The Reality of Writing

 From Kate's Writing Crate…

          For most of us, writing is a calling we answer sporadically. We live busy lives and writing is more of a dream than a priority. 

          The reality is writing is work. It's something we need to do on a regular basis; if not 9-5, then at some point 5-7 days a week. We each need to face a blank page and fill it—and continue filling them until our projects are complete however long it takes. We have to pay our bills, but we also have to pay our dues.

     

          The reality is writing is hard work. Writing down random thoughts, ideas, and feelings are a start. Shaping them into essays, posts, articles, short stories, poems, songs, scripts, novels, and books takes time and effort. Rewriting and editing them takes even more time and effort, but that's what makes us working writers, paid or not. When you finish a piece, you have succeeded. (Sending it to agents, magazines, or publishers is additional work, but that's what it takes to get paid.)

    

The reality is writing is really hard work. We not only have to face blank pages, we also have to face our insecurities, detractors, and fears. That's a heavy load to pick up along with our pens and laptops, but we have to be brave and dedicated. We have to believe in ourselves and in our projects. We have to work to finish them.

      

          The reality is writing is really hard work we love. What is more exciting than having a character we created come to life on the page or the stage? A feature article? An inspiring stanza? Moving lyrics? Holding your book in your hands? What's not to love about writing?

       

The reality is writing is really hard work we love and hate. There are frustrating days where words will not come, characters will not talk, and inspiration does not strike. Discouraged, we don't want to be alone facing blank pages. Projects seem too big or too insignificant. Deadlines are too far away or too close. Life's joyful, tragic, and mundane events affect us, too. No matter what, keep writing. It's just that simple. 

The reality is writing is really hard work we love and hate but do anyway. That's what makes us writers in reality.

   

Are you a working writer?