A World of Writers
Wednesday, September 1, 2010 at 7:35PM Someti
mes I’m a little scared by how many writers there are in the world. And I’m not talking about successful writers either: they’re scary in a completely different way. I’m scared by the number of writers who are like me: writers who work around a day job and long to have more to their publication record than the occasional poem in a niche magazine.
Let me put this in context. You may remember how dubious I was about becoming a Twitter user when I rediscovered my account a few months ago. Well, unsurprisingly, I’m a total addict now: a story for a different post, perhaps. The point is that I follow quite a lot of writers. In fact, most of the people I follow are writers. Which is what scares me.
I’m quite competitive about work, so when I read that someone is working really hard on a writing project, it pushes me forward and makes me want to work harder on my own projects. It’s a very good thing for me and my wavering motivation. And it’s not that I’m resentful of the other writers. The problem is that I’m very pessimistic about the proportion of us that can become successful. Sometimes when I read something about how much a writer just wants to be able to write full time; about the submissions people are making and the competitions they’re entering, I’m struck by just how many of us want to be Writers: writers who get paid for what they do; writers whose work is read.
I don’t know what the statistics are for this kind of thing, but I do know that it’s highly unlikely that many of us will ever be able to make a living from our writing. And while I love the network of writers that I’m able to connect with through Twitter, I find this very disconcerting.
Image by OrbiliusMagister
neurosis, social networking, writing
Reader Comments (8)
I know what you mean. I feel like we might be needles in haystacks!
On the bright side, I've been reading a type of slush pile and I must say, our network of writers is way above average if the stories I'm seeing are typical!
I feel depressed when I think about other writers not competitive. I was wondering why I didn't see anything from you lately and then I realized I did not delete the old RSS feed and sign up for your new feed when I was on here last. DOH!
Sometimes I feel like I sold out.
I "write" for [part of] a living, but not as a writer. There's a difference. A big difference.
Sylvia: That, at least, is comforting! Still though, there's quite a lot of us ;-)
Michelle: I've been having related problems on that front - I'm using a new google account and haven't quite got it into my head where I need to go to look for new posts!
TC: Sometimes I wish I had a writing job, but I know it wouldn't be as idyllic as it is in my head. All writing is not Writing. What kind of writing does your job involve?
Oh sister, do I ever know what you're feeling. But dig this: I am a writer who has been too busy making a living to concentrate on my art for most of my life. Aside from being a features writer for a Boston weekly during its startup, I am UN-published, read: UNpublished. But at the age of 64 I have written a book that I think is a winner and while I agree with you, the percentage of us that will succeed is dismal, there is another view. Most writers can't write. Out of that group, there are masses of good writers. Out of that group, there are a few who plug away at it. Out of that group, there are a few freakin' maniacs who BELIEVE they will do it. If you're with them, you will find a way. Janey B (http://foreverkindayoung.blogspot.com)
I like your way of narrowing it down - that does make it seem less daunting. And I admire your belief. Sometimes I do feel that way - I really do believe that it's going to work out. At other times though, I'm less confident - it really depends on my personal mood!
Good luck with your book! And thank you for visiting :-)
I've had the same thought, Jenny. I find it quite daunting. Therefore I tend to shy away from going after it. And I've heard/read/thought the same thing that JaneyB mentioned: most people who aspire to be writers can't write. And you definitely aren't among that group.
I think the problem is that sometimes you can feel threatened by other artists, and think wow that their work is amazing. Now looking at it logically (from say just a photographic career aspect). It is often those that succeed and make a living from their art is due to their social background and up bringing. And like a lot of things in life it sometimes helps if your face fits or that you are in the right place at the right time.