If you’ve ever cautiously asked yourself, “SHOULD I WRITE A BOOK?” then this post is undoubtedly for you.
Because I am here, in all my notorious and magnanimous wisdom to say: YES YES YOU SHOULD WRITE A BOOK. It’s so fun and glorious and basically the greatest thing in the universe and —
Ohhhhh. Oh. I see you DOUBTING me here. I see it in your eyes. Well. Since I’m feeling especially gracious today, I’ll write a list of reasons why you should throw caution to the wind and snabble up pen and paper.* You might be surprised at all the benefits writing gives you. I mean, there are drawbacks like mild insanity, spontaneous combustion, and developing eccentric behaviours like needing to write in a tree on Wednesdays wearing blue toe-socks in order to find your muse** — but the benefits OUTWEIGH THESE MINOR DETAILS. I promise.
Also I helpfully wrote a post similar to this one but on why you should start a book blog. I suggest doing both, by the way, with all your free time.
* Or, you know, you could use a laptop since we no longer live in the 19th century. But if you want to go for the authentic feel of hand cramps and paper cuts, by all means — get a pen and paper.
** Clearly I’m not speaking from experience. Or am I????
YOU GET TO TELL PEOPLE YOU’RE A WRITER, AND SOMETIMES THIS (WEIRDLY) IMPRESSES THEM AND THEY THINK YOU’RE A LITERARY GENIUS.
Never deny accusations of “literary genius”. I am just saying this now. Even if your manuscript is 94% just slamming your hand on the keyboard because you have no idea what you’re doing…the trick is to pretend. Scribble a lot. Use colourful highlighters and big words.
The “genius” part will follow eventually. And if it doesn’t, just wait till you die. Everyone appreciates authors after they’re dead.
IT CAN BE A HANDY TOOL TO SURVIVE SMALL TALK AND CONVERSATIONS WITH OTHER MEMBERS OF THE HUMAN SPECIES.
Say you’re stuck in an awkward situation where people are talking of the small cyclones and small taxes and small mushrooms (I assume “small” talk has to do with the height of the topics) — you can always bust out with “I’M A WRITER” to keep the conversation interesting.
For instance…
Human: It looks like rain.
You: That is really interesting, my friend, because it does look like rain. Look at you deducing and being smart like that. Rain! Amazing! I remember one time in Guadeloupe when it rained. Also, I am a writer.
Human: How does that relate to the weather?
You: Rain is a metaphor of my tears as I rewrite my latest chapter.
See that? A very smooth transition to make a conversation interesting. And gives depth to the conversation that clearly everyone wants.
IF YOU’RE EVEN SLIGHTLY WEIRD…YOU CAN BLAME IT ON THE WRITING.
Not that you should hide your weirdness. NO NO! EMBRACE IT. If people are giving you THE LOOK (which is usually interpreted as “what even the heck, you melon”) because you’re (A) driving across 9 continents to get your favourite snack, (B) baking cupcakes at midnight, (C) buying an odd hat, or (D) hoarding teapot cosies ——- you can just shout “IT’S FOR A BOOK I’M WRITING”. They’ll leave you alone.
No one messes with eccentric writers.
WHEN YOU WRITE, YOU CAN BE ANYTHING AND DO ANYTHING YOU COULD EVER IMAGINE AND IT’S VERY FUN.
Sometimes one’s life doesn’t allow certain things. Dragon riding for instance. Stealing the Eiffel Tower. Becoming queen. And my mother said no to living solely on cake so apparently I can’t do that either. BUT! If you want to still live these things — write about them.
You can live a thousand lives while writing. You can do anything you want. And people suddenly call it art! Whereas you really were just craving cake and wrote a book about it. EMBRACE THE FREEDOM AND ADVENTURE THAT COMES WITH WRITING.
IT ALSO GIVES YOU A GRAND EXCUSE TO READ A ZILLION BOOKS. BECAUSE IT’S NOW “RESEARCH”.
Not that you need excuses to buy those 938 books…but in case you feel one would be handy and dandy…writing is the answer! All those hours spent buried under a bookshelf can now be considered working.
IF PEOPLE ARE MEAN TO YOU, THREATEN TO WRITE BADLY ABOUT THEM IN YOUR MEMOIR.
Because memoirs come eventually. And who wants to be immortalised as THAT annoying friend or THAT persnickety sibling? Hmm?? This will get all your friends and family into shape and have them treating you like royalty in order to save face in your future NYT bestselling memoir.
It could also be good blackmail and leverage material. There are so many options.
IF YOU PUBLISH YOU NOW HAVE INFINITE AND EASY BIRTHDAY/CHRISTMAS PRESENTS TO GIVE OUT FOREVER.
Oh you already gave Cousin Frank your book for his last birthday? GIVE HIM ANOTHER. It’s not like anyone can argue when you’re gifting them a piece of your soul. (Yes, you get to say fun stuff like “this book is made with blood, sweat, tears, and written to the throbbing beat of my heart” when you’re a writer.) Gifting has just become easy and painless.
YOU GET TO BE PART OF AN ENORMOUSLY SLIGHTLY PSYCHOTIC WRITING FAMILY.
Because as soon as you timidly shriek “I’M A WRITER!” then you have hordes of insta-friends. Every emotion that writing inflicts upon you — you will find practically mountains of other writers experiencing the same things. They will cry with you. They will laugh with you. They will instruct you to buy chocolate. They will help. Even if it’s just a kind word or an encouraging ALL-CAPS HOLLERING CONGRATS when you reach a milestone.
It’s like being adopted into a family of eccentric, abnormal, slightly disturbing artists — who will talk about blue glitter paint and 1800s torture devices in one sentence.
Why would you want to miss out on this??!
THERE IS A CHANCE YOU COULD BE FAMOUS.
There are lots of ways to be famous. You could get famous for eating a lot of cake, I suppose, or successfully growing potatoes on the moon. BUT. There is a possibility you are a writing genius and if you don’t write a book, how will you find out?!?
NOT TO MENTION HOW MUCH YOU LEARN FROM WRITING, HOW IT MAKES YOU A MORE PERCEIVING PERSON, AND HELPS YOU GROW TALLER.
I am nearly entirely sure that being a writer has helped me appreciate more of life’s dilemmas and issues. Like equality! And feminism! And rights for small children and also dragons! (Enough with “let’s slay the dragons”. Just, omg, just stop. Dragons have feelings too.) Writing makes me want to learn more about ALL THE THINGS and research ALL THE THINGS. (Like now I know how much it’d cost in 1892 to travel the Oregon Trail. What?! Some of us get curious. FYI you need to take a lot of salted pork.) It’s given me buckets of useless knowledge that I’m endlessly pleased with.
And it also helps me grow taller, because if I printed out all the research I’ve done and stood on top of it — I would be the height of a normal person and not the hobbit that I am.
Haha, yes to being a member of the *somewhat* crazy writer internetlings. I’m with you on all of your reasons… except, funnily enough you forgot to mention how freaking HARD it is and how you will spend more time with your laptop than living humans and it willl probably take over your life and it’s totally terrifying. But still so worth it. As you know, I am a writer. I love to write about India and confused people and spontaneous mermaids…but also newspaper editorials and essays. Writing really hleps you to think about what you say and what you care about is another reason to write.
