June 20, 2022
What assumptions do people make about you when they hear you are a writer?
I don’t have a good answer to this question, because I don’t pay much attention to it. Throughout my life, I’ve defied a lot of expectations and my writing is no exception. When I wrote poetry, no one seemed surprised—I fit the mold. Young housewife with two kids, writing poetry about nature and love—nothing out of the ordinary.
But those circumstances had changed by the time I released a book. I was in a professional role, and to outward appearances, I met the expectations of the job. The ‘correct’ clothes, the ‘correct’ attitude, the ‘correct’ game face. Then I released Wolves’ Pawn, a book featuring people shifting into wolves. Not what my coworkers or family expected. I received more than a few sideways glances and rolled eyes when certain people found out.
The reaction from my immediate team (mostly guys) was more encouraging. Gentle ribbing, but delivered with no malice and more as encouragement. How do I know? By the ones who bought copies of that and subsequent books even if they don’t plan on reading them.
I’ve met some of you at various comic cons and other events. Cons are my favorite. Everyone gets to be whoever they want to be. All assumptions are left at the door. I’m free to sell books about whatever subject I want. (And I’ve worked a mention of a few of the costumes I’ve seen into my books!)
Do people make assumptions about me? I’m willing to bet the answer is yes, but it doesn’t bother me. I’ve been around long enough to know that’s the way people work.
How do the other authors on this hop feel about the assumptions people make? Just follow the links below to find out.
By the way, stay tuned to this space for big news—a change coming to my life!
Until then, please stay safe.
June 20, 2022
What assumptions do people make about you when they hear you are a writer?
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Interesting. my reaction has been the same way from everyone except for a couple of people who genuinely love my novels (Odd ball glances and comments when they actually hear about what my novels are about), lol. Its totally cool that your co-workers were totally supportive.
I am lucky to work with a great team.
It’s good that you’re not too bothered about people’s assumptions and just get on with the business of writing.
I rather enjoy defying people’s expectations!
Me too.
That’s the right approach – let people think what they want, but get on with your life.
Yes, I’ve learned to be me.
I’m fairly hardened to the reaction at events, I’m in “author ” mode and because of my pen name, a different person. At home, I’m very private and few people know my secret.
It’s a weird line to walk…being open enough to the public to sell your books, and being introverted in real life.
There are people in my private life who know I publish novels. Some of them read them — it turns out engineers are often fantasy nerds — but I kind of like keeping my personal and professional lives separate, which is one reason I use a pen name. But it doesn’t take long in a town as isolated as Fairbanks for news to get around. One book signing at the sole remaining brick-and-mortar book store and the whole town knows about your alter ego. I guess that was inevitable.
And sadly. most people won’t care or go rush to buy one of your books.
Right. I do enjoy that I have about a half-dozen fans among my coworkers. One guy actually keeps me to my one-book-a-year in Transformation Project promise because long about nine months, he starts asking when I’m pushing the next one.
That’s a good fan to have!
You are so lucky to work with a great team. My co-workers were too important to be interested in my writing.Tweeted
I am lucky. A great team with a great boss!
Will I ever claim to be a writer ? Doubt it, no matter how many books I try to write. Define ‘ writer’ ? Why is this so very different from ‘ artist’ ?
Esther, all that writing you are doing accomplishes something – it helps you find your voice and become a better writer. The fact that you are trying means you’re doing something most people don’t. Don’t allow other people to define what being a writer means – define what it means to you..