New words: 2,416
Total words: 22,568
It’s interesting how often I hear people say things like “I could write”, “Writing is an easy job”, or “Well, it’s not like you have to work like a regular person.”
Writing as a career is bloody difficult.
It’s not just about those hours you spend with fingers on the keyboard. It’s about living writing. I can’t read anything or watch anything on television without analysing the writing. Everything is a lesson. Everything someone says to you is added into the subconscious, where it may ferment into an idea.
I breathe writing, sleep it. There’s a scene in the movie version of The Hours where Nicole Kidman playing Virginia Woolf is socialising with her sister and her family and isn’t there at all – she’s lost in the world of the book she’s working on.
This is what writing as a career is – having two lives. I walk in this world, but a part of me is always in that other world. Twenty-four hours a day.
And if you think you can write, then damn well write. I admire the people out there who are doing it, instead of talking about it. Even fan fiction – in my opinion it’s a great way to start. But that’s it – it’s a start. Play with the characters, trash it and move on. Make up your own characters.
Now tell me that it’s an easy life.
David C
December 4th, 2006
It’s interesting how often I hear people say things like “I could write”, “Writing is an easy job”, or “Well, it’s not like you have to work like a regular person.”
I don’t think anyone has ever said that to me. I’m obviously missing out on the quintessential writer’s experience.
Since my so-called writing is entirely screwed at the moment, I’m sure I can blame that.