Do your family and friends read your work? Not too many of mine are interested. I have a couple of sisters who read my blogs on a regular basis (thanks, guys) but if you were to ask my husband what I write about, he couldn’t tell you. Neither could my mom or my brothers or many of my friends. Forget my husband’s side of the family, they couldn’t be less interested.
Years ago, when I wrote humor column I’d ask if my husband read it and the answer was usually no, he didn’t have time. It hurt. Now I just don’t let it get to me. I know he doesn’t mean to hurt me, he’s just not interested in any of the topics I write. Now if I wrote about cars or accounting stuff, I’d have a better chance.
Who knew?
A friend of mine called me the other day and said she gave me a Google and couldn’t believe my name was all over the Internet. When I tell people what I do, they nod politely and sometimes ask a question, but then months later they seemed surprised to find a byline. I wonder if they listen when I tell them how I write for the web.
What’s a blog?
Every time I tell someone what I do, they ask “what’s a blog?” I tell them and they smile and nod. How nice, I found a hobby. Blogging isn’t real writing, like magazine writing, right?
I know it’s not anyone’s intention to be hurtful or minimize my job and that’s why I don’t take it personally any more. Thousands of people visit this blog every day, that’s who I’m writing for.
What do people say when you tell them what you do?
… In fact, I think I’ll go and polish the frame’s glass now, just to maintain the sparkle
I have a “real job” as a designer, and I freelance as a writer and editor. Most of my writing/editing is print work that also goes on the web, and the subjects run the gamut. Am really fortunate: I do everything at home.
I spent several years in the newspaper industry, and some friends and relatives seem surprised to hear what I do now (going on two years). Some are curious — or at least pretend to be — and ask questions. Mostly, though, when they hear I work from home, they are envious.
The few blank stares are mostly from strangers who don’t give half a hoot. Maybe I should say I write about sex, like Hayli said, and see what happens.
Totally O/T: It’s such a PLEASURE to visit this site and not get bogged down by posters’ bad grammar, misspellings and typos. I don’t try to see them in other types of forums, but I can’t help it! It’s an occupational hazard.
First of all, for Candace, I think revealing that you are an erotica-writing librarian just fulfilled a ton of men’s fantasies, and maybe even a few women’s, too!
I’ve been freelancing for seven years, and people still don’t understand what I do. Relatives ask when I’ll have a book published, or why am I not writing a book? Other people think that I should be able to fit an entire career into an hour or so a day. When I say I can’t do something for them because I have an interview scheduled, a couple have actually said, ‘Oh, where are you applying?’ I then explain (again) that I’m interviewing someone for an article, and I already have a job.
I have regular gigs, steady income, and I’m still asked ‘So what else have you done? Have you written for anything I’ve heard of?’
My husband is supportive, but he doesn’t read my stuff anymore. He sure likes when the checks come in, though!
I write erotica, but I am selective about revealing that information. I tell people that I write “fiction and web content.” If they ask for specifics, I point them to my other pen name.
I usually get positive reactions like “oh my god, that is sooooo cool.” Some of my friends still think I live the “artist’s lifestyle” by sleeping all day and typing with a pot of coffee on the desk and a cigarette dangling from my lips. They’re surprised that I actually work during the day.
Hi, Deb and everyone! This is the first time I’ve posted, though I check this blog once a day, sometimes more to check in on discussions.
I love this question! I used to be a reporter for People magazine, which started as a college internship and turned into a full-time gig afterward…and I LOVED telling people! It really validated the lifelong, “But how are you going to make any money?” question I got, even though, ironically, I was hardly making anything. When our bureau closed in February, I became full-time freelance. That’s when the blank stares started
Since I registered as a business, built a website and developed steady clients (thanks in large part to this blog!), however, the blank stares have turned to awe, like I’m rubbing elbows and clicking martinis with celebrities every day. Not so. But wonderful anyway, even if my fiance and family never read a word of what I write, unless it’s my fiction. Thanks for the great discussion!
Mariella > I doubt you’re (much) younger than me. I can’t even buy alcohol yet.
Kim > You sound my age, no offense intended.
It’s so much fun to see the different common responses people get.
I forgot to mention that one of my best friends does like to read my new(er) blog for writers (when she thinks of it), though she’s one of my few good friends who isn’t actually a writer…
Quick question.
I see that Deb does some of the job listings and Jodee does others. Who is Jodee?
And thank you Jodee. Today I got another job thanks to you guys.