Pfft, the “writing is hard and melts your brain” is just such a MINOR DETAIL.😂 I should write a follow up post on why we shouldn’t write hahahahhaha. #dead 😂 I think writing about confused people and spontaneous mermaids is a fabulous job description. SOMEONE PUT THAT ON A TEE SHIRT TOO.
*raises hand* HUZZAH for the writing community! Everyone is so ridiculously amazing and supportive. <3
And yes, I am a writer/scribe who travels worlds. There are soooo many benefits to writing: the ones you listed (which were brilliant), it gives you an excuse to eat hordes of chocolate to reward yourself, hang out with imaginary people who live and breathe sarcasm, it's a world to disappear into when you don't want to face the horrors of Earth…there's so much!
Great post Cait! 😀
IT IS!! I love how one can just go whine to the writing community about ANYTHING writing-related and we’re all there being supportive and commiserating.😂Writing is seriously hard!! And I also like the benefits too *nods* Particularly “needing” to eat chocolate. I mean, it IS a need right???? That’s pretty definite. *nods*
LOL, like seriously, this made me laugh. Oh but… ummm how do I get taller by writing again??
Yay an being part of a psychotic family… of all things, this is the one reason that appealed to me most… may be I am already psychotic… all there is to do is to finish that damn book I am supposed to write and just… you know… be FAMOUS!
May be I’ll even go to Australia for a book sign, and uhhhh… run into you with your dragon kiddies buzzing around your head like butterflies… only they are not butterflies, but baby dragons… but they look slightly different from Daenerys’s dragons… more like seadragons,… but with little fluttering wings…
ahem… I’m getting ahead of myself here…
YAY to writing my next book! Or more like… my first book??? uhh…
I think we creative people are like pre-dispositioned to be slightly psychotically crazy AMIRITE?!? Ahem.😂 Ahhh, the writer life. MADNESS. Good times. :’)
I definitely need dragons, pocket dragons! And I’ll settle for ones I can ride on too. IS IT TOO MUCH TO ASK TO HAVE ALL THE DRAGONS OF EVER??
I’m trying to write a middle grade novel, but I kept putting if off. Ugh, procrastination! I write for a living (op-eds and articles), but my greatest love is and will always be creative writing. *quits dilly-dallying and scurries to my word doc Wish me luck 🙂
Ohhh, you write for a living?! THAT IS AWESOME!! I ADMIRE YOU SO MUCH EEEEP. And I love creative writing so so much too. hehe. I mean, I guess I technically write articles for my blog, but other than that I AM DOOMED when it comes to anything non-fic. I love my fiction. <3 😂
This is probably my favourite of your blog posts, of all time, EVER. And you write a lot of funny things.
The next time someone talks about the weather to me, I’m dropping “I’m a writer. All this rain is metaphorical.”
OMGG THANK YOU JULIA!! *FLAILS* I AM SMILING SO MUCH RIGHT NO AHHH. Ahem. But yes. Definitely use the metaphorical rain/writer line. It works every time, I’m sure of it. I’ve never tested it but science says it’s flawless.
You’re so right! Now my odd behaviour can easily be explained by “I’m a writer” 😀
You definitely convinced the whole world to be a writer with this post. If I didn’t already want to be a writer, this post made me want to be one.
Great, hilarious as always post! I LOL(ed) so much ^__^
All I need to do to brighten up my mood is read one of your posts and I immediately feel better (:
EXACTLY. We really should get that on a tee-shirt, right?? “If you see me doing anything peculiar IT’S BECAUSE I’M A WRITER”. So much win. :’)
Zomgggg, THAT MAKES ME SMILE, ZOEY, THANK YOU. <3
Happy birthday. Here is a signed copy of the book by yours truly haha 😀 Such a hilariously true thing. Great post Cait. You rule the blogosphere 😀 Greetings from a Macedonian pineapple.
Isn’t it just a FLAWLESS gift option!?? It shall be my go-to at some point. :’)
I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS POST FOR AN ETERNITY. 😂
Okay so reason #3 and #4 are undoubtedly the reasons why I write. Like, I call myself a Story Goddess and my characters are my *slaves* and do what I want UNTIL they take over my kingdom high up in the clouds and tell ME what they do. It’s annoying sometimes, really, but I love them all nonetheless.
Also, YES TO BLAMING WEIRDNESS ON WRITING. I think that’s an essential to any writer. 😜
Now I must go because you’ve convinced me to write another book. Literally. I’ve had a writing AND reading slump since January and NOW I WANT TO WRITE THANK YOU!!!
HERE IT IS, JUST FOR YOU, ANDREA. WITH CAKE AS A COMPLIMENTARY SIDE DISH. :’)
Also I love your description of your job life there. *nods* Story Goddess is clearly a grand title. I usually call my characters my children and then kill them and then feel very very bad. (PLEASE NO ONE LET ME HAVE ACTUAL CHILDREN.) But we do what we must for SAKE OF OUR GENIUS STORIES, AMIRITE?! *nods*
I basically blame everything on writing these days.😂
omgggg, this makes me SO HAPPY THOUGH!!! *flails for you* *cheers you on as you write*
HA! Reason #3 – Absolutely. I get to blame all my strangeness on my “active imagination” 😀
It’s a flawless excuse, definitely. WHAT AN WE CREATIVE GENIUSES DO EXCEPT EMBRACE THE IMAGININGS? :’)
Also, being a writer gives you the perfect excuse when (sadly, not if) you tune out of a conversation with real, live people and vanish into your imaginary world. “Oh, I’m sorry, I was just working out a plot kink” provides a stylish and charming explanation for your vacant stare.
Yes ABSOLUTELY. (And I agree…it’s definitely “when” not “if”)😂 It’s not our fault our stories are just SO MUCH MORE INTERESTING than normal people. *flips hair majestically*
Reason 4 so much. Which is also why fantasy is the best genre to write in. You can just let your imaginations run wild. Plus you can do anything other genres can + include dragons. Dragons stealing the Eiffel Tower? It only happens in fantasy 😀
Zomg I COMPLETELY AGREE. I always am plotting some sort of fantasy novel because I NEED TO HAVE ALL THESE FUN OPTIONS. Dragons should steal Eiffel Towers. Or at least eat them. POSSIBILITIES = ENDLESS. :’)
Read this at a friend’s house and I think they assumed I was crazy. But this was hilarious and wonderful and true.
Lucy
http://ryebrynnsrandomrambling.blogspot.com/
Pfft, are you trying to tell me YOU’RE NOT CRAZY?? Pffft. I know the truth for we writerly sorts. 😉 ANYWAY I’M GLAD YOU LIKED IT!!
I WOULD NEVER. This brain never turns off the crazy.
Lucy
http://ryebrynnsrandomrambling.blogspot.com/
This post is the one I need right now. How can you read my mind, Cait? This post is awesome! I really like the reasons, especially no 5 😀 Thank you so much 😀
I AM JUST A GENIUS MIND READER CLEARLY.😂😇
Oh, I’m definitely aiming to be famous after I’m dead! Reason no. 4 and 5 is so legit! XD And I definitely agree with no. 8, I love me some psychotic family! All in all you have enthusiastically motivated me to continue my WIP for Camp NaNoWriMo this month!
It’s just such a PERK of dying, naturally. You be dead = your book gets famous. :’) I mean, the dead part is a slight downside. BUT WHATEVER. And psychotic writing families are so kind and motivating and encouraging and…psychotic. LOVE ‘EM.
