posted
The guys that I eat lunch with recently discovered that I write and sell my work. Now they ask about it, and I find myself incredibly shy about it. It isn't like I'm secretive about my writing, but I feel odd talking about in person. Anyone else experience this? Any tips?
Posts: 823 | Registered: May 2009
| IP: Logged |
posted
I introduce myself as a writer now, but not an author, since I'm not making the equivalent of a yearly salary from my writing. However, I don't go into specifics of my writing. I hate talking about my novel, so I have business cards and a website that interested people can peruse.
I find art in general, writing specifically, that if you mention it but don't have evidence of genuine success behind it, is spoken about by others in a slightly patronizing way. I don't blame them, though. Too many people call themselves artists, or writers, no matter their level of competency. And because of the digital revolution, seems like every other person has a book to sell.
There's a better than average chance that someone in the family or extended family of these people you eat lunch with also sells their writing online. It's as easy as a click of a button, and I can guess that talking about something that anyone and everyone can do with such ease will make one feel self-conscious.
Plus, when you talk about your writing, you offer yourself up for evaluation, or a critique, on the off chance someone actually checks it out. Even sitting in the comfort behind their computer, people find this difficult.
Posts: 1216 | Registered: Nov 2011
| IP: Logged |
posted
I think some of the people around me know I write. But I don't discuss it much---it's not the sort of thing that comes up in general conversation, unless I'm conversing with a fellow writer.
I remember, once---well, in the course of my job, I sometimes have to write grievance statements---a short (usually) written statement explaining why management is wrong and has violated my rights under the contract in some particular incident or another, for use in a grievance the union will (or sometimes won't) file on my behalf.
It came out in discussion that some of the stewards appreciate the clarity of my statements, even to the point of lifting some of my phrasing for use elsewhere (often others file grievances on the same issue and it all gets lumped together). One once complimented me on it, and asked how I do it. "Thirty-some years of practice, trying to write for publication."
Posts: 8809 | Registered: Aug 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
When asked what I do, I speak plainly that I am an editor, writer, and publisher, plus, in other contexts and circles an artisan.
What other people make of that is their outlook. When asked if I've any work they might know, I refer to whatever they signal they are inclined to look at. If they ask how much I've made from my careers, and they do, I say lifetime totals and awards if they care to know. It's all detailed on my curriculum vitae.
Fellow writers are the more fickle of the lot. Fellow editors are the secondmost fickle. Fellow publishers want to talk most about the business culture and a few who I respect want to talk about design parameters and appeals.
People who ask about my education, training, and experience in those fields don't get past my degrees before they lose interest. See the eyes rattle in their sockets when I say summa cum laude English master's degree, not to mention bachelor's summa cum laude English too.
The longest conversation I've had about writing culture overall started several years ago and is ongoing and will be for the foreseeable future long term.
When asked my most passionate ambition for writing, the answer is revitalization and innovations that advance writing culture and knowledge.
I recently went through most of this during a medical study with a psychology extern. The general area of the study is diabetes and cognitive behavior. The extern asserted my perspective is too abstract and insisted upon concrete cognition. Concrete cognition is for me superficial and mechanistic. Truth takes place more in the abstract than the surface. This is my approach to writing
Needless to say, I lose many persons' interest if I go into my writing aesthetics that deep. Fortunately, whoever changes the subject to their interests. I learned something along the way that informs my writing; that is, suit words and subject matter each to the other, and to the opportune occasion, and -- most of all -- to the audience: appeal and relevance.
Posts: 6037 | Registered: Jun 2008
| IP: Logged |
posted
I don't know, I mean perhaps I'm more of a 'here I am, warts and all' kind of person, but its hard for me NOT to tell people I'm a writer (even though I haven't published anything).
The only issue for me, is if they want to read my book. Fantasy, and Epic Fantasy, is an acquired taste, and I don't like giving out my work willy nilly. First of, I'm shy of my work, what will they think of me? Will they judge my writing? I get to many offers to read my work, that will probably end up with them saying 'yeah, it was pretty good'.
So perhaps I SHOULD learn from you guys, and simply tell people my day job.
Posts: 14 | Registered: Feb 2016
| IP: Logged |
posted
I once made the mistake of telling 'Joe Public' that I was a writer. The ensuing tedium of trying to answer all too obvious questions made certain I never told anyone else again. Well, that's not quite true. In the course of doing research, I find 'Professionals' are more inclined to speak openly with me if I tell them why I want information--research for a book I'm writing. Now, I could trawl the Internet but I find talking to actual people gives me a better and more complete insight and a deeper understanding of the subject.
posted
I've been writing for decades and never told anyone. It was only recently that I realized that this is what I really want to be doing in life so I better start acting on it. I have a number of published technical papers (think Physical Review Letters or Journal of Physical Chemistry) - really bland stuff - and that's what people know about me. Otherwise, I'm right there with you. I'd be way too embarrassed. Sorry, I've no advice for you!
Posts: 82 | Registered: May 2016
| IP: Logged |
posted
A former student of mine had a book signing today. I went, bought the book, had him sign it. We chatted a bit. His mother was there and asked if I write. I said yes, but I've only managed to get short stories published. She asked what genres I wrote in, and again that self-consciousness crept in and I gave my generic, "any genre I think I can sell" line.
Posts: 823 | Registered: May 2009
| IP: Logged |
posted
Personally, I think being shy when talking about your writing is a natural reaction. However, don't let that stop you from broadening your knowledge. If your coworkers are saying your writing was good, ask why they thought it was good or what they liked about that particular piece. If they say it was good but needed work, again ask why. You can learn a lot from either situation that you can use or modify in the next piece you write. I look at every interaction with another person talking about something I've created, whether it be a piece of art, a piece of writing, a cooked meal, anything really, as a time to learn and enhance my skills further.
Posts: 70 | Registered: Feb 2012
| IP: Logged |
Printer-friendly view of this topic
