Happy New Year from A Drift of Quills!! We’re kicking the year off by talking about the best and worst things about being an author. At the start of each year we all tend to look back at the “bests” and “worsts” of the previous year, to reflect, and maybe to make some new plans.
“We welcome the new year, full of things that have never been.” (I love this quote, which is a mangled version of a lengthier and much more solemn observance by Rainer Maria Rilke.)
I love being an author. It’s my answer to that age-old question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Of course, then you have Neil Gaiman’s advice: “Growing up is highly overrated. Just be an author.” Being an author is fun. Except when it isn’t.
Let’s deal with the “isn’t” first, the worst part of being an author. (Because someone wise—all right, it was Mark Twain—once advised us to eat the frog first.) For me, the worst part of being an author is to have the will to write, but not the time. To have the people, places, and scenes all bright and perfect in my head, and to be unable to do the writing. To have responsibilities, emotion, or practical thoughts crowd their way past creative thoughts.
The best part of writing… There isn’t only one best part for me. The best part of writing is a kaleidoscope of ideas. I make things that weren’t there before. Whole worlds! My words can touch people’s hearts or make them think. I inspire laughter or tears. Writing “The End” is both exhilarating and terrifying. The same happens when the book is actually published. To know that my words, my stories, are read all over the world is exciting. To get letters from those readers thrilling, gratifying, and heart-warming. Better, it inspires a cycle: my words prompt readers to write to me, those letters encourage me to write more.
More stories. More worlds. More friends. More magic!
PATRICIA REDING
Author of the Oathtaker Series
Patricia’s website
In general, I prefer to end things on a positive note. Thus, I shall first set forth my “worst.” For me, that’s fairly easy. Some say it’s the editing. But no, no, no, not for me! That’s actually one of the best things for me, as it means that my thoughts are already down. From there, I can manipulate them to my heart’s content. I just need…
P.S. BROADDUS
Author of The Unseen Chronicles
Parker’s website
My own musings on the best and worst aspects of being an author will be rather short this time around. Which will perhaps illustrate the blessing and curse of the vocation aptly. First, the worst. The worst aspect of being a writer? It can be put off…
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What is the best and worst about your job or hobby? We want to know! Hit that comment button and talk to us!
Dear Robin – I loved this line: “the will to write, but not the time.” That is so true and it resonates with me. Thank you for writing friend!
“To every thing there is a season.” I think that is true even during our mundane, busy days. I know we have to make time to achieve our dreams, but… priorities! (I’m not going to stop writing!)