OMG AND GOOD LUCK WITH CAMP!!! I SHALL BE CHEERING FOR YOU!!
Yeah but it kinda works! I’ll just come back as a spirit! XD Haha yeah…
THANK YOU!
ALL OF THIS. I no longer have to justify all the television I’m watching because I tell people it’s “research” AND THEY CAN NO LONGER SAY ANYTHING ABOUT IT! also if i get lost in my head, i usually just shrug and “i have an idea” and then take out my phone to take it down because I ALWAYS FORGET THEM and then I always get stuck while writing too…
BUT YES TO ALL OF THIS!
yes yes ME TOO. I justify everything with the “it’s for research” excuse. Do I need pie? It’s for research. Do I need to go to the beach? It’s for research. Do I need 9390 books on my TBR? RESEARCH. #winning
Love this post! If I was ever in doubt about writing a book, it’s gone now. I certainly struggle with Christmas presents, and hate small talk, so I’ll just bust out ‘I’m a writer!’ next time I’m struggling (plus there will be a lot of people immortalised in a less than flattering way in my memoir!) 🙂
YOU’RE SO WELCOME FOR ALL THESE HELPFUL TIPS, LAURA. Your christmas/birthday gift crisises will forever be solved. :’)
I’ve had the basic idea for a story in my head for a while and I’ve been meaning to get a move on it for a while but I just don’t have enough plot yet! Like, I have characters and a title and a bunch of random scenes but no end point. Maybe I’ll get to that this winter while I’m off uni? I dunno, writing is something I feel like I only do if I don’t have access to the internet or if I’m feeling super emotional at 2am. I WANT to write but I don’t put aside time for it. This post has given me a kick to do something about that haha!!
Oooh, I hope you do get around to writing your spectacular idea!! And plots can be tricky.😂 I’m actually opposite and generally get my plot first and THEN characters hahaahha. But we just have to think and plot and hope inspiration punches us, right?! And YES.😂 If you want to actually get writing done, it has to be prioritised somewhat. 😉
This is just SUCH a perfect post!! It’s funny because I’ve been struggling with whether or not I should start writing one of my novel ideas or just stick with short stories until I feel like my novels are more plotted out (I feel like I’m super bad at plot and most of my stories are going to be character-driven but whatever). And then there’s the issue of WHICH ONE DO I WRITE FIRST??? But I feel like you’ve simplified the grand IDEA of writing a book in this post and that it is very helpful of you to do that because it really is that simple if you think about it. Just set your mind to it and write. The pros really outweigh the cons by like a million when it comes to whether or not you should write a book.
Also: *raises hand*
WELL HERE IS YOUR ANSWER. *throws writerly goodness at you* And character driven novels are AWESOME. Let no one tell you otherwise!! But omg actually choosing between writing ideas!?!? < -- hardest thing of ever And yes yes the pros definitely outweigh the cons for the Author Life Career *nods* I mean, most writers go nuts and also spend a lot of time howling, BUT HEY AT LEAST WE HAVE AN EXCUSE FOR MORE CHOCOLATE SO LOOK WHO'S RELALY WINNING HERE.
Shhhh, don’t encourage me, Cait!
MWAHHAAHHA. *quietly chants* write write write
Omg Cait, you crack me up! That was hilarious to read. Reason 2 had me legit laughing out loud.
I love all of these reasons! Writing is something that has always interested me but I’ve never actually done any successfully (In the form of a book – blog writing isn’t applicable here right? ha) because it’s so intimidating. I mean where do you even start? How do you know you’re using the right tense? How do you know your words are making sense?!
I feel like I need to study creative writing first lol. Learn about plot devices, perhaps even how to set a story up? Like I always feel like there is an easier way of setting your whole story up, meaning the plot twists and how to revel a secret the reader hasn’t already guessed etc. I tried to start a book with an idea, but it was sci fi and sicence-y and I lost my mojo after the first chapter because I couldn’t find the information I needed about black holes and if being swallowed up by a black hole was TOO FAR to suspend someone’s sense of belief :/
Plus I have no time to write a book these days. Oh how I wish I could get paid for blogging and then I wouldn’t have to have my 9-5 job mon-fri! The dream!
AHHHH THIS MAKES ME VERY HAPPY.😂
Hey but writing blogs IS still technically writing!! Just non-fiction, right?! At least that’s what I tell myself ahhaha. And I think the whole “how do I start” is honestly a very scary question and different for everyone! You just gotta try everything, basically and see what works for you.😂 And sometimes your ideas CAN be too big for what you’re able to do. But that’s also okay! You just tuck them away and work on something easier and work up to it!
I wish I could get paid for blogging too. THAT’D BE SUPER NICE.😂
*Raises hand*
Write because real life is boring and the world needs crazy, impossible, magical places. Write because you’re having a hard time socially and creating a circle of fictional friends will make you feel better. Write because it’s a good way to get through a long summer with nowhere to go and no one to see. Write because it takes your mind off exams. Write because you’ll enjoy it. Write because it’s the only way to be a writer.
THIS IS VERY MOTIVATIONAL OMG, RAIN. I like the escapism of writing and also the fact that one can ride dragons and eat apple pie and be fabulous and actually never leave their comfy bed and laptop. #winning
Oh I definitely love this community. I AM A WRITER. I think yes, definitely adding that you’re a writer to conversations must make them pretty lively. Although in my case I just run to the hills because talking about my yet-to-be-completed project gives me a serious case of the heebie-jeebies.
Other than that being a writer is brilliant if only because you finally get to make all the points you’ve been making your whole life…but in a much more presentable and accessible format than you just telling everybody the moment you see them. Writers are very intuitive and clever creatures and we have a lot of criticisms to offer about pretty much anything…and it’s so much more fun making little mind games in your writing to make those criticisms.
Yes, I love all those bitter writers who write wonderful little adventures that make you question your whole existence (cough, the Chaos Walking series, cough).
I absolutely agree with you there. hahahh OH DEAR.😂I barely every actually mention I’m a writer because IT’S SO HARD TO TALK ABOUT MY OWN BOOKS OMG. I don’t even know why!! I’m not like embarrassed of them, per se I just…wut r werds.
And I do like how writing gives you a chance to really think about what you want to say and then SAY IT GLORIOUSLY — with dragons and apple pie and other fun things.
I never read past the first Chaos Walking book BUT I WILL SOMEDAY. I’M JUST TRYING TO RECOVER FROM MANCHEE.
I’ve published 9 books now and I agree with all of this. Lol. Especially reason #8. I love my psychotic writing family. 🙂
Omg 9 books!! THAT IS AMAZING!! CAKE FOR YOU!! AHHHH. And psychotic writing families are life basically. <3
I SHOULD NEVER HAVE STARTED WRITING. *bangs head on keyboard* *accidentally comes up with NYT bestselling book*
For reals, though, I like having written. Reading back the genius-ness that I’ve created. And sometimes when I’m listening to a good Disney song that can be good writing too.
BUT I LOVE THE SCIENTIFIC FACT IN THIS POST.
I am so full of science and facts and just general genius tbh. It’s amazing. I’M AN INSPIRATION TO MYSELF HONESTLY.
When you sell that headdesked-genius-sure-to-be-NYT-bestselling-novel DON’T FORGET TO CREDIT ME.
