For years, I'd heard that I was a good writer, some people even used the word amazing. I however, didn't want to be a writer. I didn't want to have people read my words, but I was always writing them. The problem was also that I didn't believe the people that were telling me this. I figured, they loved me, so of course they're going to say that I'm good.
Writing isn't the only thing that I've been encouraged to pursue. I've also been told that I should be a teacher because I'm so great with kids. But teaching the babies is not for me. When people get me to open up about what I write, and what I want to do with this gift when it's all said and done, there is one questions that always seems to follow.
When are you going to write a book?
I assume that they don't know what kind of anxiety I feel when this question is asked of me. I also assume that they aren't waiting for an answer. Usually I lie and say, I don't want to write a book. It's a lot easier than saying, I'm working on one right now. Only to then hear, what is it going to be about? When is it coming out? People who ask me these questions have no idea what it takes to write a full novel, edit it, write a synopsis, etc. only to then send it off to a literary agent, or publisher (depending on what route you take) and then wait. Wait to hear if your words, your hard work was good enough. And then, when the dreaded rejection letter comes, that basically says, maybe next time. You are left to pick yourself back up, and force yourself to try again, all the while dealing with the question, when are you going to write a book?
I've decided that from now on my answer will be, I'll let you know when it's in the stores.