What does it feel like to be a writer? Is it a glamorous life filled with book tours, red carpets, and adoring fans? Or is it a lonely and isolating existence spent locked away in a room, struggling to meet deadlines and dealing with rejection? The truth is, being a writer is a bit of both perks and challenges.
The Perks Of Being A Writer
As with many challenges that writers face, there are also many rewards, such as the satisfaction of seeing your work published and the joy of connecting with readers who love your stories. Check out the advantages of being a writer below.
1. Emotional Satisfaction
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One of the perks of being a writer is the emotional satisfaction of creating and sharing stories. When writers write a novel, they put a piece of themself into their work. They are also sharing their unique vision with the world, and connecting with readers on a deeper level.
There is nothing quite like the feeling of seeing your novel published and knowing that people are reading and enjoying your work. It is a truly rewarding experience.
2. Creative Freedom
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Furthermore, writers have the freedom to be creative in their words. Writers have complete control of their story. They can choose to write about anything, in any way that they want. They are not limited by the expectations of others, or by the constraints of a particular genre.
It allows them to explore their imagination and create stories that are truly unique and personal.
3. Potential For Financial Success
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The potential for financial success is the biggest perks of being a writer. Bestselling writers can earn millions of dollars from their books, royalties, film and television adaptations, and speaking engagements. The amount of money that a writer can make varies widely depending on their success level.
They can earn millions of dollars per year, while less successful writers may only earn a few thousand dollars per year. However, there is the potential for writers to make a good living from their writing.
While at it, take a look at these 5 Malaysian writers who already gained fame with their amazing journey.
The Disadvantages Of Being A Writer
So, should you become a writer? It depends. If you are passionate about writing and have the dedication to see your stories through to the end, then being a writer may be the right career for you. However, it is important to be aware of the challenges that lie ahead before you make a decision.
1. Financial Uncertainty
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The potential for financial uncertainty is one of the disadvantages of being a writer. Writing is not a stable career, and it can take years to get published. Even successful writers may experience fluctuations in their income.
Although the writer is successful enough to get their book published and earn a good advance, their income is not guaranteed. If their book does not sell well, they may not earn any royalties. And even if their book does sell well, their royalties may be delayed for months or even years.
2. Isolation & Loneliness
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Other than that, writers often spend long hours working alone, which can lead to isolation and loneliness. They may not have many opportunities to socialize with other people, and they may feel disconnected from the outside world. This can be especially difficult for writers who are new to the profession and who don’t have a strong network of writer friends.
It also can lead to writer’s block. They may find it difficult to come up with new ideas or to maintain motivation to write. It can be difficult for them to connect with their readers because they may not know what their readers are interested in or what they want.
3. Rejection & Self-Doubt
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Last but not least, rejection and self-doubt is a common experience for a writer. Publishers reject manuscripts for a variety of reasons, such as the story not being a good fit for their list, the writing not being strong enough, or the market being oversaturated. It may lead to self-doubt. Even the most successful writers have struggled with self-doubt at some point in their careers.
It can be discouraging, but believe in yourself and your work. If you think that you have a unique story to tell, then no one else can tell it in the same way that you can.
In a nutshell, being a writer is a path filled with both the joy of creativity and the challenges of the craft. Finding a balance between the benefits and drawbacks is crucial to use the former to your advantage. So, if you are thinking about becoming a writer, don’t just think about fame and fortune. Think about the power that you have to make a difference in the world.
Being a writer is not just a job. It is a calling. It is a chance to make the world a better place, one story at a time.