Haha. More reasons to write? Of course! Not that writing isn’t soul-sucking enough. More reasons to go down the dark rabbit hole that is writing.
I haven’t really whipped out ‘I’m a writer’ in conversation. ‘I’m a blogger’ is common, though. And everyone assumes that means I’m popular. Hahahah NOPE.
Awesome post, by the way. Thumbs up!
Very true, Wren, very true. But we must encourage more people to fall prey to the soul-sucking wonderfulness that is writing. :’) I say I’m a writer over I’m a blogger mostly.😂 Because I can tell people “OH YOU CAN’T READ MY BOOK IT’S NOT DONE YET” but if they ask for my blog url..ohhhhh. BURY ME.😂
Haha. Nice. I typically say I’m a blogger first. Writing is something I do in my free time. While blogging (as has anime) has consumed my life. I’m always saying ‘I have to do blog stuff.’
I do write! And it is fun! But my first book, I had written on pen and paper so I could work on it at school, and I actually didn’t have any problems… Until I lost the folder it was in and I haven’t found it since.
Personally, I don’t think you need a reason to write, because it’s just fun! But I do love doing research, partially because it’s interesting, and partially because I’m a crazy fact checker about every little detail, down to do they have coffee in Yemen? Yes, this matters and that was actually the first place where evidence of coffee was found.
Great post! Happy 4th of July! (Wait, you’re Australian…)
omg you lost it!?!? THAT IS HORRIBLE NEWS I’M SO SORRY FOR YOU!!
And hahahhah YES very true. One can just write for the pure joy of writing, although these reasons are definitely a bonus, right?!😂 Also research is marvellous, especially about details. It makes the book more real, right?!
Yes…AUSTRALIAN.😂
hahaha oh the old “I’ll remember that for my memoir” threat. I definitely do this in my head all the time. And then I’ll revise and be like ‘no, I won’t put them in the memoir. That will show them.’ and so on along with other hypothetical conversations I have with my brain.
But writing is pretty fantastic! Though I’ve always been one of those people that shies away from calling myself a writer. Because for some reason I think you need to published to be a writer even though you definitely just need to write to be a writer. Also no one is ever going to be like “Oh, you’re a writer? Where are your credentials? I must verify this.” So instead I just say I’ve written a novel. And then try hard not to explode with all the details of my novel and terrify them.
I totally threaten my family with the memoir ALL THE TIME.😂 They ignore me though, omg, and they’ll be sorry when my bestselling memoir is ALL OVER THE UNIVERSE AND PEOPLE KNOW THEY DIDN’T LET ME EAT CAKE FOR BREAKFAST THAT ONE TIME. Cruel fiends.
Oh nooooooo. If you write you ARE A WRITER.!! I think it’s actually important for us to claim the title. Although I admit to struggling with the writer vs author.😂 I feel like writers write and authors are published. But I don’t know!
*raises hand* YES EVERYONE MUST WRITE BOOKS AND THEN WE CAN ALL TALK ABOUT GLITTER AND TORTURE DEVICES AND DRAGONS AND ALL SORTS OF EVERYTHING. I approve of this post muchly and all of the reasons are fabulous. (Also the headers are beautiful! I love them.)
Another benefit of writing is that you can wear pajamas to work–because who doesn’t like pajamas? Also you have an excuse to buy lots of chocolate. Basically you can do whatever you want when you’re a writer…it’s great.
OMG THANK YOU, LANA, I’M SO GLAD YOU LIKED IT. And yes yes, what can be better than talking about characters and torture and dragons and all those deliciously wonderful things that make up the writers’ life? WE HAVE SO MUCH FUN. Also pyjamas to work IS fun and being fuelled on chocolate alone is a workplace bonus.
You make some really good points, especially reasons 3, 4, 5, and 8! 😀 In fact, I don’t know why I’m not a writer already – I’ve certainly got enough material!
THERE YOU GO. You’re ready for the writers life, Lauren. *gives you books and cakes and sends you off to type a story*😂
THE GIF OF SEBASTIAN STAN AHHH. <3 <3 <3
This post was terrific, Cait, and filled with so many wonderful + true reasons. I guess you could say I'm a writer??? I've got stories plotted out + living in my head, but I'm kind of scared to try to write them down (and likely ruin them). xD For now, I just jot down the quick snippets/scenes I know like the back of my hand, and pin insane amounts to my story boards.
Another reason to write is that it's a lovely excuse when it comes down to people telling you you have things to do. "Yes I understand that attending that event is important but LOOK, I'M WRITING AND THIS BOOK IS EVEN MORE IMPORTANT AND THEREFORE NO I CANNOT GO OUT INTO THE REAL WORLD."
EVERYTHING IS BETTER WHEN THERE IS A GIF OF SEBASTIAN STAN AROUND.
And omg, thankyou, Adaline! *shares cake with you* And I totally get that feeling about “ruining” the stories by writing them. ME TOO. hehheh.😂 They’re always so much better in your head, right?!?
And oh I thoroughly agree that it’s a good excuse to get out of things. *nods* I use it all the time. Also a good excuse to get people to do things FOR you. Like “oh I can’t cook dinner, I’m writing, help a starving writer out, yes??” <– SURE TO WORK
Bravissimo!
I especially agree with the eccentricity excuses and the adoption. Whenever I read your posts on writing, I keep nodding in hearty agreement and going *boinks palm on forehead* ‘See? She gets it! She! Cait understands my feels regarding why you need to write that specific part with a purple glitter pen!’
Also all that very useful, useless knowledge. Did you know, they say Bless You when you sneeze because back in the day ye olde fols thought your soul came out of your nose when you sneeze and exclaimed in horror, ‘Only God can bless you now!’ 😀
Thanks Cait! Sorry for acting like I know you so very well, but you’re a writerly pineapple and I know those quite well 😉
*bows gallantly*
YES I KNOW ALL THE THINGS. I DO GET IT. And we writers must all stick together in our mutual intense levels of weirdness. And YES I did actually know that about bless you.😂 And did you know “goodbye” is just “god be with you” shortened? ALL THESE FUN FACTS.
I use being a writer for an excuse to be a creep, but in a completely harmless way. Like sitting in a coffee shop and staring at people unashamedly so I can hear what they’re talking about better. And then writing it down so I can maybe use it in a story later. You hear the most random conversations when you aren’t supposed to be listening.
Also, it’s fantastic to see people’s faces when you’re mid conversation and all of a sudden pull out a pen and notebook to write down an idea and they act like it’s the RUDEST thing to do. Hello, ideas come and go in mere seconds. I find only other writers understand this “insane” habit.
That is totally a good reason to be a writer. *nods* I like to always stay being a writer because it means reading is research so technically whenever I read a book, I’M ACTUALLY WORKING MWHAHAHA. Also it’s glorious to steal people’s conversations. Oh and their like quirks and tics…and their names. And looks. Basically if you stand next to a writer, expect to be stolen.
Oh man, I would LOVE to write a book someday! I carry a notebook around with me (yes, I still live in the 19th century) where I write down ideas for a book, but whenever I actually sit down and try to write it my mind just becomes blank. Completely blank. Or, you know those scenes in old western movies where there’s just sand and then a tumbleweed rolls across the screen? That’s my mind when I try to write. But tricking people into thinking I’m a genius, being part of a slightly psychotic family and growing taller all sound SO SO GOOD.
