Myths About Writers

Hi everyone,

 

I thought it would be fun to look online and see what kind of myths where out there in cyber space about writing and writers. For some reason, I’m still always amazed at just how much I can find on any given subject. I really should know by now that you can find anything and everything on the web.

Listed below are 11 myths and my thoughts on the myth…

Myth #1 – ALL WRITERS MAKE LOTS OF MONEY

Anyone that has self-published a book knows that it can take years to make lots of money and in the beginning you basically put your work out there for almost no return especially when you consider the amount of time and energy a writer puts in to see their work come to fruition. I guess it’s a good thing that for most writers it really isn’t all about the money but more about getting their story out to masses.

Myth #2 – ALL WRITERS ARE UNHAPPY OR CRAZY OR BOTH

Yeah right! Perhaps some are but most of the authors I know are very happy, positive people that have their share of good days and bad days just like everyone else. I also know that many of them will take a “bad” or painful feeling and they will pour it into their writing; creating wonderful books for their readers.

Myth #3 – IN ORDER TO WRITE YOU MUST HAVE A QUIET OFFICE DEVOTED ONLY TO WRITING

Don’t we all wish sometimes? I know I’d love to have a little office where I could hide sometimes (if the kids are being a bit rambunctious) but other times to be honest I think, for me, that I would feel isolated and it wouldn’t make me productive. I’ve also found that I can write just about anywhere (on the bus, waiting for an appointment, standing in a long line-up, etc.) using my iPhone. Perhaps working around all the noise at home has made me immune to hustle and bustle around me so I can block out those noises and distractions. Thanks kids!!

Myth #4 – YOU MUST BE AN INTELLECTUAL

I have found that writers come from all walks of life and at varying ages (there is one writer I know that has been published, is 17 and donates much of her book sales to charity). To be a writer you don’t need to have a university degree or a writing diploma – you simply need to have the desire within you to write. The only caution I would say you would need to have is that if you are not good with grammar, that you have someone edit your work aside from you.

Myth #5 – YOU HAVE TO KNOW SOMEONE IN THE BUSINESS TO GET PUBLISHED

NOT!! This can’t be further from the truth with the numerous self-publishing software programs and platforms available nowadays. If you’ve decided not to self-publish and you’re looking for a publisher just remember that this is a very subjective business and what doesn’t appeal to one may appeal to another so keep trying.

Myth #6 – TO BE A REAL WRITER, YOU MUST MAKE WRITING YOUR NUMBER ONE PRIORITY

This is insanity whether you are a published author and well known or a self-published author and still making your mark! First, when you are first starting out, you will most likely still have to work if your family is dependent on you for your income. In addition, some writers have families they need to care for and hobbies that they enjoy. These writers not only find time to write but they also manage to juggle all their other priorities. Honestly, I would think if all you ever had to focus on was writing then life could become pretty dull and boring after awhile. I think its all the other parts of our lives that make our writing interesting and compelling.

Myth #7 – IN ORDER TO BE A REAL WRITER, YOU MUST PAY YOUR DUES

Many people think that the only way you could be considered a real writer is if you have been trying to get published for years and you’ve endured many rejections and hardship. I disagree, real writers are people who write and it doesn’t matter how long they’ve been writing or how many times they’ve been rejected.

Myth #8 – ANYONE CAN WRITE A GREAT NOVEL

I agree that anyone can write but not everyone can write well. I’m sure most writers out there would agree when I say that the first draft of your book is usually full of imperfections and holes. Some books are great while others are not. The ones that are not were written by someone.

Myth #9 – IF YOUR WRITING IS GOOD, YOU WILL HAVE NO TROUBLE SELLING YOUR STORIES; IF YOU ARE NOT SELLING YOUR WRITING, IT MEANS YOUR STORIES ARE NO GOOD

This myth may have some factual basis for some writers, as I’m sure some writing does get rejected because it is poor. But the myth, as repeated by many experienced writers, is that all good writing GUARANTEES acceptance and, conversely, non-acceptance surely means that the writing is poor. I strongly DISAGREE! I’ve read some wonderful, fantastic, awesome stories as of late that have been self-published. I think any publisher that passed on “Before Her Eyes” by Rebecca Forster should be fired! Instead, I think many (if not all) publishing houses have become narrow minded and they are less interested in the quality of the book and more drawn to the possible commercial potential of the book (e.g., Paris Hilton’s published work…REALLY?).

Myth #10: ONCE YOU SELL A BOOK, OR SEVERAL BOOKS OR SHORT STORIES, YOU WILL NOT HAVE ANY TROUBLE GETTING AN AGENT NOR WILL YOUR HAVE ANY TROUBLE SELLING ANYMORE OF YOUR OWN WRITING

I know this isn’t true! One writer I interviewed shared that they had several works published and then the publisher wouldn’t take a chance on one of their books because they thought it was too risky. I’ve also heard of writers that had five novels published then for three years she couldn’t find anyone to publish two additional books she had written. Publishers are fickle!! Can you tell I’m in favor of self-publishing??

Myth #11: IF YOU FOLLOW ADVICE OF EXPERIENCED AUTHORS, YOU ARE CERTAIN TO GET PUBLISHED

I don’t believe in the “what worked for you will work for me” because there are too many variables to consider to be able to compare one book / writer to another book / writer. All books are original works and written by unique individuals. I truly believe you can do all the right things: write a great book, study your market, constantly work towards perfecting your craft, etc. and you may still have a problem getting published. 

What are your opinions about these myths? Do you know of other myths about writers or writing that are not listed here?

Have a great day,


Becky