I’m thinking that non-writers and writers (or aspiring writers) have very different ideas about the “writing process.” I’ve just recently begun writing on a more regular basis (which is to say, I have done some writing at least two days in a row, at least twice this month.) The real difference is that this time, my writing isn’t being done under cover of darkness or in a locked room. People know I’m writing. This is a terrifying experience for me. I’m not sure how long it takes a writer to get over that initial fear, and it may be that even successful writers have experienced this or even continue to experience it. I don’t even know how to respond to questions.
Here are some of the exchanges from the past week that I found humorous:
Them: Hey everyone, Grandma’s writing a book!
Me: mmm.
Them: Can I be in your book?
Me: mmm.
Them: Do you want to be a character in Grandma’s book?
Me: Grrr.
Them: What are you writing about?
Me: I don’t know enough about my story yet.
Them: Who is your main character? Is it a guy or a girl?
Me: Yes.
Them: What is your main character doing?
Me: I’m not really sure yet.
Them: How does it end?
Me: I haven’t got there yet.
Them: (Silence)
Me: (to myself) They’re thinking, “She doesn’t know very much, does she?”
I’m so glad my family and friends are interested in what I’m writing, but now I’m afraid I’m going to alienate or annoy them if I can’t think of more interesting responses! It has left me with the feeling that I shouldn’t tell anyone I’m writing a book until it can be purchased in a bookstore, lest I risk losing my audience. Anybody else feel this way?
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I get these questions all the time. I also get the, “You’re writing a book? What a nerd!” comment fairly often.
It probably would be easier not to let them know you were writing a book until it was done, or nearly so (in final revisions). At least it would forestall many of these questions. If at that point you want to share your rough draft with them, at least you have something in hand, and you know enough about the story to better respond. As for “Can I be in your book?” just say “No, it’s fiction.” Don’t mention that you may use their character traits for one of the story characters!
Deandra, those are very good points! Thank you for taking the time to comment!