SOMEONE, TEACH ME HOW TO WRITE PLEASE I will give you food
At least you write down your ideas!! I’m terrible and think “oh I’ll remember that” and 4 seconds later I’VE FORGOTTEN EVERYTHING AND AM LIVING IN A SOUP OF REGRET.
hahah, ah, but I do understand the tumbleweed-brain when one wants to write.😂 I think it just takes practise and possibly a lot of chocolate. It’s all worth it for the psychotic writer family and the fabulousness of saying “I’m a writer” breezily to random friends, families, and reptiles. #winning
This post came at a good time for me! I have actually been wanting to attempt to write a novel for some time now and have come up with an idea and written little profiles for all of my characters but have been hesitant to actually try and write it. Seeing this post has made me want to continue with my writing and I shall now start an outline!
OH OH THIS IS GLORIOUS NEWS, KAREN!! GOOD LUCK!! *gives you chocolate to spur you on*
Thanks!!!!!
It’s funny, but I don’t tend to talk to people about my writing. My PARENTS tell other people I write, but I tend not to. Because it quickly becomes the only thing people want to talk to me about, and I don’t tend to tell people what I’m writing. And if I say “not much right now”, it turns into everything I have ever written in the past and it makes me very uncomfortable because I really don’t want to talk about it. And there’s always the annoying person who asks me if I’m going to self publish and then seems surprised that I want to go the traditional route because I’m, quote, so young.
Although I do love the writing insta-friends. Those are awesome.
I am actually the same.😂 Like I’ve had an agent for years but whenever my parents say “Oh Cait is a writer” I’m more like “OMG DON’T TALK NOBODY LOOK AT ME SOMEONE BURY ME”. Of course I’m happy to screech about it on the internet.😂 And omg what IS IT with people asking the self-publishing question!?? I once had someone give me this whole lecture on why I should self-publish and I’m just like…no. It’s annoying when people think they know more about writing then you, when we’ve like dedicated so much time and effort and study into learning about the industry. WE KNOW WHAT WE’rE DOING. (Well, sort of.😂 Kind of. A little…)
“drawbacks like mild insanity, spontaneous combustion, and developing eccentric behaviours like needing to write in a tree on Wednesdays wearing blue toe-socks in order to find your muse” I lost it at this. XD
I also lost it at #2. HILARIOUS.
Dragon riding/Eiffel-tower-stealing/becoming queen/living on cake. PRIORITIES YUS.
Oh goodness, #6. XDDD
“AN ENORMOUSLY SLIGHTLY PSYCHOTIC WRITING FAMILY” Um. Yeah…
Basically this post was so much fun and yes. XD WRITING = HUZZAH!
AND OH MY GOODNESS MY CAIT IS A HOBBIT. A SLIGHTLY DISTURBING, CAKE-LOVING, DRAGON-RIDING, BOOK-EATING, INSANE-READER/WRITER-COMBO, AUSTRALIAN HOBBIT. NO WONDER I LOVE YOU GOSH.
I’M GLAD YOU LIKED IT. *pats self on the back* And also yes yes to the hobbitness. This is why I like food and my hobbit hole and I am very small and probably squishy and I collect books and am not good at sharing my pantry SO I MEAN, HOW MUCH MORE OF A HOBBIT CAN I BE?
If I wasn’t already a widely popular and beloved author (because I am. For sure. No doubt here), then I would say that this post has very good advice. *nods wisely*
I always get really intrigued by people who think that writing is just thinking of something and writing it down BECAUSE IT ISN’T (okay, TECHNICALLY that is the very definition of writing). What kind of small minded chickens must they be? They need educating. It’s like, “YOU DON’T KNOW MY LIFE. YOU DON’T KNOW HOW HARD IT IS. YOU HAVEN’T SEEN WHAT I’VE SEEN.”
SO YOU MEAN BECAUSE YOU’RE WIDELY LOVED AND POPULAR YOU’RE NOT GOING TO SAY THE POST IS GOOD? *sobs* You bREAK MY SOUL basically.😭😂😭😂
But yes, like writing isn’t JUST the actual writing part. There is a lot that goes into it. It’s a lifestyle. :’)
I am in the midst of a frenzy right now.
Gotta go.
Gotta write.
*gives you cake to fuel you with your writing*
Cait this gives me so much life. XD I am a writer, newly a serious writer (e.g. I’m doing Camp NaNo) and I loved everything about this post. It reminded me of all the perks of being a writer. It is a perfect excuse for my weirdness! And I am more than just slightly weird… ahem ahem. I’ve got to say, being part of the insane (but in a good way) writing family, is probably one of the best parts. There are so many other people who dig me and they’re all over the internet and it’s AWESOME! And they don’t think you’re insane when you talk about how to torture your characters. Like the other day I messaged my friend and I was like “Should I kill Rachel’s husband and grandmother or just her grandmother?” and it was a totally normal conversation. Most other people would think me mad. You know what I mean? Thank you for this post Cait, it is a gift to the world. You deserve fame and cake and world domination and pet dragons.
OH OH GOOD LUCK WITH CAMP NANO!! *flails for you and stockpiles chocolate about your head* And the perks of being a writer are just AMAZING. It’s a glorious scapegoat for just about any weird thing, right? LURVE. And there’s always some other weirdo writer who’ll commiserate and cheer you on. Writing families are. the. best.
This list is amazing and now I REALLY want to be a writer! Actually I always wanted to be a writer, ever since this one teacher in high school told me once I was good at writing…like 14 years ago… BUUT I have zero ideas on what story I want to write. So maybe someday. In the meantime, I’ll keep reading other people’s books. You know, for research 🙂
Reading for research is EXCELLENT. I do that all the time. When people are like “why do you collect so many books” I just say “IT’S RESEARCH” and how can they argue? They can’t. WRITER. :’)
“I’m a writer” definitely works as an excuse for being weird and reading too much books. But I will rather be weird with great imagination than boring! All of yours points are 100% valid and I agree with you as always. Not to mention that writing makes you smarter because you need to know the language AND more interesting as a person. 🙂
YES. Weird imaginations for the win! There is honestly no downside to having an amazing imagination. :’) BuT YES I’M GLAD YOU LIKE MY POINTS.
Yes, I’m a writer, and it’s sooooooooo fun. And you have an excuse to act weird around strangers. I’m just saying: “I need to act like this character in my book so I get to know her better. I’m a writer!”
YES YES THAT IS EXACTLY HOW IT IS. Writing is the perfect scapegoat for everything. :’)
Blaming your weirdness on writing is totally a thing! I’ve never personally done it, because I like my weirdness (to a certain degree) but many of my writing friends have. At first, I didn’t let it fly. Like, “Oh, really? One of the characters in your book told you that you want to throw knives at me? NOT happening!” (And it never did, to be fair.) But I understand now. After a few people saying some weird things (refer to the knife-throwing), I get it. Apparently it’s research. (Best excuse ever!)
For the record, I am aware of the typo. “. . . throw knives at me?” NOT happening!
That’s how it’s supposed to read. My bad.
Saying “it’s for research” is basically my go-to excuse. Mostly it’s a lie, but pfft, we won’t let the mortals know, right?!? And I’m SURE eating that ice cream will be useful for book research ONE DAY. :’)
I am not a writer, but I wish I was. I might become a writer someday. I think reading is so much fun though (Reading is my #1 hobby). I have some ideas of the things I want to write. I have no idea how I want to go about starting though. How did you start writing? Do you have tips that has never written something before?
