So, I'm guessing lots of you think my title for this post is harsh. Let me explain. Do any of you have totally clueless people in your lives who don't realize how much work goes into writing? Or maybe you have an idiot or two who thinks the time you spend online is the equivalent to the guy above. I don't have a magic remedy for these idiots, but I think venting about them is a great way to cleanse ourselves of bitterness and possibly keep us from tearing up our pretty lawns to bury dead bodies in our backyards. :PFor any non-writers who stumble upon this post, be assured we writers aren't sipping chardonnay in front of a crackling fire while we delicately stroke our keyboards. NO!!! And our time on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, and our blogs, isn't idle chit-chat about fluffy poodles. We're retching our guts out as we struggle to eek out another chapter, or we're trying to convince the masses we're cool enough for them to be our friends and maybe persuade them to check out our books. Some of us are running on dang little sleep, yet the house is clean, our babies went to school looking like they stepped out of a magazine, and the fish/cat/dog are still alive because even though we stayed up most of the night blogging, plotting, and stalking Amazon, we still did our stinking part to keep our ships sailing as smoothly as possible.
How's that for venting? I could say tons more, but I don't want my eye to start twitching again. However, I'd love to hear some rants from my fellow writers. Before I sign off, I'll leave you with this lovely thought.Until next time, happy writing or whatever makes you smile. :)
Rant on, Celeste!! I totally agree with you and just have to roll my eyes when people think that writing is "easy".
ReplyDeleteOn a side note, though, if the people in your life are thinking writing -is- easy, it may be because you're so good that you're making it seem that way :)
Great post!
Oh, Mark, lol!!! Only you are good enough to find a positive in a sea of negative. Your comment always make me smile. I'm glad you dropped by. :)
ReplyDeleteSometimes we all need to vent. I have one of those people in my life too. She thinks I spend too much time on the computer and don't do anything of worth. Let it slide ..... That is my motto. :)
ReplyDeleteVenting is a sanity saver sometimes! Letting it slide, Mary. Thanks. :)
DeleteYeah, I've had this problem. I recently tried to explain to someone that I was busy working on blog stuff. They gave me the stink eye. "Blog stuff, like twitter or something?"
ReplyDeleteThere was no saving that one, so I sighed and dropped it.
I've hear that one before, Rena! Makes me furious! I couldn't keep it in anymore. :)
DeleteIt's a labor of love and when you do it with sentiment, that love seeps from the pages of your book and keeps the readers hostage. Self-marketing takes a lot time and I admire those authors who do it with grace and intelligence, such as you :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mina. You always say the nicest things. I'm glad you get it. :)
DeleteThanks for this post, it reminds me I'm not alone in thinking like this sometimes!
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm glad you commented, Suzanne because now I know I'm not alone, lol. :)
DeleteThis is awesome. My parents don't seem to understand that writing means sitting in front of my laptop ALONE. As if I should longhand everything without ever hitting some keys....
ReplyDeleteYeah, let them try it for awhile, lol. I bet they'll gain a higher respect for you typing after that.
DeleteI get this from my family all the time. Sigh.
ReplyDeleteVery frustrating! :)
DeleteIt's the hardest when you get this kind of attitude from the people who are supposed to be the closest to you. It sucks actually. I just love getting the "so, what did you do all day today" question with the condescending tone for added flavor. And then when I try to give a reply, I'm usually graced with the eye-roll... I guess since writers don't get a pay check until something is published, our efforts, in the eyes of many, is pointless. ):
ReplyDeleteElise- Sometimes even the paycheck doesn't bring the respect...so you kill yourself to make it bigger. Sigh.
DeleteIf I could hug you, I would. That's exactly what I get most of the time! Makes me want to tie some people up, put a computer in front of them, and demand them to write just to see how long it takes them to crack! I guess nobody understands except our fellow writers. Thank God for you guys! :)
ReplyDelete(:
DeleteHardly seemed harsh to me, but I'm known as "the mean one." lol
ReplyDeleteThe moment you say you're a writer, people judge you if you're not published yet. grrr
No way, I can't imagine you being known as "the mean one." But I would like to see you go ninja on somebody!
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about the judging. That's ridiculous and another reason for this post. People are lame. We all have to start somewhere. Those stories won't magically write themselves. :D
I think you know where I stand (or get my a** flattened) on this topic. I think everyone thinks it happens by magic. My husband tries his very best to be supportive, but I see his eyes glaze over when I talk marketing, hops, etc. and the grimace when he sees the piles of laundry in the dining closet...long story.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad yours tries. I wonder how many of us go through this? It really stinks!
DeleteVent away sister, vent away! LOL
ReplyDeleteWe all need to slip into the role of "venter" or "ventee" at some stage...
Writer In Transit
For sure, Michelle!
DeleteALL of us need to vent against stupid things and stupid people. As a matter of fact, I was just thinking about this today. Luckily, dumb comments directed at me don't usually bother me. But intolerance, prejudice, and small-mindedness toward others drive me crazy. I honestly think that global warming or lack of water (or whatever) aren't the biggest threats to the world -- the biggest threat to the world is stupid people. Grrrr.
ReplyDeleteLOL, Lexa! Let's get our torches and pitchforks ready! We must put an end to stupid! Roarrrrr!!!! :)
DeleteI get irked when people talk about how writing is that "fun little hobby." Whatevs.
ReplyDeleteHey, Jay!
DeleteThanks for stopping by! Yes, I know exactly what you're talking about! I get that one a lot too! :)
Amen! Though I don't know if I could say my house is clean.....
ReplyDeleteHa, S.P. I bet it's sparkling clean! :)
DeleteThanks for sharing your info. I truly appreciate your efforts and I am waiting for your next post thanks once again.
ReplyDeleteAlso visit my site; average car insurance rates