Writing, particularly for poets and novelists, is a challenging and competitive field that requires every ounce of drive and dedication you have in your body. While the work we do is valid, and we know that, the "encouragement" that we get from our non-writing friends only enhances the experience more. The comments come from different people over the years, but the messages are perpetually the same. Us writers have heard them, you non-writers have probably said them, and I've compiled a list of the most classic sh*t us writers are told on a frequent basis!

1. "So, you want to be a teacher?"

That is absolutely correct. It's not like there aren't 13490349 other things writers could do with a writing degree, like, I don't know... write. We clearly all want to teach third grade English. Hope there's no shortage of jobs there!

2. "Is there really any money in that?"

Thank you for at least politely asking "so you're gonna be working at Olive Garden post-grad?" Because there is nothing more reassuring than that wonderful reminder, not that of the fact that this isn't a high paying field, but that everyone else thinks that this isn't a high paying field, as well.

3. "You're writing? So, you're not busy."

What level of delusion do people have that they can't see that writing is work? Laptop open, hands on keys, mind at work...all this translates to "I am a busy individual, your favor can wait unless you're dying. And even at that, if it's not immediate, go away."

4. "You know, I tried to write a book once."

Wow, please tell me more.

5. "...but it was too hard, so I gave up."

6. "I bet you're going to write the next Twilight!"

I don't know what it is about being a young writer in particular that gets people to cite crappy pop culture references, somehow implying that those stories are the pique of literary success. But no, most of us are not aiming to write the next Twilight. Some of us love ourselves.

7. "I want a free copy of your book when you're famous."

I'm going to be a little serious here and say that this kind of talk tends to bother me the most. Do people like you for you, or because they want to d*ck ride on the off chance you become successful?

8. "So, you must sit around and just write all day."

I wish I could do this fantasy where I have all the time in the world to sit and write. You know that meme that shows "what society thinks I do?" People actually think that we all have the time and the resources to do this, like we don't have jobs, and school, and other obligations.

Granted, it does tend to eat up a good chunk of our social lives...be real, hanging out with other writers is our social life, but the "sitting away in the mountains talking to the trees" idea only happens in theory. In actuality, we sit on our laptops and gossip between edits. The latter being more common than the former.

9. "Make me a character in your story!"

Right. Because you are easily the most interesting person we know, and completely reworking the universe in our work to give you a spotlight will absolutely be a priority.

10. "You should write a happy story."

Here's the thing, happy endings aren't a bad thing. But there's this big disconnect between the Disney happy ending non-writers crave and the realistic, completeness a story desires.

Besides, happiness in a story often eliminates the conflict. Jerry Springer before the "Wedding Singer."

11. "Write me something!"

This is self explanatory.

12. "Creative writing? My kid can do that!"

Okay, we get it, writing has a reputation for being easy. Now let's see your sixth grade honor student and me in a spoken verse showdown, then come back and talk to me about how easy this is.

13. "Hey, I have a writing opportunity for you! It's a lot of work and doesn't pay, but it's great exposure!"

Exposure is great. We writers thrive off of it. But we can't pay the bills with exposure. Better luck next time.