*whispers* Reading is like my #1 hobby too BUT DON’T TELL WRITING becuase it’s supposed to be my focus. But booooooks, Leah. BOOOOOKS. It’s so much easier to read someone else’s genius.
I think my biggest tip would be: finish it. 😂 Like whatever you decide to start, just make sure you finish it! Because you learn a lot that way and it’s a grand confidence boost.
Also my writing origin story is HORRENDOUS. My little sister was writing and…I was …. jealous. Seriously she was getting way too much attention. So I started writing and basically my dream-career is 100% because I was jealous.😂
YES TO ALL OF THIS! Writing is so much fun that my degree was in creative writing 🙂 Being around other writers is so much fun and interesting because you get to bounce ideas off of one another and show them what you’re working on so that you can get tons of different opinions on what works, what doesn’t, and what could be done to make it better. And the research point is so true; for my final assignment I wrote three stories about vampires and did so much research on vampire lore and how different it is depending on when the story is from or who it was written by, that I consider myself to be an unofficial vampire expert, haha. I’m still planning on writing more vampire stories, or mayyybe a vampire novel in the future, if I can push myself enough.
And it’s so encouraging being around other authors because they know what you’re going through, right?!? And also getting feedback is GLORIOUS and just improving and fajdksald writing families are the BEST.
Oooh, hello unofficial vampire expert. 😉 I LOVE how writing makes us experts on the weirdest things. Like, omg, let me tell you all these random useless facts I discovered after researching Genghis Khan this one time.😂
Awesome post Cait! I think that these are some great tips for inspiring writers who want to write books, but are unsure of what their book might turn out like. I was kind of nervous at first for writing a 50,000 word novel, but then I did it and I felt really proud of myself. 😀 I mean, that is a BIG deal for me.
I have dreams ALL OF THE TIME about becoming a writer. I also have weird dreams about me becoming one of the people that pushes shopping carts back into the store. I know, crazy right? I would love to become a member of the crazy, yet amazing writing family. I mean, writers and bookworms are the best type of people. Also the people who dream about planting potatoes on the moon. I actually saw a movie about that once, but it was potatoes on Mars.
I am also writing for Nanowrimo this November in my spare time and when I am not writing, I am planning. So far, it is going great! Thanks for being awesome Cait!
Yessss, writing 50,000-words is a HUGE deal and it’s amazing and CONGRATS TO YOU, BTW, BECAUSE YOU ARE A WRITING QUEEN TO HAVE FINISHED A BOOK. I think finishing books needs to be totally flailed over because it’s a massive undertaking!! CAKE FOR ALL OF US.
And if you write then you’re definitely already a writer, btw. 😉
And yes we writer are all really quite super mad and it’s glorious and no regrets.
OH AND I’M PLANNING A NOVEL TOO!! Instead of doing Camp.😂 TWINNING
Hello, you don’t know who I am but I love your tweets and this post is SO motivational! I am currently blogging my progress through Camp NaNoWriMo (the current progress has been watching youtube videos and listening to amazing film soundtracks…) but I am adding a link to this post for my 5th July update! I am so motivated now!!!!! THANK YOU
HI CHRISTINE!! *waves wildly and gives you welcome cake* Thank you for this uber nice comment. <3 YOU ARE SO KIND. And also best of luck with Camp NaNo! YOU GOT THIS. I shall be here cheering you on from the sidelines!
*both hands shoot up* YES I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE MY WACKY ECCENTRIC SLIGHTLY PSYCHOTIC “WRITING FAMILY.” They’re the best, all of them. (Especially YOU, Cait!!!) We can all be writing weirdos together and it’s very cool 🙂
I love all of these, but my favorites are #2, #4, and #10. Especially that Lizzy Bennet gif 😉
Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh, I remembered another benefit of writing!! You get to create all these beautiful, awesome fictional friends who don’t REALLY exist but you get to pretend that they do. You no longer have to rely on *other* authors to create the perfect fictional soulmate for you. YOU GET TO TAKE CONTROL AND DO IT ALL YOURSELF. #Power
*HAPPY DANCES IN CAKE CRUMBS WITH YOU* THE PSYCHOTIC WRITING FAMILY IS THE BESSSSST FOR SURE AND CERTAIN. And you can’t go wrong with Lizze Bennet gifs amirite?!? 😂
And YES. I also thoroughly concur with the fictional friends bit. Fictional friends are AMAZING. <3 The control of writing is actually one of my favourite parts. Mwhahaha.
Hilarious! I was in stitches by the end and getting some weird looks. I’ve been writing for a long time and I hoped to be published by now. My main problem is the idea of people reading my stories and then I start hyperventilating. But I made a promise to myself, my family, and friends that I would finish my novel by the end of the year. Even if it kills me. Haha! Anyway, great post!
Omg I TOTALLY UNDERSTAND. I freak out over people reading my books too.😂 I actually haven’t even let my parents read any of my books in about 5 years hahahhah. OH DEAR.
This post is the reason why I secretly dreamed to be a writer well except for the psychotic family part.hahaha
BUT THE PSYCHOTIC FAMILY PART IS THE BEST THING!! Everyone is so much WEIRDER and it makes all weirdness less weird which is handy. :’)
HMMMMM WELL EXCUSE ME WHILE I GO AND WRITE A BOOK. But really, these are all very good reasons to write stuff. I might say I like writing, but I’m not a writer. Maybe it’s more like a hobby. I don’t have any novel writing aspirations (at present, of course; they may come if I read this post enough) but I like stories and poems and all the other things. Of course, learning hints from important research and un-hobbitifying are also very very important and necessary. I empathise with this desire to stand on things, as a fellow munchkin (not a hobbit but close?). So yes now I am going to tell myself to write things. *stomps into the distance*
Omg I love standing on things. It’s probably a problem because some things don’t like to be stood on (aka: sisters are disagreeable about it)but it’s NICE to see what the tall people are seeing, right?! The air is so much fresher up there. tHE SKY SO BLUE. AHHHHH.
Hahaha, I LOVE this post!
And I love writing! And I would absolutely love to finish writing a book one day. However, I do not seem to have the concentration levels to write an entire book…I can barely manage a blog post.
Agh, that can be a downside to writing. *pats shoulder* I suggest training your dogs to type for you. And also train them to come up with the ideas. Just basically get your dogs to do 100% of the work and then claim it all for yourself afterwards. (I don’t do that…of course…not…)
You’ve done it again, Cait!
Well-thought, well written, inspiring post! 🙂 I’ve tried writing as well, I always get a few chapters in, then I get a MAJOR writer’s block that lasts for “n” years. 🙂 I have a pending one since January 2015, and I only need 4 more chapters to finish it and yuuuuup–still no progress with that 4 lacking chapters. LOL.
Eeep, I hope you can finish off those 4 chapters, Spuds! JUST THINK: you’ll be able to shout at people you’ve written a book and that is so much fun.
I just want to take a moment to appreciate how on point the gifs in this post are.
I WILL TOTALLY WRITE A BOOK SOMEDAY. Eventually. You know, when I get around to it. Lalalalala I’m a writer.
As for now, I will go back to frantically worrying about the fact that I should be frantically writing my BA thesis because it’s due next week.
