The Pros and Cons of Being a Writer

So, perhaps one of your goals this year was to finally write that book you've been wanting to write forever. That, my dear friend, would make you a writer. And while I myself am a writer, you should know before you dive too deep into our world that there are many pros and cons to becoming one. Thus, I shall outline them for you today.

Pro: You are now considered an artist

You can walk around with your fancy cup of coffee, lounge around in your pajamas, and wear weird clothes without anyone saying a thing. Your an artist, dahling. It's expected of you. Revel in it.

Con: You may also now be considered crazy

And the other boot drops. Artists may be cool, but they're often called crazy by others because they have big dreams or see the world differently. Ignore anyone who says so and keep on writing.

Pro: There are so many ideas!

Once you get into writing, you will often find that inspiration is everywhere. Story ideas will come from anything. That person at the coffee shop. A single line of dialog. The one part of your dream you can remember.

Con: Until you actually need an idea

Once you need to have a good idea for your story, however, all ideas will kaput. You will stare at the blank page, wondering how to continue, with all your ideas hiding under a basket and leaving only the bad ones staring at you.

Pro: Imagining the day you see your book for real

You can already see it as you sit down to write. Holding your beautiful baby of a book in your hands, seeing it on a shelf at the bookstore or library. Having others read your beloved. It is what fuels your writing every day.

Con: Looking at publishing

After you write, edit, re-write, edit some more, and get feedback, you'll probably look into publishing and realize just how hard it is. Do you want traditional or indie? If you go traditional, will you be able to find a publisher? If you go indie, will anyone read your book? There are so many options and everyone makes it sound so hard, you may be tempted to give up (but please don't).

Pro: Sitting down with a new story

There is nothing better than starting a new story. The magical feel of bringing something completely new into the world, that no one but you could have written, is the best. Sure, it can also bring writer's block, but that's fine.

Con: Actually finding time to write

But as soon as you decide to write, the world will instantly decide you need to be distracted. The dog will need to be walked, the dishes washed, and that email sent. By the time you've finished, it will be time for lunch. Do you see the issue?

Pro: Getting to buy all the pens and notebooks

Sure, you'll use that beautiful leather bound one someday. Or those fancy fountain pens. Or the pretty mechanical pencils. Get them all.

You, talking about your collection

Con: Never using any of said pens and notebooks

But you must never use any of them, either. Leave them on your desk, saying you're waiting for the right story to use them, or the right purpose. They will then sit there forever and your children will probably throw them out when you die.

I hope you enjoyed this little attempt at humor. I had fun writing it so that's what matters.

What do you think are some pros and cons of being a writer? Should I do a part two of this? Tell me in the comments.

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