Being a fiction writer isn’t always all it’s cracked up to be.
But before we get started, if you guys haven’t signed up for my monthly newsletter yet, now’s the time! Over the next month, all new subscribers will be entered to win a $25.00 Starbucks gift card.
COFFEE. ‘NUFF SAID.
You can sign up here or in the form at the end of the post.
Creating a story that not only conveys everything the writer has imagined but also interests and entertains others can be a task full of hard work, research, and the occasional self-doubt. You can spend countless hours on an idea only to scrap the whole project once you realize the idea isn’t coming to fruition in the way you’ve hoped.
But, don’t fret! The good news is there’s some pretty cool perks to being a writer. Whether it’s your full-time gig, a second job, or even a hobby, there’s a few very special things to be found in the world of words. Here’s a few of the reasons I’m grateful to be a writer.
1. I may have a lot of feelings, but I’m glad I have a healthy way to express them.
Okay, I might be a tad moody from time to time. I also tend to fly high on the wings of anticipation just like Anne Shirley. But, I’m super grateful for those wicked emotions because I love assigning them to the characters in my story. Not to mention the cathartic benefit of working through the ups and downs of life by jotting them all down! Writing helps me to explore my emotions in a way that doesn’t have a negative effect…on anyone.
2. I may doubt myself at times, but others do appreciate my work.
I don’t have to radically change someone’s life with my writing for it to matter. When someone says that they simply enjoyed one of my stories, I feel as though I’ve added value to their day. Nothing feels better than putting a smile on someone’s face!
3. I might not be wealthy, but I love my job.
Even if you haven’t made a dime, writing is still a job. It’s work. Period.
There is tremendous joy to be found in doing something we love. All the money in the world could never make up for the happiness and exhilaration that writing brings.
4. I might not be the most talented writer, but God has given me the freedom to use my gifts.
I don’t think I’ll ever be the one who pens the next literary masterpiece. But, you know what? I don’t think any of our author predecessors did either. If there is something you love to do, and you feel you’re pretty good at it-do it! There’s a reason we feel drawn to certain activities and vocations. Practice and learn and eventually, you might just be the next Jane Austen…or not. The point is that either way- it doesn’t matter. What matters is that you are using your gifts to create something you love.
5. I might not be the most popular kid on the block, but I’ve found friends in fellow authors I wouldn’t trade for all the success in the world.
I can’t tell you how much the level of support I’ve received from other writers–better writers- has impacted me. To find so much support in such a competitive industry was not only heart-warming, but surprising as well. I’m grateful for each and every one of my author friends-the ones I’ve spent time with and the ones I only know because of the wonderful internet!
These are just a few of the reasons I’m grateful to be a writer. What are yours?
Tell us in the comments!
If you haven’t signed up for my monthly newsletter, just enter your info in the form below! Don’t miss YOUR chance to win that Starbies gift card! 🙂
*CONTEST DETAILS BELOW
CONTEST ENTRY FOR A $25.00 STARBUCKS GIFT CARD IS AUTOMATIC WITH EMAIL SIGN UP. CONTEST ENDS 09/02/2019 AT 12:00 AM EST. WINNER WILL BE NOTIFIED AND ANNOUNCED IN FIRST NEWSLETTER TO BE EMAILED 09/03/2019. ENTRANTS MUST BE REGISTERED AS OF THE CONTEST END DATE TO BE ELIGIBLE TO WIN.
