Why You Should Never Become A Writer
You’ve got this image in your head, don’t you? Lounging around in a cozy robe, sipping on hot coffee, typing away on a vintage typewriter with a cat purring on your lap.
You see yourself weaving stories that’ll capture hearts and minds, taking readers on a whirlwind of emotion and adventure. Writing, after all, has its allure – it promises freedom, a creative outlet, and even fame if you’re very lucky.
Well, let’s add a dash of reality to that daydream. No doubt, writing is enticing, but it’s also a path strewn with unforeseen challenges, impossibly high highs, and woefully low lows. Consider this your friendly yet frank guide to the not-so-glamorous side of a writer’s life, from someone who’s been there, done that, and has the T-shirt (that’s about to go to Goodwill).
14 reasons why you shouldn’t become a writer
1. Money matters (or rather, its scarcity does)
Making a comfortable living as a writer is more fiction than fact. Unless you’re spinning gold out of your pen like J.K. Rowling, financial instability is practically part of the writer’s starter kit.
With inconsistent paychecks and the value of your work largely dictated by others, you may find that the starving artist life is more literal than you’d prefer.
Even if self-publishing is more your thing, the numbers on that side, I’m afraid, are even more dire, as the majority of self-publishers don’t make a single penny from their work.
2. The muses aren’t always in your corner
Creating art on a deadline is hard. Having to constantly churn out original, high-quality work can take the fun out of the creative process.
On some days, inspiration might be your faithful companion; on others, it may vanish, leaving you grappling for words. Managing this inconsistency can be mentally and emotionally exhausting.
3. It’s a lonely world
Writing is inherently solitary. You spend hours wrestling with words, trapped in your own head with little human interaction. If you’re someone who thrives in the company of others, the isolation that comes with writing can feel like a punishment rather than a perk.
Be prepared to have detailed, in depth conversations with yourself, because you’ll be doing that a lot (or maybe that’s just me and I need to see a shrink!).
4. Criticism can cut deep
When your personal ideas and expressions are up for public scrutiny, criticism can sting. Sure, it can make you a better writer, but it can also shake your confidence and make you question your ability.
Reviewers hold no punches. They have the power to shape public opinion about your work, and a negative review can hit harder than a physical blow. In the age of online platforms, anyone and everyone can voice their opinions, and trust me, they will. You’ll find detailed dissections of your characters, plot, even your grammar – sometimes fair, sometimes less so.
Developing a thick skin is a necessity, not a suggestion.
5. Work-life-hobby balance goes off the rails
Remember writing for fun? Yeah, that gets trickier when writing is your bread and butter. It’s challenging to keep your passion intact when the very act that used to relax you now brings stress, deadlines, and expectations.
6. The success lottery
Talent alone doesn’t guarantee success in writing. The market is fickle, and recognition can be arbitrary. You could be an excellent writer and still struggle to make your mark, while someone else hits it big with a mediocre piece. A big part of succeeding in writing is pure, dumb luck.
7. You’ll be wearing many hats
A writer today isn’t just a writer. You’re also a marketer, a PR rep, a social media manager, an accountant, and more.
And if you choose to go the self-publishing route, you might also find yourself making your own book covers, doing your own editing (which I wouldn’t advise), and setting up your own ad campaigns.
If multitasking and self-promotion aren’t your strong suits, you’re in for a bumpy ride.
8. Binding contracts can be a bind
If you’re fortunate enough to attract the attention of a traditional publisher, you should know that publishing contracts sometimes feel more like a ball and chain than a golden ticket. They may limit your creative freedom, dictate your writing schedule, and even control future works.
You might dream of seeing your name in print, but it’s wise to remember that every contract has its strings.
9. A crowded marketplace
There’s no getting around it – the writing market is oversaturated. There are thousands, if not millions, of aspiring writers vying for the same spots you are. Trying to distinguish yourself in this crowded arena can feel like shouting into a void, and it’s easy to get lost in the sea of stories.
This “problem” exacerbated by the advent of the internet. On one hand, it’s fantastic because it has democratized the world of publishing. Any Tom, Dick, or Harriet with a story to tell can upload their work online for the world to see. It’s no longer about impressing a handful of gatekeepers – a solid online presence can propel you to stardom (or at the very least pay a few bills).
But on the other hand, this freedom means there’s an avalanche of content out there. With countless blogs, eBooks, and self-published novels, readers are spoilt for choice.
Getting your work noticed among the clutter is a Herculean task. The odds of your masterpiece being discovered in this sea of words can feel depressingly miniscule.
10. Readers’ fleeting focus
The rise of digital media has led to shorter attention spans. Readers often prefer bite-sized, easily-digestible content over lengthy novels or in-depth articles. Adjusting your writing to cater to these fast-paced reading habits could be a tough transition, and it may not align with your creative vision.
11. The allure of alternative media
With the rise of podcasts, audiobooks, and video content, the written word is facing stiff competition. People are increasingly consuming stories through other media, and this shift can pose a significant challenge to writers.
You may find that your carefully crafted words are competing with the allure of a well-produced YouTube video or an engaging podcast.
12. Staying on the publishing treadmill
If you choose the self-publishing route, there’s an unspoken rule that you have to keep feeding the beast. This means constantly producing new content to stay relevant and keep your readers engaged. It can be a relentless cycle of write, publish, promote, repeat.
While this offers more control over your work, it also means you’re responsible for maintaining the momentum. The pressure of continuously churning out fresh content, coupled with self-marketing and reader engagement, can turn your dream career into a relentless grind.
13. Tech and AI are on your tail
Advancements in AI and technology are making it easier to create content without the need for a human writer. AI can now write articles, generate reports, and even create poetry.
While there’s still a certain magic that only human writers can bring, it’s worth considering the impact technology might have on your future prospects.
14. Navigating the copyright minefield
As a writer, your ideas and words are your currency, and there’s always a risk that someone else might attempt to cash in on them. Copyright infringement is a genuine concern in this digital age, where your work can be easily copied, modified, or redistributed without your permission.
While copyright laws are in place to protect you, they’re usually difficult and costly to enforce, especially across international borders. Dealing with plagiarism or unauthorized use of your work can drain your time, resources, and emotional energy, and it’s yet another unromantic reality of the writing life.
If your books become even mildly successful, be prepared to send out multiple DMCA notices to the many pirate websites that host stolen copies of your digital work, and be prepared for most of them to be ignored.
Final thoughts
The life of a writer isn’t for the faint of heart. I should know, I lived it. It’s a journey filled with challenges, from the financial instability to the changing preferences of readers.
Yet despite all these hurdles, if writing is what stirs your soul, if it’s your raison d’être, don’t shy away. Understand that the journey ahead isn’t all book signings and gleaming awards; it’s a path laced with solitude, scrutiny, and a dose of insecurity.
Before you dive in, remember this: writing demands passion, resilience, and a thick skin. But for those who can weather the storm, it’s a pursuit full of wonder and a unique kind of satisfaction that only crafting worlds from scratch can bring.
So, dear friend, if you still find yourself drawn to this wild, wonderful madness that is writing – write. Write with courage, write with love, but please don’t quit your day job just yet!