As writers, we’ve heard it all before: the comments and questions from well-meaning but oblivious friends and family. Sometimes it can be hard to explain why we do what we do! Conversations can be awkward when you’ve just received your umpteenth rejection letter, while cousin Joey just got another promotion at the accounting firm. And what about when you’re over the moon about an acceptance—but the reaction you get from your nearest and dearest is ho hum or so that’s good, right?
We know how you feel and we sympathize! Here are some of the goofiest things people say to writers—and the very understandable reactions you may have:
“What kind of stuff do you write?”
“But what do you do for work?”
“It doesn’t pay well…or at all, but it’s great for exposure!”
“Can you write my paper for me?”
“You should write about me!”
“Don’t quit your day job.”
“Doesn’t writing get boring after a while?”
“I have a great idea for a story. You should write it for me!”
“So, when’s the movie coming out?”
“I could write a book. Writing is so, so easy.”
QUESTION: What’s the most awkward thing someone has ever said to you about your writing/career?
Many people have asked me to help them write and/or publish their book. Then they tell me I have to remember where they work & how poor they are and not charge them much.
I love the story of a surgeon telling a writer that he was going to write a book some day, and the writer telling the surgeon that he was going to perform brain surgery one day.
Might I have read something of yours?
Are you published?