Here's a link to John Scalzi's blog that provides a commentary that I agree with.
Now I'm posting not wanting to reawaken controversy, but because I thought Ms Morton's post was interesting. It made me think. Not so much about defining professionalism, but about sacrifices and a writing career. And that niggling question, 'Am I working hard enough?' or even, 'Am I working too hard?'
I reckon I work quite hard. I do about 5 hours writing a day (but that includes everything, research, time wasting on the internet, editing). Undoubtedly, I could work harder (I failed the test).
Ultimately it's a question we can only answer for ourselves. But it's good to stop once in and while and reflect.
Without looking at the article before posting, I can tell you from my perspective: DON'T LISTEN TO IT!
ReplyDeleteSuch things are crap, drummed up by someone who has a methodology stuck in their head and feels that if you don't conform to that then you fail.
You and I both know writers come in all sizes and shapes, backgrounds and desires, plus each has their own way of working their muse and laying down the gift of word.
Pfft! Is what I say. I fail without even looking. So what?
Never be a slave to the whims of others. I said it, no one else. Writers write - whenever, where ever and however, but they never, never conform to a rigid stereo typical work ethic 100% of the time. Creative juices don't work that way.
Anyway, that's all I wanted to say - not even going to click the link :P
*laughs* well I did say it was a controversial post.
DeleteOh, how odd - I've just blogged about the question of what makes a professional writer too!
ReplyDeleteUnlike Mark I'm going to click on the link - but I shall only take notice if it says what I want to hear.
Not too odd, Patsy,because your post reminded me of the issue.
DeleteRead it.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Mark.
Giving up your friends, home, social life and living in chaos all the time in order to write isn't being professional - it's an obsession.
It's worth thinking about the sacrifices we make, and asking how much is too much. Personally I can live in a messy house. (with or without writing)
DeleteI hope to be a professional writer someday (when I retire?), but for now it's a serious hobby. I teach 7th & 8th graders full-time, and they're my priority during the school year. So...I guess I'm a professional writer 3 months out of the year?
ReplyDeleteWell you have just got pro status of SFWA. So I'd call you a pro, Milo. You have a double career.
DeleteI had to go check out that article, and with a few exceptions the answer is, "Yes." (Thankfully my hubby works so I don't have to sacrifice my awesome house.) Around teaching the kids full time and serving as the President of a Children's organization, I probably spend 3 to 5 hours a day on writing. I always chuckle when I tell someone I'm an author and they say, "I'm writing a book too!"
ReplyDeleteThe conversation typically follows like this:
Me: "Is this your first one?"
Supposed writer: "Yes, but it's so amazing."
Me: "That's wonderful, and how far into it are you?"
Supposed writer: "Four chapters. I'll finish it one day."
I smile, nod, and move on to a new topic of discussion. Hobbyists make me giggle.
I'm probably about 50:50 on those. I'd love to be able to a fully pro writer some day - although, like Milo, that might be when I retire...
ReplyDelete