If you have friends or loved ones who are recreational writers, chances are you may have preconceived notions about their habits and daily lives. When I mention to others that I am a writer, I sometimes get common themes that are subtly implemented into my relationships. People assume that, as a writer, I am constantly in need of supplies and/or know random quotes from literature off the top of my head. While sometimes this might be true in certain situations, it can't be said for everyone. I gathered a few pet peeves that have appeared over the course of my writing career. Writers are usually pretty perceptive people, and can notice when you commit one of these errors.
1. "Oh, you're a writer? What are you studying, English?"
While this might be true in my case, it's not a mandatory requirement for you to be studying English in order to be able to write. It's understandable that someone may come to that conclusion, you don't need a degree in order to relate to other human beings through writing. I believe that everyone has the ability to tell a story, whether through spoken word or written down.
2. Stop telling us our writing is "good".
Chances are if a writer comes to you for feedback you probably know better than to make this mistake already, but for the people who don't know: If a writer approaches you to have you look at their work, simply telling them, "Oh, I like it!" isn't exactly the kind of response that we need. What does "good" mean? What MADE it good? Why did you like it? What was your favorite part? Giving structured critiques and identifying the parts that you enjoyed is what we seek, not just a general comment. Regardless, though, thank you. I appreciate that you like it.
3. STOP BUYING US WRITING JOURNALS.
PLEASE, FOR THE LOVE OF GOD. I DON'T NEED ANOTHER EMPTY BOOK TO FILL SPACE IN MY BOOKSHELF. I know it seems nice and convenient as a gift idea to give a writer a new journal to fill, but the hard truth of the matter is that there is a 99% chance that, if I am given a new journal, I'll slide it into a space on my shelf and then never touch it again. I promise you that it's nothing personal, it's just that I already have two or three half-filled journals that I'm still in the progress of filling. Unless I mention I need one, please just save your money.
4. Don't assume that we always have time to write, or are always writing.
I have terrible dry spells. I go literal months sometimes between writing things as simple as diary entries, and I beat myself up about it constantly. I only mention this because sometimes when referencing my dry spells, I am met with remarks like, "But you need to write!!" Thanks. I know. But because of my full schedule I don't usually have the energy at the end of the day to set time aside and write, not to mention the fact that I'm awful at prioritizing between dinking around on the computer and writing. The exact same can be said for pleasure reading.
5. Don't ask us to see what we've recently written unless we invite you to take a look.
A lot of the subjects covered in things like poetry and prose can be very sensitive and personal, so just outright asking someone to read their work without being invited is a little outlandish. I wouldn't ask you to reveal something about yourself, so why should I be an exception?
6. Don't assume we can churn out masterpieces like a machine.
This goes a bit hand-in-hand with number 4, but I am not some reservoir of creativity that can be casually tapped into. I can't write a chapter of a young adult novel in the course of an hour, let alone even think of a plot idea that I don't absolutely despise. Creativity takes time and inspiration; unless I see or hear something that sparks an idea, I'm not usually going to be avidly writing down everything in my head. I've sat on a story idea for three years before I actually acted on it, and I'm still not completely satisfied with the finished product. In order to create something that's unique and worthy of pride, you need to be dedicated, confident in your abilites and passionate about what you're doing; that should be said for any profession.
