Dreaming of finishing that novel and getting a six-figure advance and accolades? Sure, it happens, but author Laurie Halse Anderson has a reality check for you in her blog post, Cold Hard Facts About the Writing Life. If you’ve ever considered penning your own manuscript this is worth a read, as is the collection of comments.
Larramie said,
It’s a tough road yet, if it’s your dream, all things are possible.
paradisefound said,
Larramie, I don’t disagree, but I think very often writing is thought of as “easy”, something that anyone can do. How many people have you met who say something along the lines of, “I’m going to write a book someday!” as if the wish to do so is the only skill that it takes. Some of those people very well may, but ONLY if they’re willing to put forth the work that it entails. Those dreams don’t come true by dreaming alone! I think what Laurie is offering is a realistic look at the WORK that writing entails, often for very little bankroll. Those who dream of writing a book will save themselves a lot of grief - and decide if it’s something they want to pursue - if they know what that tough road looks like ahead of time!
tribeofautodidacts said,
Thanks for the link! I think Sarah has read some of her work.
Shelly said,
Hee, for me, writing IS easy. The WRITING part. The WORK of it, the FINDING THE TIME for it, the GENERATING IDEAS part, forget it. I did enjoy the harsh reality of the article though; in a strange way it made me feel not so bad that I’m not doing what I thought I’d be doing at this point in my life! 
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Robin said,
July 21, 2008 @ 5:08 am
Thanks for the link, Kris. I passed it along to my daughter. She would like to write someday. But reality means that she’s getting a degree in English with a minor in Education, another minor in Creative Writing, and for some odd reason she’s getting another minor in Anthropology. So, she should appreciate the link.