Love the post! 😀
THANKYOU. All appreciation accepted because they are fabulous and I am fabulous. #humble
Pfft, aren’t you writing right now?!? I HOPE YOU’RE WRITING, VLORA. *shoos you off to keep writing* Also good luck with your thesis! EAT CHOCOLATE. Idek if that’s helpful but it’s fun to shout.
Ahahaha omg Cait why are your post always the best? They’re hilarious and so accurate at the same time. I’m in awe, Queen Cait. Here’s cake as a reward for your excellent skills. *hands over all the cake*
They are the best posts because I AM THE BEST. #humble
*eats all the cake*
I’m writing a book right now. And it is perfect. Of course. (It’s actually really really messy but I’m having fun and pantsing for the first time what I’m out of control somebody stop this amazing, beautiful, noveling genius).
Ahem.
Anyway, the crazy writing community might be one of my favorite parts of writing. (Although sometimes I feel like the annoying younger sister since I am younger than a lot of my internet writer friends. You’re definitely the quirky, cool Aunt, Cait).
My ALL TIME FAVORITE part, which I noticed you missed, would be getting to eat tasty food and call it research (except right now my mother says we can’t make macarons ughhh). And also you can eat chocolate and justify it with, “I need it to boost my incredible writerly powers” (1oo% foolproof excuse)
Basically, food.
Excellent post as always, Cait!
x Em
YAYYYY THAT YOU’RE ENJOYING YOUR BOOK, EMKAY!! That is really honestly the best. <3 I hope it continues to be awesome for you!
And omg the writing community though. <33 We're all NUTS and it's GLORIOUS. I'm dying at being "Aunt Cait" ahahahhahha. OH DEAR.😂
Definitely food is a good one, although I did put that in Reason #3.😂
CAIT, YOU ARE A GEM. Any doubts I had have magically melted away. *hugs you* And I am sooooo glad I’m not the only one who blames my weirdness on being a writer. Very comforting… <3
YES. Blame all weirdness on writing! It is foolproof and when we’re famous no one can even complain because WRITER.
I AM HONESTLY CRYING TEARS OF LAUGHTER RN CAIT YOU KILL ME XD
*digs nice grave for you*
*buries you*
*eats cake on your behalf*
ALSO I AM SO GLAD YOU LIKED IT.😂
Oh my gosh, I haven’t laughed this hard in ages. Reason 2 is the funniest thing I’ve read. I can’t even form a coherent sentence I’m laughing so much. Because I can actually imagine you having that conversation. Storming through the doors and announcing, I’M HERE AND I’M A WRITER. There’s nothing I can add to this piece of perfection <3 <3 <3 absolutely laughed myself stupid AND even now considering trying a bit of writing myself.
THIS ACTUALLY VERY MUCH MAKES MY DAY. *hugs comment* 😂😂 I do like to announce to my family my genius writing status very occasionally. (Aka: every second day.) I’ll be famous presently. I can feel it in my bones.
Aw Cait, I want ALL THESE THINGS. I want to throw books at my relatives, and be famous and have insta-friends! I just… time hates me. So much. Like- let’s be real here for a second- I COULD take time to write. Which would mean giving up time to blog. And now that I know that a hiatus won’t *technically* kill me, I know I could do that too. But I feel like I’d end up like, only half-doing both. And I don’t want to! But how can I make this work!? You need to send me your clones, or write me into a story where I have TIME, okay? It is the only way.
OMG I UNDERSTAND I TRULY DO. <3 I actually had that really really bad last year...although probably not as bad as you because I am not also raising small human creatures. BUT YEAH. I just couldn't give up my blog to write.😭 This year I kind of said "screw it" 😂 and have just been writing like a fiend because I want the title "author" more than "blogger". BUT LIKE I WANT BOTH TITLES ALSO SO YEAH LIFE IS HARD. SOMEONE GIVE US CAKE AND TIME TURNERS.
I’ve loved your post so much !! I’m constantly wondering if I should write a book, about what, which form etc And your post gave me some other advantages – I like weirdness. And I understand you when you talk about dragons’ feelings. People forget about them.
Dragons definitely have feelings. SO MANY FEELINGS. And I have so many feelings for them. <3 *hugs all the dragons*
AND I'M REALLY GLAD YOU LIKED THE POST OMG THANKYOU!
Agh I’ve literally wanted to write a books forEVER but I just can’t seem to stick with one idea? I also find it extremely hard to sit in one place and write it all down because I already have everything in my head, it’s already a solidified idea so why do I need to repeat myself again? I know logically why I should be writing it down, I just can’t quite seem to wrap my head around it.
I DO GET THAT ACTUALLY!! I actually write out my ENTIRE book in my head before putting it on paper too. #twinning But I still like the adventure of getting it written down. Although editing?! HAHAHA Nope. I’m bored of the book by then.
Numbers 3, 4, and 8 are my favorite! You could add to the list that writing a book can help keep you entertained in between reading books. That’s actually why I started writing when I was younger because I had to wait until my mother took me to the library (which was in another town) to check out new books, so I wrote stories in between library trips. Also, when you write a book you can make your characters do whatever you want them to, unlike, say, people in real life, ha ha:)
Oooh, that is true about writing keeping you entertained! Actually when I get sick of reading, I go write a book.😂 It makes me appreciate other author’s works SO MUCH MORE.😂 And YES I also like how much one can control in writing. :’) Plus authors are always tormenting me with hurting my favourite characters so time for some payback. mwahahhaah
Okay, I legitimately tried to write. I was like, “I’M GOING TO WRITE.” and I have finished exactly one book, (That I managed to lose when I switched computers) I have like two or three half finished. And the one with Tristan and Gang that is apparently only going to materialize through fanart of my own characters lol.
I hereby stand by my quip: I AM NOT A WRITER. I will illustrate and fanart the crap out of other people’s books *coughyourdeadguycharacterthatImeanttodrawforyouandspacedoncough* but to write one of my own that is actually… I dunno…. *good*…. C’est impossible. XD
S’UP, by the way?
OMG YOU LOST YOUR BOOK!? *cries for you* Maybe you should write a graphic novel! 😂 Because your drawings are SO EPIC I AM JUST SAYIN’.
Losing your book is literally the worst writer pain. I feel for you 🙁 I’ve had this too
“The “genius” part will follow eventually. And if it doesn’t, just wait till you die. Everyone appreciates authors after they’re dead.”
Cait, I have to say, this may be the most genius thing you’ve ever written! LOL.
Seriously, all of these are so true. 🙂
I AM JUST THE ULTIMATE BEAN OF TRUTHFULLNESS RIGHT NOW. *twirls majestically*
lol this was the post I’ve been waiting for my WHOLE LIFE. I revel in my eccentricity as a writer. It’s the best thing ever. Like, I can say to my mom, ‘hey I just killed 5 people.’ and she won’t blink an eye because she knows I’m talking about fictional people not real people.
Being a writer means you get to buy as many of those gorgeous notebooks and pens and post-it-notes and rulers and erasers and the whole stationary store, and no one will judge.
You get to eat as much chocolate and cake as you want, because you need moral support.
You have an excuse to sit on the computer for 1234567890 consecutive hours(and let’s be real; half of those hours are spent on the Internet. Don’t lie. We all know it’s true. Us writers are distracted little butterflies.)
