Stumbled upon neat article which I’d like to share about The Difference Between Liking to Write and Being a Writer. Oh, yes, there’s a difference. Even without reading the article, if you’re smart, you’ll get an idea.
After all these years of being active in social media with my share of success in the publication of my manuscripts, I have time and again encountered questions on writing, with requests for writing advise, down to the guidelines for submitting a manuscript. I, in my desire to help, try to deal with each and every one of them. But for the life of me, I cannot understand how many of these individuals, mostly youngsters, could be so limited as to stick to Facebook and Twitter, stalking publication fan pages as well as author accounts and fan sites, for answers to their questions. Google could be so much more helpful to them, if really they are that interested in writing. Or being a novelist.
work in progress by EJ
Many up and coming young aspirants would often begin their query/notice with,
Nabasa ko po ‘yung book niyo, na-inspire ako magsulat! [I read your book, I felt inspired to write.]
To which I react, and strongly advise,
Darling, clear it with yourself first if you are indeed inspired to write. As in really write, and embrace the life of a novelist. Because you may just be in awe of a writer’s life. If that is so, and you are simply fascinated with the adulation, the wonder of finding out about the lives of the characters of a beautiful story, then you are bound to find much difficulty as a novelist. This life is no joke. It’s tiring. It involves a lot of effort for research and for the actual writing process. If you’re not ready for that, then be happy with reading and giving support to your favorite novelist.
No, I have no intention of discouraging you. At least not if you really do want this life. But again, go back to the link on this entry. Distinguish between liking to write and being a writer. Then make your decision.
Good luck!
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