As a boa flouncer, an avid worker of the pen and a person who doesn’t mince her words, I often find myself in the company of people who dare to ask questions that they shouldn’t. I choose to answer these questions then I take action.
Question: So you’re still writing your little book, poem etc?
Answer: Thank you for inquiring about my writing life. It is always a pleasure to share my accomplishments with those who are highly intelligent, polite and classy. I see someone over there who fits that description. Excuse me.
Action: I stay dedicated to my writing projects. I write.
Question: Must be nice not having a real job?
Answer: I do have a real job. Unfortunately it involves listening to compost and exercising restraint.
Action: I go home and write.
Question: Writing doesn’t sound too difficult.
Answer: Listen harder, sweetie.
Action: I write.
Question: Wait a second, creative writing degrees are real things?
Answer: I wouldn’t expect someone with fake hair, fake nails, fake breasts to know anything real if it bit them in their fake behind.
Action: I write.
Question: Have you been published yet?
Answer: No, but I am a certified ass kicker.
Action: I write.
Question: Aren’t writers just professional liars? They sell stories for a living, after all.
Answer: Yes. And I must say, you look very nice this fine evening.
Action: I write.
It is hurtful when people you don’t know ask these questions and more hurtful, almost devastating, when these questions come from close friends and family. However, no matter who asks these questions they are questions that provide resistance. They are usually asked in a condescending tone which creates feelings of humiliation and worthlessness in the writer. They are asked in a way to make a writer feel bad about her work and when the writer has doubts about the work she stops writing. Remember as a writer you have the power to create and when dealing with these sour attitudes, use your power to continue to create a strong, dedicated person who is secure enough to write her stories.
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Katrina Renee Byrd
Latest posts by Katrina Renee Byrd (see all)
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I've told a few people at work that I've written several books — "look me up on Amazon," I say. Some of them are amazed and some of them try to make a joke of it. I don't think a single one has read any of my books.
I figure the joke will be on them when I'm making enough from my writing to retire early. :)
Lynne, I certainly understand what you're talking about. I can't wait to read your work. Thank you so much for reading this article and thank you for your comment. Keep writing and following your dreams!!! I flounce my boa at you!!!
People who ask questions like that are just jealous they do not have the creative way with word that you have. Congrats on all of the books you have wrote and everything in the future you will write.
Thanks so much, Bunnys Review. Your kind words and well wishes are very inspiring to me. And I do agree that those who make these statements and ask these questions are struggling with something within themselves. I am always surprised at how unhappy they are. I feel that we all make choices and many who make these types of comment have made a choice in their lives that that has not brought them the happiness that they'd like. So they lash out at those who are truly happy and who have the courage to make a new choice if they're not. But, I always ask myself; Why should I live my life according to others' choices? Thank you so much for your comment and keep writing and being a creative spirit!! I flounce my boa at you, Bunnys Review!!
I'm lucky to have mostly supportive people around me. However, when I encounter bores like the ones you describe above, I'll be sure to make use of your witty comebacks!
Thank you for reading, Susan. And thanks for your wonderful comment. I am so glad that you are surrounded by supportive people. Artists must be nurtured. I have supportive people around me as well and for that I am so happy to have them in my life. However, those who have been less than kind to me and the work I do have had to deal with, not only my witty comebacks but my growth as an artist as well. I flounce my boa at you, Susan!
Love the humour – the only way to survive in this strange world of ours.
When I tell people of my 11 books, I don't think they believe me or just shy away, as if I've done something wrong. I can almost hear their thoughts, 'But she's not famous!'
I just love to write and try to ignore some of the biting comments that are fired into the conversation – e.g. 'Oh, and how is the little hobby coming along?'
:)
Julie, I know what you mean. I certainly know that look of disbelief all too well. Once i was volunteering for a project. This project was pretty huge. It took countless hours of my time from January to about the middle of June. At the end of the project the director asked me, "So what's going on in your little world?" It wouldn't have hurt any worse had she punched me. I remember thinking that by saying yes to this volunteer project i was saying no to my writing and other creative endeavors.
So, like you, I write and ignore the biting comments. Thanks for your comment. I flounce my boa at you, Julie!!