People will automatically hold you in high esteem when they find out you write books. I’m not kidding. I can’t count how many times I’ve really, really impressed people by stating, ‘I WRITE BOOKS AND THEY ARE ALL AMAZING SO BOW DOWN PEASENTS.’ Well maybe not in those exact words, but close enough…….
Oh oh I’m glad you have such an understanding mother. *nods* My parents still think everything I write is modelled off them so I refuse to let them read my books BECAUSE NO, PARENTALS, THE EVIL PARENT IS NOT YOU. GAH. Parentals are delicate creatures at times and must be protected apparently.
And YES, I concur with the notebook need. Basically you can own the stationary store and say “I’m a writer” as you creepily stalk around testing pens for exceptional inky-ness. (Is it just me who has a thing about seriously INKY pens?? Like I want that ink to be black as my soul and come gushing forth.)
And pffft, all that time on the internet? CRUCIAL WRITING PROCESS OF COURSE.
And omg me TOO. People get so impressed when they hear I write and it’s kind of embarrassing.😂 And saying “BOW DOWN PEASANTS” is totally fun. Say it.
Cait, as strong as your persuasive powers are, and I do really want to write a book and become an author BUT IT IS SO HARD HOW DO YOU DO IT I JUST CAAAANT KEEP A PLOT GOING VERY LONG (as in..20K words at a push), I’m very much a character/dialogue kind of person but plots? a plot that can last a whole novel? HAHAHAHAHA i wish.
sigh.
again, as i keep telling myself, i should really try outlining…
I’m going to have an 8 hour car journey on the weekend, maybe I could try then..
WELL MAYBE ONE DAY IT’LL HAPPEN FOR YOU, RIGHT?!😂 I mean, I suppoooooose writing isn’t for everyone *heavy sigh* But look at the perks! SO MUCH CAKE REWARDS.
(Good luck on your 8hr car journey. Omg that’s intense. XD)
This post is great. You definitely convinced me to start writing right away. Especially with the 6th reason. I am taking notes.
Very good for taking notes. *rewards you with cake* And there is literally no downside to writing, except, well, mild insanity…SO HAVE FUN.
This is hilarious! Great post!
So this made me laugh wildly. XD I love reason two and three. Also, the one about you get to read more! Um, yes! When people complain about the amount of reading I do, I’m just like, “Research! I’m working here!” (Although they normally roll their eyes at this, because for some reason non-writers think they know more about writer than writers? Aren’t they sooo adorable. . .)
Also, #8. The writing family is the best and most eccentric. I love it (And that gif is A+)! There are numerous up-sides to writing.
A year ago I would have never ever wanted to write or do anything remotely close to that. Now I am getting a lot more ideas and plotting stories and creating characters and WHAT HAPPENED. I have no idea, but I kinda like it. WRITING MAKES YOU TALLER? Sign me up. (*even if it is just from standing on top of things. I can make stilts from the research and hid them and then be taller. SUCCESS!*) This post is fantastic in so so so many ways. I hardcore relate (or *want* to relate).
The psychotic family is my fave. Oh, blogging, THE THINGS YOU HAVE GIVEN ME. Eg a lot of weird friends to whom I can say “THE FMC OF MY HF WIP HAS FALLEN IN A PLOT HOLE WITH MY OTP, WHAT IF A READER DNFS” and they nod along sympathetically. Unlike my family. I say “OTP” and they say “is that a chemical?”
If you do ever drive across nine continents to get a snack I will be impressed.
Because there aren’t nine continents.
(If you read that in a sassy voice … you were right.)
Hahhahah to OTP being a chemical.😂 OMG THAT IS HILARIOUS.
And heck yes I would drive across 9 continents to get that snack. Stop raining on my parade with silly little facts like “there aren’t nine continents”. I MEAN, REALLY, EMILY. WHO STOLE YOUR SUNSHINE THIS MORNING? *stamps foot* I will FIND 9 continents and drive across them if I want to.
Someday I hope I get to meet you in person so we can talk about the rain. Or Guadalupe. Or, you know, blogging or writing or something. Those would be good too.
*Raises both hands* THREE CHEERS FOR OUR FANTASTIC WRITING FAMILY! HIP HIP HUZZAH! HIP HIP HUZZAH! HIP HIP HUZZAH!
Why is it ” hip”? Whatever.
YES! I am a writer! And I LOVE OUR FAMILYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!! *clears throat* I will try to regain my composure. Nope. Can’t be done. Sorry, I’m a writer! AND I just figured out my plot!! I just have to turn it into the story. I’ve been waiting for this moment for like EVER and I AM SOOOOOO HAAAAAAPPPPPPPYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!
Research… Research is such a wonderful thing! But when the book is about serial killers, torture and subtle world domination (okay, there is also love, self-discovery, family, friendship, but no… that’s not the fun part) it can seem a little scary, maybe? My mother is actually afraid that the police will arrest me because in the web nothing is cancelled. Yeah.
Sometimes with my friends I say things like, all the different ways to break a bone and like six different types of vegetal poison… They aren’t even anymore surprised. They just say: “That’s normal. You’re a writer.”
And then they get frustrated because I’m so slow.
Fans are so demanding… 😀
HAHA. YES. Sometimes research can be a little perilous. 😂 And make us look a little insane. Ahem. I have long conversations with my writing friends about murdering characters…oh how interesting those texts would look out of context. *hides*
OH MY GOODNESS I HAVE MISSED READING YOUR POSTS SO MUCH. *composes self*
This was pure genius, Cait. But you already knew that. Because you are a writer and writers are geniuses, obviously.
I want to hug this post and print out a thousand copies and paper my walls with them. They are all good reasons for writing–I can’t even pick a favorite. But like, it’s true that writing a book when you crave cake is a good idea. *nods*
I’m dipping my toes gingerly into the writing world, with dreams of seeing my stories being shared and enjoyed by families. The writing part I’m OK with, it’s the queries/submissions/endless waiting game part that scares me….!!!
BEST OF BEST LUCKS JANE!! *gives you encouraging chocolate* The queries and submissions are super hard (and nerve-wracking) but you can do it! I BELIEVE IN YOU.
He he, this was quite perfect. I am so glad I decided to be one. Even if it was only to have something to blame all of my random decisions on.
I love this. Thank you! And I’m making my debut~~~ I am a writer! I am 30 years old, and I forgot how much I love to write. So I am trying to get back to my child-like creative mind, that used to love writing short stories, and always got an A+ on them. I can do this. And even if I bomb it completely and totally, I don’t care! Because I will have fun doing it! I mean what’s the worst that can happen? I accidentally get famous?! Whaaaaaat!
Good luck with your novel and falling back in love with writing! THIS IS FABULOUS NEWS.
This was a joy to read. Thank you. I just started writing a book. It’s something I have always wanted to do but never have. It’s an amazing feeling. It drives me nuts but it’s so exciting!!!! It hurts so good!
I’m really glad you liked the post!! 😊😊
I’ve always wanted to write something!!! Yes, I’m that annoying stereotype. HOWEVER, I can almost get away with it cause I’m 17 and not 47… I’m looking at you, mum…
OH. I need to ask. How do you find places to talk to other writers?? besides facebook? I hate facebook. Are there random instagram authors who like chatting with random writers??? Are there group chats? I’ve tried to find other authors but failed. I need help!!! 😀