Friday Speak Out!: The Truth About Being a Writer

by Murees Dupé

So, you want to be a writer. After all, you’ve spent a considerable amount of time imagining what it would be like having millions rave about your book. You’ve even imagined what it would be like at a book signing, where people rush to have you sign their books and for a quick chat. Of course, don’t forget the popular idea that your book could be made into a movie. Exciting times, right?

Well, I think all who aspire to be a writer fall in love with the romantic side of it. The idea of sitting in solitude and churning out one good novel after another. Having written a good book after maybe two or three drafts. The idea of getting paid to do what you love and thus, being able to retire early and write full-time.

Unfortunately, nobody is ever honest and tells you how hard it is to make that romantic aspect of writing come to life. If you love writing and having the love for writing be the most important aspect for you, then no worries. You have a good chance to make writing a career. However, if you’re looking for quick success and to become a millionaire almost instantly, well, you might have to pursue another career. There is a lot of work involved with writing. You may spend months writing a piece and after finishing, decide that it’s not good enough and you start over. There might even be times when your inner voice is quiet and you have nothing to say/write.

Writing is not for the faint hearted, or the lazy. You have to believe in yourself and your work. You have to keep writing and creating even though your critique partners think what you’ve written is utter trash. When self-doubt and negativity come knocking at your door, you have to face them and battle on. Always remember that you love writing and nothing and no one is going to stop you from letting your ideas and creativity leap unto the page.

So, you want to be a writer. Good for you. But please, know that it takes a lot of determination, hard work and patience. Some might even think those words are synonymous with torture. But that is what it truly takes. You, sitting in a chair, writing. Writing even when you don’t feel like it. Creating even though you don’t have money in your bank account. Writing even when you feel like a wanne-be writer instead of the real thing.

One thing I can assure you. Even if your back account is empty, if you love writing, you will feel happy and whole. There is a part of a writer that simply comes to life by putting words on a page. There is a freedom in writing that I’ve personally never experienced in life.

My advice? Become a writer if you dare. Good-luck.

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Murees is a South African indie author and blogger. She released her debut novel, The Amaranthine (Thelum Series), in 2015. When she is not thinking up new stories, she is spending time with her family, playing with her four-legged kids, watching TV, or overindulging on desserts. 
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Would you like to participate in Friday "Speak Out!"? Email your short posts (under 500 words) about women and writing to: marcia[at]wow-womenonwriting[dot]com for consideration. We look forward to hearing from you!
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