Thank you, Ramona. All that bellyaching..... Let's get people's attention from the writing, not the complaining! I write because it makes me happy. Another way of saying that I'm not happy when I don't write.
A writer I deeply admired said that for her, putting one word together with another in just the right combination was one of the most sensual pleasure she knew. I agree. Writing for me, and teaching writing classes, master classes and workshops has always been an exciting and joyful pursuit.
I can't say I've ever found it sensual. My joy ranges from deeply satisfying to thrilling. I love to write. I can't imagine a day without doing it. Sometimes it's in my head waiting to be transcribed, but it's writing and I'm happy when it's there.
A thousand times yes to this entire post. Emily Dickinson, for one, was never noticed in her lifetime but kept writing. “Professionals work on honing their writing. Amateurs work at getting noticed.”
Sadly, publishers now want newbie writers to get noticed before getting published by becoming influencers or otherwise demonstrating they have a large social media following. Agents are looking for that too.
True. Writers who might once have been published by a mainstream press have had to turn to indies or self-publishing. I have been drifting down the food chain myself and probably didn’t quite break even on my last book, after marketing costs. I’m lucky to have a small financial cushion after years of paid employment. I feel for those trying to feed kids and pay rent while doing their creative work on the side. But as Ramona says, I don’t want to read about the struggle. Writing was always a spiritual practice for those who took it seriously. We’re into the hard poses now.
My writing is sporadic at best, So many interests occupy my waking hours. My days are starbursts that thrust me toward unanticipated and spontaneous discoveries. The one poetic line that brings me back to my journaling came from a very unexpected place: Willie Nelson. I am not a country music fan. In fact, I go out of my way to avoid it. But one line in one song speaks to me from Willie's writing and it is a verse in his song "My Heroes will always be Cowboys".
He wrote:
"Pickin' up hookers instead of my pen,
I let the words of my youth fade away...".
These 16 words renew my determination that I will continue recording my thoughts, however sporadically.
I LOVE the way you've phrased this: "Professionals work on honing their writing. Amateurs work at getting noticed." Your essay is spot-on, although I read bitching about publishing and lack of audience more so than writing itself.
Hi Ramona, How prophetic! I am writing about my writing story - and how it has been such a lifesaver for me in so many ways. I am a writer - or have been for three years - it's something I plan to do for the rest of my life. It is my way of being able to express myself and that feels very good.
I appreciate this article to my core. I like to think of myself as a writer. I certainly don't write to get noticed. I have to write. I've always had to write. I don't spend much time writing about writing. I'm either writing or I'm not. What I do here, I don't really consider writing. It's like the difference between paddling and catching the wave.
I appreciate your ability to tell it like it is, Ramona, unfiltered and genuine. Writing does not always get easier, but it does become better with practice.
Ramona, great points, as always, and it resonates so much with me now, as I’m ruminating about failure for an upcoming post. I particularly like your tart advice about not asking readers what you should write about. I can’t stand that, either - it’s what influencers do, not creative writers
“Professionals work on honing their writing. Amateurs work at getting noticed.” This truly resonates for me. I've worked hard throughout my career, and I bristle when bloggers and self-proclaimed influencers call themselves writers. My take: if you get paid to write, you're a real writer. If it's your hobby, then call it that. Putting a bandaid on your kid's knee doesn't make you a doctor. Giving a friend advice doesn't make you a therapist. Making a good pasta dish doesn't make you a chef. So why do so many people in possession of a laptop consider themselves writers? It. Makes. Me. Crazy. [End of rant.]
I have to respectfully disagree. Before moving to Substack, I blogged for a dozen+ years, and I definitely considered and consider myself to be a writer. Other than selling books and a handful of magazine articles, I've rarely been paid for my writing and again, I am a writer nonetheless. Don't get me wrong, I'm a huge proponent of paying writers for their work. I just don't think getting paid is a requirement in order to call yourself a writer.
I'm sorry you took my comment personally. I was, in fact, referring to those utterly devoid of talent who think writing is "cool," so they start a blog, post drivel, and call themselves writers. Perhaps I've come across more than my share of these folks, but I immediately go into cringe mode when someone says, "I'm a writer, too!"
I hear you. However, it doesn't bother me one bit if someone wishes to call herself a writer. I've known a lot of bloggers/writers, and it's pretty obvious when you read their stuff who's writing good material and who isn't. Readers can decide. And they do. That's my take. I appreciate yours, too.
I just looked at your bio and we have these things in common: Cancer Rebel. Animal Lover. Introvert. Baby Boomer. Adult Orphan. Opinionated. It's nice to meet you!
Re/bitching and moaning about writing, yes, please, people should keep that to themselves and also consider whether they've picked the right career path. I blogged about it not long ago: https://levraphael.substack.com/p/why-do-so-many-writers-say-that-writing
Thank you, Ramona. All that bellyaching..... Let's get people's attention from the writing, not the complaining! I write because it makes me happy. Another way of saying that I'm not happy when I don't write.
A writer I deeply admired said that for her, putting one word together with another in just the right combination was one of the most sensual pleasure she knew. I agree. Writing for me, and teaching writing classes, master classes and workshops has always been an exciting and joyful pursuit.
I can't say I've ever found it sensual. My joy ranges from deeply satisfying to thrilling. I love to write. I can't imagine a day without doing it. Sometimes it's in my head waiting to be transcribed, but it's writing and I'm happy when it's there.
