I just won a prize in a competition. The competition was run by the Seven Writing Quotes site and the prize is Advice to Writers by Jon Winokur (ed.) To win, I had to complete the simile: “Being a writer is like…” Here’s what I said.
Being a writer is like standing naked in the High Street hoping no-one will think you look ridiculous.
Most people who are not writers will probably think I’m exaggerating, but I’m not. That sense of being naked in public view is very strong indeed. Anyone who has handed a story to a friend to read will know the feeling. Anyone who has sent a manuscript to an agent or publisher will know it tenfold. You have laid yourself bare and you are asking for approval.
When they laugh, when they sneer, it cuts you to the bone. And they do, sometimes, carelessly, or gleefully. Friends, family, agents, publishers, editors, reviewers, can hurt you so much you can hardly believe it’s possible to survive it. Yet you always do, and you always expose yourself to them again, hoping this time they won’t laugh, or sneer, or turn away.
So true, very well said!
It cuts to the bone. I wonder whether my skin is thick enough sometimes.
Feels like standing naked in the High Street? Indeed, it does.
Nicely put Graham
Thanks, Cassie and Wendy. When writers tell me I’ve said something well, I really appreciate the compliment.
In fact, it’s good to be able to hang out with writers – on this blog, on Twitter, and elsewhere – just because I can say things like this and know that you will get it.
I’ve worked in other fields – science and software engineering in particular – where I’ve had to ‘sell’ my ideas to other people, but I never feel a rebuff or a criticism as keenly as when my writing is involved.
Hahaha, too true Graham. Although, I often feel ridiculous fully clothed…
Hey, thanks for the Orbiteers post about my site too – going to sit down with my ‘webmaster’ soon as possible.
Counting down to TimeSplash, my man! I just find it so apt that a novel with a title like that is an e-book. Way of the future.
Cheers,
Luke
Let’s hope so! When you chat to your webmaster, don’t forget to ask for that side-bar ad for ‘Dead America’ – I’m still happy to run it here and my traffic has nearly doubled since the last time I mentioned it
If you’re at Worldcon in September, I’m looking forward to comparing notes on the print vs ebook experience.
Hah! Perfect description
Hi Graham,
I read your simile via a tweet of the competition win today (late, I know). I really enjoyed your simile and the others. It is so true… we really put ourselves out there.
Congratulations!
Pam
Lovely analogy Graham! I’ll remember that one – sums it up beautifully.