Often times, people criticize writers as resentful JK Rowling wannabes who have to work multiple other jobs to get by. When I say I want to write as a profession, I'm often met with a wide-eyed expression, clack of the tongue, and a "that's a small field to get into." People question if I ever really will get a job, or come to my senses before I graduate college and can switch my major. But I'm not sure people truly understand how high the demand for words is in today's corrupt society.
Yes, it's true, I spend most of my school breaks in my pajamas, hunched over my computer and re-absorbing my weight in coffee. And, OK, I am resentful sometimes and I think it would be rad to be JK Rowling, plus I'm working multiple part-time jobs as I go to school full-time. But, there are a lot of perks to writing that many people never truly examine or express when dissecting and criticizing my career choice. And a lot of them are humorous.
1. When things don't end the way we want them to, we write them that way.
Often times, life goes unplanned. And as a planner, that's a difficult concept to grasp. Writers often seek comfort in being able to write the ending to life that they desired and probably didn't get. Hand over the Oscars, Jennifer Lawrence, in this story I'm the real Meryl Streep beater.
2. When I'm mad at you in life, I'm probably mad at your character, too.
Characters are often crafted after people in our lives. If you piss me off in real life, I'll probably have a tragic ending for your character. Cue tragic breakup for you, Janice who ate the rest of my Oreos without asking.
3. Every fight I every had is in a story.
One of the most wonderful things about writing is being able to write what you cannot say. Every time I had an argument that upset me and I missed my opportunity to say what I felt, I usually put it in a story. And let me just tell you, Carol, I owned that argument.
4. I can live with my head in the clouds.
While writing for The Odyssey, and hopefully getting paid to write stories in the future, I can literally live with my head in the clouds. I get to stay in imagination land without being scolded for doing so, sorry Mom and Dad.
5. Starbucks and coffee shops are your new home.
Once you become a writer, you are legally allowed to set up camp at a Starbucks (or local coffee shop) with the most vintage outfit you own and an air of arrogance without judgment phasing you.
6. We're creating new worlds.
Every person who has ever turned to a book as an escape from reality, has writers to thank. We create worlds that act as a vacation from mundane life; these worlds provide entertainment and joy, our characters create a self-awareness amongst our readers and the trials in the books often give our readers faith and hope in their times of need.
6. We're really good at writing cards.
Expect the best and most heart-felt birthday cards and handwritten letters. It's our specialty.
7. I'm utilized more than you think.
Speeches, research papers, essays, Instagram captions, you name it and my friends are texting me for help. My ability for crafting words is a lot more needed than society tends to believe. I have a collection of colored pens and a code of symbols used to help edit that often earn me the nickname "Grammar Nazi."
7. It's not just a job, it's a passion.
I'm not striving for a paycheck but rather chasing my dreams. Although it can be lonely and filled with self-doubt at times, it is one of the most amazing and rewarding feelings to see my words published. I am thankful every single day that I not only have the drive to pursue my dreams but also the ability and opportunity to fulfill them.
Of course, there are millions of other perks to being a writer, but I can tell you one thing: the perks far outweigh the downfalls. For my fellow writers out there: I hope your life is full of creative ideas, clever wordplay and charming alliteration. And for the non-writers of the world: look for my name on the shelves.