A thousand times yes to this entire post. Emily Dickinson, for one, was never noticed in her lifetime but kept writing. “Professionals work on honing their writing. Amateurs work at getting noticed.”
Sadly, publishers now want newbie writers to get noticed before getting published by becoming influencers or otherwise demonstrating they have a large social media following. Agents are looking for that too.
True. Writers who might once have been published by a mainstream press have had to turn to indies or self-publishing. I have been drifting down the food chain myself and probably didn’t quite break even on my last book, after marketing costs. I’m lucky to have a small financial cushion after years of paid employment. I feel for those trying to feed kids and pay rent while doing their creative work on the side. But as Ramona says, I don’t want to read about the struggle. Writing was always a spiritual practice for those who took it seriously. We’re into the hard poses now.
“Our writing owns us.” It does, doesn’t it?
Now must get to , what, eighth draft of tomorrow’s post that’s refusing to be wrangled. To the joy of hard work!
Grateful for you, Ramona. 💕
Ha! I'll try to remember this, too, when I'm cussing and swearing and wrangling. 😏
Fantastic piece, I’ll probably be coming back to this one again over time .. great clarity on what’s really important in choosing a writing life.
Come back any time!
My writing is sporadic at best, So many interests occupy my waking hours. My days are starbursts that thrust me toward unanticipated and spontaneous discoveries. The one poetic line that brings me back to my journaling came from a very unexpected place: Willie Nelson. I am not a country music fan. In fact, I go out of my way to avoid it. But one line in one song speaks to me from Willie's writing and it is a verse in his song "My Heroes will always be Cowboys".
He wrote:
"Pickin' up hookers instead of my pen,
I let the words of my youth fade away...".
These 16 words renew my determination that I will continue recording my thoughts, however sporadically.
Williie’swords of wisdom. He has a way with words. 😉
I LOVE the way you've phrased this: "Professionals work on honing their writing. Amateurs work at getting noticed." Your essay is spot-on, although I read bitching about publishing and lack of audience more so than writing itself.
Esoteric bumper sticker: Get off your effing fainting couch.
😉
"If you are a writer—and you’re sure of that—don’t ask the world and your readers what you should write about." Say what?
"Hi! I'm a painter. What should I paint?" Houses, at least you might make a living at it.
"Hi! I'm a writer. What should I write?" Letters. Write letters. Print carefully, and take your time. 🙄
Hi Ramona, How prophetic! I am writing about my writing story - and how it has been such a lifesaver for me in so many ways. I am a writer - or have been for three years - it's something I plan to do for the rest of my life. It is my way of being able to express myself and that feels very good.
Can’t wait to read it, Janice.
Thank you
I appreciate this article to my core. I like to think of myself as a writer. I certainly don't write to get noticed. I have to write. I've always had to write. I don't spend much time writing about writing. I'm either writing or I'm not. What I do here, I don't really consider writing. It's like the difference between paddling and catching the wave.
Great analogy. Love that!
I appreciate your ability to tell it like it is, Ramona, unfiltered and genuine. Writing does not always get easier, but it does become better with practice.
Ramona, great points, as always, and it resonates so much with me now, as I’m ruminating about failure for an upcoming post. I particularly like your tart advice about not asking readers what you should write about. I can’t stand that, either - it’s what influencers do, not creative writers
I can’t wait to read the piece you’re working on, Martha. I’m sure I’ll be able to relate. 🙄
“Professionals work on honing their writing. Amateurs work at getting noticed.” This truly resonates for me. I've worked hard throughout my career, and I bristle when bloggers and self-proclaimed influencers call themselves writers. My take: if you get paid to write, you're a real writer. If it's your hobby, then call it that. Putting a bandaid on your kid's knee doesn't make you a doctor. Giving a friend advice doesn't make you a therapist. Making a good pasta dish doesn't make you a chef. So why do so many people in possession of a laptop consider themselves writers? It. Makes. Me. Crazy. [End of rant.]
Hi Elle,
I have to respectfully disagree. Before moving to Substack, I blogged for a dozen+ years, and I definitely considered and consider myself to be a writer. Other than selling books and a handful of magazine articles, I've rarely been paid for my writing and again, I am a writer nonetheless. Don't get me wrong, I'm a huge proponent of paying writers for their work. I just don't think getting paid is a requirement in order to call yourself a writer.
I have to agree. While it’s always the goal, good writers aren’t necessarily paid writers. We only wish it would work that way.
Exactly!
I'm sorry you took my comment personally. I was, in fact, referring to those utterly devoid of talent who think writing is "cool," so they start a blog, post drivel, and call themselves writers. Perhaps I've come across more than my share of these folks, but I immediately go into cringe mode when someone says, "I'm a writer, too!"
I hear you. However, it doesn't bother me one bit if someone wishes to call herself a writer. I've known a lot of bloggers/writers, and it's pretty obvious when you read their stuff who's writing good material and who isn't. Readers can decide. And they do. That's my take. I appreciate yours, too.
You're a kinder person than I, and I so admire that. I've gotten jaded over the years, I guess.
I just looked at your bio and we have these things in common: Cancer Rebel. Animal Lover. Introvert. Baby Boomer. Adult Orphan. Opinionated. It's nice to meet you!
Perfect.