Skip to main content

Why I Don't Tell People I'm a Writer

   
 
    I don't tell people I'm a writer.

     Being a writer impacts how I look at the world, how I relate to people, how I listen, how I speak, how I interact with my friends. But, I'd rather people get to know Alyson who happens to write stories, than get to know a writer who happens to have the name Alyson.

     Certain things happen the first time someone learns that you are an author. A balanced conversation of question and answer for both people instantly becomes "me" heavy. When I'm with close friends, I probably talk about myself far too much, but when I'm with people I hardly know, talking about myself is very uncomfortable. When strangers hear I write, they starting a thread of questions, and for the most part, everyone asks the same ones.

     You write?
     What do you write?
     Do you write stories like the Hunger Games?
     When do you have time to write?
     When do you have time to be a normal teenager?
     Are you published?

     I don't have a problem with any of these questions, but they always seem out of place in a conversation dedicated to two people getting acquainted. When these questions emerge, it makes it extremely difficult to get to know the other person. People are curious, and I've learned that being a writer is interesting to people--though I'm not entirely sure why. But, I'm curious too. Curiosity is also a part of being a writer. I'd like to get to know people, ask my own questions. When people latch on to the fact that I'm a writer, asking my own questions becomes a challenge. Challenges are good, but sometimes I wish getting to know people was significantly less of a challenge.

     I'm not saying that everyone should be able to identify a writer by their quirks and tendencies, but I'd rather individuals notice my quirks and tendencies rather than define me by "writer." There are many things I'd like people to notice as they get to know me.

     I enjoy reading.
     I enjoy discussions, but have no clue how to participate in small talk.
     I like to walk with my eyes up, observing the world around me.
     I like to travel, to visits new places, and to have new adventures.
     I take relationships, work, and my future very seriously.
     I love to sit in silence, staring at nothing, simply thinking.

     Perhaps, most people will never notice these things about me, and that's okay. I'll still smile and answer their questions with grace and patience. But if you ever meet a writer, and if that writer is at all like me, here are some questions they might enjoy answering.

     What is your favorite part of writing?
     What part of your life has the greatest influence in your stories?
     Does writing always come easy to you?
    
     Call this post simply wishful thinking, but I hope it either explains something about me or helps you understand a writer friend of your own.

     Are you a writer? How do you react in these situations? Are there questions you'd rather be asked?

     ~ Alyson


Comments

  1. Hannah Heath 6/12/15, 5:31 PM

    Wow. YES. Great post. I am always hesitant to tell people that I write and blog. Whenever I get the "are you published question," I sometimes say "Yes, I'm a national best-seller. I can't believe you've never heard of it." So now I just have fun with the questions. =D But yes, it is difficult to begin a convo with a stranger by talking about something like writing. Glad I'm not the only one who feels like that. =)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alyson Schroll6/18/15, 10:01 AM

      I'm glad someone else struggles with the same things. And those are definitely questions I've heard too.

      Delete
  2. Stephanie Kehr6/13/15, 7:21 PM

    Ah, Alyson, this is so lovely. All the things I never knew how to say. :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Unknown6/13/15, 7:44 PM

    Such a perfect post. You've said what I was never able to find the words for. I don't like to tell people I'm a writer when we first meet because it centers the conversation on me. Like you said, I love talking about myself! But only once I really know the person. I feel too exposed too early when it's brought up during a first meeting.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Let me know what you think : )

Popular posts from this blog

How to Create a Fact Manual for a Book Series {Peek into My Next Story}

    I started my current story, Ideal Lies, last year, and this time, I decided to make it a trilogy. This story is a mix between dystopian and utopian. Living in the idealistic northern Ideal States of America, two teenagers are caught believing in an imperfect religion and go on the run as criminals to rescue their stolen family.     How I managed to keep this to myself until now, I'm not sure : )     Writing a series of any kind was something I'd never done before. I quickly found out that I needed a way to keep track of all the facts. I tried memory. My memory failed.  I tried little notes. I lost them. I tried computer files. It took me too long to find what I needed. So, with nothing else to do ... I created a fact manual. I spent hours gleaning the information from my memory, notes, and files. I created new documents and organized facts so I could put it all together in one cohesive notebook. I documented everything tha...
20 comments
Read more

Interview with Stephanie Morrill and Jill Williamson {and a giveaway}

     I would like to welcome Stephanie Morrill and Jill Williamson to my blog today! I am so excited that they took the time to do an interview with me. Here is a little bit about them:       Stephanie Morrill and  Jill   Williamson  have written a combined two dozen speculative and contemporary novels for teens. They also blog obsessively at  www.goteenwriters.com . When not writing or blogging, they can be found at the teen table at writer's conferences or wherever chocolate is being given away. Come hang out with Stephanie at  www.stephaniemorrill.com  and  Jill  at  www.jillwilliamson.com . Why did you choose the genre that you did? Stephanie: I feel like “contemporary young adult” chose me, honestly. I wanted to write deep, serious books that might get studied in English classes … but I never had any ideas for deep, serious books, so that flopped. My ideas, even after high...
76 comments
Read more

10 Weird Things Writers Do ... And Are Perfectly Okay

No writer will ever claim to be a normal human being. We process information differently, we observe life differently, and we feel emotions differently. If you're a writer reading this, be encouraged. Yes, you are weird, and there is no avoiding it. But, there are many writers that can relate to a smidgen of what your life is like as a writer. If you are not a writer reading this, be understanding. We know we're weird, and it would be so awesome if you could just nod, smile, and say, "I'm glad you enjoy writing." It's okay to be weird. Personally, I think it's even cooler if you're weird and a writer at the same time.  1.      We may stare at you without realizing it. Sometimes, we see something that reminds us of characters and zone out for a bit. 2.      We may also stare blankly at flowers or rainbows, also thinking of something entirely different. (this was to counteract the...
20 comments
Read more