Being A Writer: What’s Not To Love?! – Miss Write

In the wake of Valentines Day 2013, I wish to profess my love. For writing. What’s not to love about it?!

Reading goes hand-in-hand with writing

I love to read. I always have my current #nowreading novel in my handbag. At the moment, it’s “The Sisters Brothers“, a funny yet sad gold rush story by Patrick DeWitt. 

Bookstores

It’s FANTASTIC  seeing your work on a shelf (which isn’t in your living room) for everyone to see.  It’s a better feeling than getting flowers on Valentines Day. 

Social Media

You may have noticed, I’m a big fan. It’s paying me dividends in blog traffic and some book sales, and I have learned to reap the benefits and tailor it to my needs. Check out my Twitter and my Facebook before you do anything else! I’m also on LinkedIn and Google+.

Magazines which come with the job

I hate magazines written for women. I’ve tried Glamour, Cosmo, Red… Hate them all. The content is tripe 90% of the time and the other 10% is likely to be adverts. Writing Magazine is so much better quality reading. It actually helps writers with their writing, boosts the confidence you have as a writer, and keeps you up to date with industry developments and competitions. I’ll only ever take a break from it for travel magazines! #borntobeatourist 

I can get creative

I’m no artist, I’m not a poet, and I only dabble in photography – and mainly just getting lucky there. Writing allows me a creative side I wouldn’t have shown otherwise. I love the feeling of being ‘in the flow’!

Writing has opened me up to a world of new people and experiences

    – New friends I’ve made through writing
    – Additional transferable skills I’ve added to my CV (e.g. being Towcester 
      Writers’ Chairperson)
    – Competitions I’ve entered – I’ve even won a runner’s up prize in one!
    – I’ve been to many national events and workshops – a new perspective on ‘having to go to 
      a work conference’!

So many people hate their job and I don’t!

Sure, mine’s only part-time, a kind of hobby job, but I still have to work hard for it. Keeping up with competitions, a monthly column in MK Pulse Magazine, reading writing-related magazines, balancing a social media presence, blogging (x2), oh, and actual novel writing too. Someone recently doubted I do actually do all I I say I’m involved in during my spare time. 

“Do you really do it all?! How?!” Fool – I just do. Loves it. 

I can do it anywhere

All I need is a notepad. I’ve written on a Greek ferry… In a coffee shop… In bed… On a train… On my lunch break at work… at home (now!)… On the M25 when it’s at a standstill… In Tesco when I’ve overheard someone with some interesting conversation… On holiday… 

You can practice unnoticed

No one needs to hear or so the awfulness of your work… unlike when I was learning the piano as a teenager. It’s a win-win for everyone. 

Lou x

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Born To Be A Tourist

Image courtesy of The Writers Advice