Writers are not normal. I know this because I am a writer and my family tells me all the time how abnormal I am compared to them.
I like to think I'm the normal one and they're weird, but whatever.
However when I get together with my writing group, it makes me realize that they might be onto something after all. Here are some common traits I see among members of my writing group as well as in other friends who are writers.
1. Writers always think about writing.
Whether it's a character in their book, an idea for a new book, or someone else's book, writers are always either jotting down or making mental notes about something writing-related.
2. Writers get really excited about writing.
If you really want to make a writer happy, then give them time, tools, and space to write. They will love you for it. My favorite gifts from my family include a journal covered in pink faux leather and a Doctor Who themed ink pen.
3. Writers get more emotional about writing.
They also get more emotional about reading, but that's a different blog post for a different day. Only my fellow writers understand when I tell them that I cried over something that happened to the characters in my book.
4. Writers surround themselves with writing.
This one is huge. My desk not only holds my laptop, but it also bears host to a pile of hotel scratch pads, a small milk pitcher full of various writing utensils, stacks of journals and notebooks, sticky notes, and a pile of books on topics ranging from romantic fiction to how to organize your next novel.
5. Writers enjoy talking about writing.
If you want to make friends with a writer, then ask them about their book. Really listen as they explain it to you. Better yet, read the things they write, regardless if it is their blog or their latest bestseller.
6. Writers often balance chaos.
Getting lost in your writing means being distracted from things that might otherwise need your attention. Writers are gluttons for slipping into "the zone" and forgetting to do things like eat lunch, stay hydrated, sleep, and so forth.
7. Writers don't give up.
Writers have terrific highs when things are going their way, and terrible lows when things don't work out so well. Regardless of how it's going, they don't give up.
Are you a writer? Do you agree with the list? I'd love to hear from you in the comments!
Showing posts with label freelance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label freelance. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
How I Became a Writer
How did I become a writer? It wasn't hard. I was practically born writing.
One of my first memories is having a pencil gripped in my hand. I was sitting on my granddaddy's lap at his kitchen table, and he was teaching me how to "draw the letters" of my name. He also taught me how to draw 3-D boxes and stick figures. Storytelling followed, and throughout my education I found myself drawn to any classes that encouraged writing.
After years of trying all the wrong career choices, I finally landed a writing-related job, freelancing as a ghostwriter for a video game company. They paid with in-game credits which I in turn sold to other players for cold, hard cash.
In the fall of 2011, two things happened. The first was receiving a box from my late Granny's estate of things she wanted me to have. One of those things was a copy of my high school literary journal, which I'd given her during my senior year.
The second thing was that I saved up enough money from my writing gigs to take my family on an off-season vacation with a view of the Atlantic Ocean. The apparent message from the beyond coupled with my new confidence in my ability to make money at writing caused me to take my talents more seriously than ever before.
On January 2, 2012 I signed up for Elance, an outsourcing company. It took almost two solid months of submitting proposals to jobs before someone took a chance on me, a new writer with no reviews to her name. Once those initial 5-star reviews became available, I was blessed to get hired by a long-term client who threw a lot of work my way. In fact, I still write for that client!
The decision to work full-time as a writer changed my life for the better. I can't imagine doing anything else!
Check in next week when I share my #DirtyLittleSecret about something else that inspired me to take on a full-time writing career.
Take care,
Becky
One of my first memories is having a pencil gripped in my hand. I was sitting on my granddaddy's lap at his kitchen table, and he was teaching me how to "draw the letters" of my name. He also taught me how to draw 3-D boxes and stick figures. Storytelling followed, and throughout my education I found myself drawn to any classes that encouraged writing.
After years of trying all the wrong career choices, I finally landed a writing-related job, freelancing as a ghostwriter for a video game company. They paid with in-game credits which I in turn sold to other players for cold, hard cash.
In the fall of 2011, two things happened. The first was receiving a box from my late Granny's estate of things she wanted me to have. One of those things was a copy of my high school literary journal, which I'd given her during my senior year.
The second thing was that I saved up enough money from my writing gigs to take my family on an off-season vacation with a view of the Atlantic Ocean. The apparent message from the beyond coupled with my new confidence in my ability to make money at writing caused me to take my talents more seriously than ever before.
On January 2, 2012 I signed up for Elance, an outsourcing company. It took almost two solid months of submitting proposals to jobs before someone took a chance on me, a new writer with no reviews to her name. Once those initial 5-star reviews became available, I was blessed to get hired by a long-term client who threw a lot of work my way. In fact, I still write for that client!
The decision to work full-time as a writer changed my life for the better. I can't imagine doing anything else!
Check in next week when I share my #DirtyLittleSecret about something else that inspired me to take on a full-time writing career.
Take care,
Becky
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