There are a lot of things that you shouldn't say to aspiring creative writers. But, in my experience, I've had people ask me questions or give me their opinion on our seemingly dying breed. To all your creative writers out there, you can sympathize with me and understand the below examples.

"Good luck making a living out of that."

Thanks for reminding me. I really appreciate your support and your positive, optimistic attitude. How would you like it if I made it seem like your profession was anything less? Writers already struggle with finding good jobs, while still remaining happy with their passion. It really kind of sucks when we have to hear, "Good luck with that," on a daily basis. How about just be happy for us?

"Can I read it?"

No, I'm sorry. Personally, I used to let people read my drafts -- and I mean my rough, rough drafts. I would even let people know about an idea that would instantly pop in my head. Now, I've made it my mission to keep all of my drafts. It's hard showing it to people when they ask nowadays because you're afraid of them judging it, and we're not exactly comfortable with sharing the early works.

"This is what you should write about!"

Please don't bother me about writing a story that you had in mind. If you want to write it, then you should! I appreciate your interest in my writing, but I'll decide on what I'm going to write about.

"But what do you like...do?"

Well, I thought it was pretty clear that I am an aspiring writer? I've spent a lot of time putting together portfolios with my personal creative writing work in the past, I've taken creative writing classes and I enjoy writing poetry, narratives and short stories. It's more than just a hobby. It's kind of my life.

"Are you going to be a teacher?"

No, I am not going to be a teacher. Not all English majors, or people who enjoy writing and want to take it further in life, want to be a teacher. There's more to the writing field than being a professor. Please stop asking writers if the only thing they want to be is a teacher.

"Where do you come up with your ideas?"

I honestly don't know. I mean, I really, really do not know. They just come to me at random, in the strangest of times in the most unusual or usual places. I can get an idea at work and jot something down on receipt paper. Or, I can develop a story from a previous life situation or from a weird dream.

"My cousin moved to New York and tried to pursue writing. It didn't work out for him."

I hear this all the time. Thank you for telling me something that I probably don't want to hear. That's unfortunate for him, and I know you're not trying to make me feel bad, but go rain on someone else's parade. There's already enough pressure and misleading facts about being a writer, that I don't need to hear about other fellow writer's failed attempts.

"Can I be a character in your story?"

Totally. I can easily put a character with your personality in my story that has to be based around your traits. Of course you were going to ask that. How about I decide what I put in the story, OK?

"Writing doesn't seem too difficult."

Sometimes, writing does come naturally, especially for those who are gifted writers. But even those writers still struggle with writer's block, competing with other passionate writers and feeling insecure with their work. All artists or creative people are hard on themselves. So no, writing can be difficult -- I know it's been difficult for me at times. Don't assume it's easy just because it's not logical or mathematical.