It’s just an accepted fact:
Most people don’t understand the crazy unique mind of the writer.
Well, today, I’ve compiled some of the common responses I (and other writers) have gotten to “I write books.” I’m sure you can relate. 🙂
1. “Oh, you write books? Have you ever considered publishing?”
I think it’s safe to say that every writer has thought about publishing, whether they decide to go that route or not. I mean, that’s most writers’ DREAM!
2. “I wish I had nothing to do all day but write!”
Um, are you implying that I have nothing to do all day? Because, yes, I am a school dropout, have no responsibilities, and lock myself in my room to write. All day. That’s definitely what I do. *nods*
3. “Can you write me into your book?”
Why, yes, of course I can rework ALL MY PLANS to fit in one more character. It’s totally fine. Just throw in another character in the action…BOOM! Easy. *crazy stressed writer cackle*
4. “I had this book idea once, about…”
And they proceed to tell you about this idea they had wanted to write when they were young. And then they suddenly stop and look at you, like “Well, do you want to write it for me?”
Just smile and nod, smile and nod.
5. “Can you make a good living as a writer?”
I’m not going to think about that right at this moment…
6. “So you gonna be a bestseller one day?”
Uh, well…one day at a time, I guess. Just one day at a time, let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
7. “What are your books about?”
I get this one a lot, and I always stumble a little. Because HOW AM I GOING TO TELL YOU ABOUT ALL MY BOOKS IN ONE ANSWER??? They’re all so different (and there are so many)! If you have nothing planned for the rest of the day, sure, I’d be glad to tell you.
I expect to get many more of these responses over the years, and so should you. 😉
This was fun. 😛
Write on,
Have you ever been in one of these situations? Do you have any other funny experiences when someone finds out you’re a writer? Tell me in the comments!
10 Comments
“Oh, you write books? Have you ever considered publishing?”
No, actually, I decided to spend the last five years of my life agonizing, sobbing, sweating blood, and torturing myself over this 200,000 word tome just so I can shut it away in my drawer and smile reverently at it from time to time. That’s all. 😑
This post is painfully accurate. What’s always fun is when someone very condescendingly says, “Oh, you still write that *little* book of yours?” And just have to grit your teeth and remind yourself that God doesn’t approve of whacking people in the face.
Yes, I’ve gotten these response so. many. times. Sometimes I get “Oh, you’re STILL writing that same book?” Like it takes a month or so to write a novel.
Yes I suppose face-whacking wouldn’t be right. 😉
“Can you write me into your book?”
You CLEARLY haven’t been listening to me talk about my novels. My characters all have terrible lives. You don’t want to subject yourself to that. Trust me. XD
They have no idea what they’re asking. 😉
These are too hilariously true! XD It’s almost like asking the employee who works at the clothing store. “Oh, you work with clothes, do you plan on buying some?” Or a bank teller , “I wish I could just stand around and count money all day!” 😉
I hope you write a sequel to this post! 😀
Haha, glad you enjoyed it!
I might just do that 😉
“You are still working on the same book you were a month ago?”
“Umm, YEAH! And if you have a problem with that I can tell you about my seventeen other WIPs that I have been torturing myself over for a least a year each!”
Awesome post, Jenna! Love it!
Thanks, glad you liked it! 😀
This was the most beautiful post EVER. I have been asked all of these — but the last is the hardest to answer. Because as a writer I know EVERYTHING about the story so how do I even begin explaining? Half the time I’m tempted to just say, “You’ll find out when the book is published and you buy a copy.” But that’s a little too sassy, eh? 😉
Yeah that one’s a little tricky to answer. 😉