s not like a 9-to-5’er. There’s no start and stop time. Your mind is always on. Subconsciously, you will analyze every person you meet, picking apart behavior, speech patterns and quirks with efficiency, mentally cataloging them for your present and future characters. Whether they become heroes or die a horrible death in Chapter 7 will depend largely on how they treat you.

Your paycheck will be based solely on whether or not people like you. (Um, I mean your story)

You will come up with incredibly witty, funny, and poignant scenes at the most inopportune times, then completely forget them when you actually sit down to write.

You will experience crushing periods of “writer’s block”, which is kind of like floating aimlessly through deep space for seemingly infinite amounts of time. Like, hours.

You will carry a ratty little notebook with you at all times to jot down ideas, and mumble to yourself a lot.

You will question yourself every single day.

You will fist pump into empty space, occasionally bang your head against the wall, and cry on your keyboard (tip: it is wise to keep sharp objects out of immediate reach during particularly difficult passages).

You will make lots of mistakes, and learn from each one.

You will meet wonderful people and make new friends all over the world.

You will never work another day in your life.

Best. Job. Ever.

At least that’s how it is for me…

<3 Abbie