Dec
The Not-So-Glamorous
Long time ago, when we first began this site, I posted about the fabulous lives that authors have. You know, with their feather boas, sparkling tiaras and perfectly splendid shoes. Well, as it seems, being an aspiring author is just as laugh-worthy as that glamorous author’s life image I just painted for you. There is no such thing as perfection in writing, well, unless you’re Nora. But I’m sure even she has her off days too.
Maybe it’s the looming holidays that has me thinking of how far I’ve come and where I’m going…
Here’s the 4-1-1 on being an aspiring author. It’s tough! Not only is it tough, but you’re at a very special stage that could change your life. Either you commit yourself to writing and some day (hopefully soon) become published or you decide to give up and never know what might have been. Both of those options can have serious influences on your life!
What I’m wondering is: What does it take to be that person who “makes it”?
It’s it commitment? What about passion? Perhaps skill?
I honestly can’t say if we’ll ever know the true mix of what it takes. We are all different but the ones who make it past the long days of 9-to-5 jobs, busy families and even the loss of a muse, a hand-full of us actually do make it past the tough parts.
The scary question is: Will I be one of them?
Yeah, that’s the big one! Honestly, I don’t know. I hope so.
So if you are out there, reading this blog, considering if you should sit down and write the story that is building in your head, I say go for it! Just remember, it’s not glamorous, nor will the words just spring from your fingers every single time you sit down to write. In the end, when you type “the end”, you’ll know what all your favorite authors went through (Ok, maybe not exactly, but no need to be technical).
Today’s lesson: If you want glamorous, go buy a tiara and feather boa. Then sit in your chair and get to work!
Writers: What’s the least glamorous thing, in your opinion, about writing? Readers: Do authors lose their luster in your eyes when you find out they are just as normal as you? (Sorry to burst your bubble if you didn’t know…but I will tell you that Santa is still real *wink*)
*****
Ps. I know I didn’t name a winner for the Julie Anne Long books and I’m so sorry for that. I’d like to take this time now to announce the winner…
Congratulations to Carol. If you would please send me an email with your snail mail addy, I’ll get those books in the mail.
Hand cramps - both from typing and from writing longhand. There’s no glamour in that. I got almost 1500 words typed last night, and the only reason why I didn’t get more is those darned hand cramps.
Personally, I have yet to see anything really glamorous about this job, but I’m not in it for the glam. I’m in it for the wads of cash I’ll get someday.
December 22nd, 2007 at 9:12 amThank you so much! I’m really looking forward to reading Julie Anne Long’s books!
December 22nd, 2007 at 11:16 amI know writers are just the same as everyone else. I learned in grade school when my mom became friends with one of my teachers that they are just like everyone else, too!
December 22nd, 2007 at 11:23 amMaybe it comes with age but I realize everyone has the same hopes and fears and that’s okay with me
December 22nd, 2007 at 7:38 pmSomething which is not very glamorous, but definitely comfortable is that you can write in your pj’s. But I don’t think my white flannel pj’s with little reindeers are quite what people think of along with that feather-boa
December 23rd, 2007 at 2:15 pmI have pain in my hands when it gets cold and damp, like it does this time of the year. And I hurt between my shoulders too if I spend a few hours on the o’l key board–like I usually do every day.
And it really isn’t very glamorous to hurt is it?
Janice~
December 24th, 2007 at 10:14 pmI roll out of bed and to my computer in the wee hours of the morning to write before my “real job”. Wherever I go I carry pages to edit or a notebook and I fall asleep thinking about my wip. Rejection is a reality check and not so glamorous. Other than that, I don’t know…it is kind of glamorous. This is what Stephen King must feel.
December 27th, 2007 at 3:49 pm