10 Things I Like about Being a Writer

I know, I know, deadlines can be grueling. They come so fast. And they tend to have a looming quality that hangs over us, daring us to fail. But they are an essential part of the publishing package. If we focus on the difficulty of pushing out that final 1,000 words to give painful birth to a swaddling chapter rather than the wonder of watching an idea come together to form a cohesive piece, then we are forgetting why we got into this crazy business in the first place.

Let's face it, most of us could probably make more money doing something else. But that other thing probably wouldn't be as fulfilling or fun. So be sure you keep the fun in the job description. Instead of comparing the desk chair to a dentist's lounge, take a moment to think of all the things you like about writing. That is today's homework assignment. Write down the 10 things you like most about being a writer. Why did you start? What is the best thing you ever wrote? What have you learned? Who have you helped? What do you still want to write?

 

I'll start. In no particular order, the 10 things I like most about being a writer: 

1. Deadlines (they help me get things done)

2. Personal Release (I think I have something to say - sometimes I just forget what it is)

3. Community Idea Exchange (I help other people say very important things, whether it is the latest on reverse osmosis water desalination systems or the economics of the love triangle -- dating, marriage and divorce -- I have shared it with readers)

4. Continuing Education (I learn new things about the world and myself every day. How can you do a story on time management and not run home to program your blackberry for maximum efficiency?)

5. Rubber Chicken Lunches (and the desserts that go with them)

6. Jammies (I admit that I often write my blog in my jammies, but I make sure I am dressed by lunch)

7. Cocktail Parties (People always want to know more about what you are writing - and what they always wanted to write - when you tell them over a martini)

8. Checks (Even if their scarcity makes them valuable, they do come from time to time and they are always welcome)

9. Other Books (I love reading almost as much as writing and it makes for a nice Zen-like cycling of ideas)

10. Other Writers (The best way to have fun is to throw a party. My MasterMind group is like a monthly party dedicated to celebrating our communal successes. What's not to like about that?)

Now it's your turn. What are your top ten reasons? Post them in the comment section to share with the rest of the writing world and print one out to look at every day so you never forget that writing should be a joyous act of creation.

Remember: You should never have to write alone!