If it’s not one thing it’s another. First, my adorable publisher actually called me — no email, no facebook message, actually his voice on the other end of the line. That could only mean trouble, and indeed, there is a bit of it. Printers screwing up right and left, no advanced reading copies in sight, pr people getting nervous. I must admit, these are nice problems to have (I keep telling myself), but still, aggravating.
Then I headed off to my son’s school to give a talk to about 30 14-year-olds about “Writing as My Career.” Yep — me and the bankers, lawyers, broadcasters, management consultants. I fit right in (although there was one young dad who is a fighter pilot and was there in his uniform and everything……need I say more?). And while I was there waiting to talk, there was the usual conversation about kids’ grades, getting into University (or rather not getting into University), parental anxieties of one sort or another. I decided not to have a coffee while I waited — I was already hyper enough.
But then I went into the classroom, laid out all the journals and books I’ve been published in in a lovely fan on the desk, and went into my spiel. And I remembered why I love to teach. I found myself telling them all the stuff that I do believe, but that I regularly forget to apply to myself. Like:
1. You are a writer if you say you’re a writer and if you spend your time writing. Full stop.
2. Writing is a lifestyle choice, not a “profession” in the normal (ie money making) sense of the word.
3. Loving punctuation does not make you an incredible weirdo and there are other people out there who also take great joy in discovering a well-placed comma.
4. There are lots of ways to do what we do and support ourselves while we do it — all of which are valid (as long as they’re legal, I guess).
5. If you write from your heart and to the best of your ability, you will find an audience. Even an audience of one is worth having.
And the great thing is that these kids believed me. Why? Partly, I guess, because I stood up there as a neatly dressed grown-up and told them it was true. But mainly, I now think, because I really believe it all myself. And it’s standing in front of a group of awkward, goofy, lovable pubescents that helps me remember that I do.
I feel better already.
That sounds great – and you’re so right about even an audience of one being worthwhile.
My Dad is a writer and he says exactly the same thing!!
Glad it lifted your spirits
C x
it’s all so true, and should be on everyone’s notice board. What a lucky group of kids.By the way, that is you at the top of the column isn’t it?
Thanks all. And Kate — yes, of course that’s me at the top. Right after I got out of my yoga gear! xo
thank you for that … I spend an awful lot of time convincing myself that although I write I’m not really a writer!! I may post your list on my desk to remind me that indeed I am a writer.
Dear Trying….
I’m so glad my posting meant something to you. Over the years I’ve gotten bits of encouragement from all sorts of people and places and I have them plastered all over my wall. I’m glad I could do the same for you. And, I must say, that photo beside your name is just too cute for words — whether you’re a writer or not!
Sue x