Stop saying these things to aspiring authors
It may be well-intentioned but there are a few statements that aspiring authors hear all the time. I don’t think people mean to be hurtful, but these types of statements can really discourage us. Here are a few of the most common (and unhelpful) things we hear:
1. “You’ll never make a living or career off your writing.”
There may be some truth to this statement, not everyone is going to be able to write full-time, but writers really can’t give up their dreams without trying. We sometimes wish we could. It’s tough to make it in this industry and we know the odds. Most of us have faced them personally and have a stack of rejection letters. But there are authors who make a living from writing, so when we hear statements like this, we can’t help thinking you don’t believe we can do it.
2. “Your book doesn’t sound like J.K. Rowling’s.” (or another famous published author)
If an aspiring author has shown you their work, know that it was difficult for them to share. They shared it with you because they trust you. But early writing sounds nothing like edited, polished and published writing. Writing happens in iterations and famous published authors have a whole team behind them to help them improve things. Not only that, they have had the time and experience to develop their craft. We want you to give us honest feedback, but instead of setting impossible standards for our work, focus on the strengths and potential of the story. If you have a criticism, make sure it’s specific, and something tangible we can improve.
3. “Where can I read your published writing?”
Getting published is not a requirement for being a writer – only writing is. Writers are often trying to get published and facing slews of rejection. It could be a sore spot for us. And believe me, we are always questioning our legitimacy as writers. Hello imposter syndrome, my constant companion! Unless you know a writer is published, try asking about a current writing project instead.
4. “You should write about …”
Do you know how many ideas writers have swirling around in our heads. Wrangling them is one of our biggest challenges. Ideas are never the problem for writers. We literally have millions of them. Execution of an idea is always the hard part. How do we take an idea and refine it into something good, something original and something readers will eat up? We don’t have time to write all of our own ideas, which means we don’t have capacity or time to write anyone else’s. If you have a great idea, nothing is stopping you from writing it yourself!
