This post is a little different, I won't even try to hide it. If that frightens or unnerves you in any sense, go now.
There is a certain type of reaction you get if you say, "I want to be
a writer." It's not overwhelmingly positive and it's not
end-of-the-world negative, but it's decidedly not a 'verging in
the middle' sort of reaction. It definitely leans towards the latter.
Sometimes there is the Smile of Support. It's not necessarily rare... it
just tends to always lurk quietly behind the more predominant expression
of, "Are you joking?"
Writing as a hobby can be unbearably
frustrating, albeit inwardly rewarding once you've finished. Writing as a
profession is very difficult, though you will ultimately get paid,
which kinda trumps most of the downsides. One of the biggest hurdles
when deciding to become a writer, however, is convincing other people
that it's a worthy career path or indeed an actual job at all.
While
I am comfortable with my choice to write and very much love doing it, I
always find myself reluctant to mention anything of the sort to people
whom I don't know quite so well, particularly those of a superior
standing. It inevitably leads to the awkward moment wherein they have
the above reaction and then immediately afterwards I feel the need to
justify myself. I shouldn't have to.
Every job provides challenge
to some degree, whether it's physical or otherwise. Regardless of which
job you choose, there will be a time - perhaps a split second -
that you regret your choice. It's natural. Nothing has true value if it
is easily accessible. But people who have chosen to follow their
passion, a passion that to the vast majority is viewed as a hobby alone,
have the unfortunate task of fighting for the idea that
their 'job' is worthy of such a title.
It sounds like I'm
complaining - probably because I am. But this blog post isn't about my
whining; it's about the fact that despite all the obstacles in my way,
despite all the people telling me (indirectly or not) that writing isn't
a "real job", despite all the days I get annoyed with myself for a
rubbish chapter or paragraph or sentence, I will never give up on
pursuing it as my chosen career.
