Author Tricia Schneider: Working, Aspiring, or Hobbyist? #IWSG #writing

Wednesday, October 7, 2020

Working, Aspiring, or Hobbyist? #IWSG #writing

The first Wednesday of every month is officially

Insecure Writer's Support Group day.

The Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It's a safe have for insecure writers of all kinds!

IWSG Asks: When you think of the term working writer, what does that look like to you? What do you think it is supposed to look like? Do you see yourself as a working writer or aspiring or hobbyist, and if the latter two, what does that look like?

This only my opinion as I'm sure others see these terms differently. And that's okay. We're all allowed to have our own views! :)

I suppose I see the term working writer as just that. A writer that's working. Someone who is getting paid for their writing. A writer who's working every day or maybe several days a week. One who has a publishing schedule and is actively working to move his/her writing career forward.

An aspiring writer is someone who is actively striving to be a working writer. An aspiring writer isn't published. Not yet. He/she is on their way. They're still writing every day or as much as possible, but they're not getting paid for their writing.

A hobbyist is someone who is only writing for fun. A writer who writes because its part of their soul, or something to do to pass the time. Hobby = Just for Fun. A hobbyist could be getting paid or not. To me, a hobbyist isn't publishing for the money, if they're publishing, they're doing it for the beauty of sharing their creativity.

These are all different terms and I'm sure people have different opinions in interpreting them. To me, it doesn't really matter. A writer is a writer. Published, unpublished, making money or not making money. It doesn't matter. The reason we're each writing is up to the individual.

For myself, I can see I started my career as a hobbyist. Writing was fun and a way to play when I was a kid and teenager. Publishing wasn't even on my radar at that time. When I grew older and began to become more interested in writing, I switched from hobbyist to an aspiring writer. I realized then that I did want to become published and earn money for my words.

And now... years and years and years later... I am a working writer.

The next level I believe is the retired writer. The writer who has written for long years and has now decided to retire from writing. They're done making their money or playing as a hobby. It's time for them to put their pen down.

"I'm done," they say. "I'm retired."

You know, like Stephen King!

And then a week or two, maybe even a month goes by, and they pick up their pen again.

"Just kidding!"

Yeah, I don't believe writers ever retire! It's in our hearts and soul to keep writing. I don't think we can ever give that up! Nor would we really want to. :)

Be safe! Stay healthy! And keep writing!

~ Tricia

Be sure to visit the other writers in the

Insecure Writer's Support Group!

I write sensual paranormal and historical romances. Interested in learning more about my stories? Become a VIP Reader by signing-up for my newsletter where you'll learn about my new book releases, updates on my works-in-progress, writing tips, book reviews, contests, and other fun book-related info!

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