Misconceptions of the Writer

Sometimes it's hard not to lose focus when you're surrounded by so much disbelief. I just want to be able to do what I love and achieve something but some see it as "living in a fantasy world" because it's not something most people strive to do around here.

I live in a very rural area. Once they graduate high school, most girls around here either marry their high school sweethearts and have a few kids or they become a nurse. Nursing is a very popular occupation in this area because it's not hard to find a job here after your schooling. Some do go off to college like I did but it's usually to become a teacher. After those girls graduate, they come back to this area and teach at their high school. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with doing these things. They are just not what I want for myself. I want to be a writer and  once people in this area here that, they begin to scratch their heads and wonder what is wrong with me.

That's when I get labeled as a "slacker". Why? Because, supposedly, writers don't accomplish hard work. They just sit around and type on their computers all day while everyone else is working a real job and breaking a sweat. This is when I get frustrated. Most writers do work very hard to produce their works to the public. In fact, most writers work other "real" jobs because writing doesn't really pay all the bills. So, yes, writers do a lot more than what most people think.

So, whenever someone around here questions my abilities or hands out criticism, I just smile and learn to be patient. One day, maybe they will understand where I'm coming from, and if not, then that's okay. This is my life to live and it's my dream to accomplish. I'm doing this for myself. I'm doing this because I feel like it's what I was meant to do.

The next time someone doubts your own abilities or dreams, just sit back and be patient. Strive to prove them wrong and show that you are capable to accomplish anything.

"It is impossible to discourage real writers - they don't give a damn what you say, they're going to write."

                                              -Sinclair Lewis, American novelist, playwright, and short-story writer.