Throughout the history of Actualidad Literatura There have been various posts that have covered the many benefits of being a writer: the possibility of transmitting a message to the world, its therapeutic factor, the self-realization that the process of writing and publishing a book entails, yes. But perhaps we have seldom analyzed the following 5 cons of being a writer in modern times and that, possibly, will make more than one lover of sleepless nights and overflowing ashtrays raise their eyebrows.
Effort without sure reward
In our own universe, the fact of dedicating four months to a good story is a complete triumph. The problem comes when we try to transmit our work to the masses. Write a book, essay, story or poem should carry the only reward of being able to express our ideas, but when it comes to going further things change, especially in a publishing market as saturated as it is today. And sometimes frustrating, of course.
When art stings
«When God gives you a gift, He also gives you a whip; and the whip is only for self-flagellating ”is a quote from Truman Capote as bleak as it is perhaps realistic. The creative mind is constantly working, most of the time unconsciously, whispering to us to write this or that, like a voice that we can never get out of our heads. Sometimes the ecstasy before a great idea is indescribable, but in others we would also like to be able to disconnect without feeling guilty.
It's not just writing
It is also knowledge of graphic design, layout, "epub" conversions and, above all, MARKETING, an indisputable ally of the writers of a Kindle generation who, when opting for an alternative route to the publishing houses of a lifetime, must roll up their arms and run through the entire process of spreading a book.
Few understand you
In big cities, integrating into cultural circles is something much easier, but when you live in a town and few people in your circle read, the feeling of feeling like a stranger is more than perceptible. The word "writer" sounds too snobbish for those who do not appreciate or understand art, and although everyone may think that "having a writer friend" seems like a great idea, few really empathize with that friend who spends weekends locked up at home in instead of exiting reeds.
We also suffer from blockages
And the famous writer lock It is our worst fear, especially because it comes without warning and can manifest itself in many ways: poems that do not convince us, lack of ideas, stories without cohesion or the so-called «blank page syndrome«, Which is characterized by the anguish that that immaculate white sheet supposes in which we do not know what to write or express. And that, friends, not a whole bottle of wine solves it. Or yes, who knows. . .
First of all, I hope that these 5 cons of being a writer do not discourage those who have just embarked on the adventure of self-publishing or continue with the nightlight burning every night filling notebooks and Word documents. At the end of the day certain whips (or gifts, sorry) were given to us to be used and yes, also to enjoy the many benefits of being a writer.
Do you share any of these "cons"?
Indeed, these five 'cons' exist and are most palpable in the day-to-day life of the person who writes. Thank you that the satisfaction of being read and, above all, the pleasure that writing gives oneself, makes up for the rest. Greetings and congratulations on the article.
Yes, satisfaction and the fact of writing is what remains 🙂 I'm glad you liked Josefa. All the best