You Must Be Prepared for Hardship

To thrive as a writer, you need to embrace the idea of enduring hardships. This is non-negotiable. Prepare yourself for relentless criticism; initially, your work may not resonate with anyone. As you improve, a few may appreciate your efforts, but it’s also possible that they won't. You might find yourself writing tirelessly, only to face indifference. This process requires resilience, so brace yourself for metaphorical head-banging as you strive for success.

Yet, it’s not all gloomy. There will be triumphant moments when you actually earn some income and enjoy a decent meal. Relish these times, as they can be fleeting. The next day, you might find yourself back at square one, feeling broke and disheartened. You’ll need to get comfortable with the metaphorical bumps and bruises along the way. A true writer must possess an affinity for enduring challenges.

You Might Not Shine at Social Gatherings

If you aspire to be a writer, be ready to feel out of place at social events. Imagine mingling with fascinating individuals who boast about their impressive careers, flashy cars, and stylish attire—all while you’re in borrowed clothes trying to appear significant.

As you engage in conversation, you might hear things like:

• "I performed open-heart surgery today!"
• "I’m developing a cancer cure!"
• "I rescued a baby from a fire!"

You’ll respond with, "I wrote an article on payday loans and cleaning up cat messes!" Yes, that’s your moment of glory. While others may be captivated by your thrilling escapades, the reality is that your latest article on closet organization is probably not the topic of envy at the party. Prepare for the mixed reactions!

You Must Appreciate Wine and Cuddly Pets

As a writer, having a fondness for wine (or some form of alcohol) and small furry companions is essential. These will be your loyal allies during your creative process. If you cohabit with a partner, be ready for their occasional pleas for you to find “real” employment.

Your pets and your chosen beverage will be there to comfort you, indifferent to the mounting bills. While I recommend red wine, white is also acceptable. Occasionally, whiskey or a strong rum might come into play. It seems there’s an unspoken connection between writing and indulging in a drink—perhaps "blotto" should be your motto!

Food May Take a Backseat

In the life of a writer, food often becomes a secondary concern. The phrase "starving artist" carries genuine weight in this profession. Get ready to savor delightful meals like instant ramen and boxed mac and cheese, as you may find yourself frequently visiting the local food pantry.

Forget about champagne and caviar for now. Maybe, just maybe, if your book becomes a bestseller, you’ll be able to afford a taste of luxury in the future. Writing can also serve as an unexpected weight-loss strategy; if you’re seeking to shed a few pounds, consider picking up a pen!

You Should Expect Financial Struggles

As a writer, you must be comfortable with the idea of making little to no money. Picture yourself crafting an epic 120,000-word manuscript, only to find it gathering dust. You dream of publishing success, yet your submissions to various publishers yield nothing but rejection. Frustrated, you turn to self-publishing, convinced that your masterpiece will finally gain recognition.

You might initially feel elated as the first few dollars come in, but soon enough, you realize that your earnings are a mere trickle—perhaps just $10 for your hard work. Your book may vanish from the charts, never to be seen again. Of course, luck could smile upon you, and you might sell thousands of copies... or not. If you’re looking for a surefire way to be broke, writing is a solid choice!

But Don’t Lose Hope…

So, you shift gears from novel writing to article writing, thinking this could be your ticket to financial stability. Finally, you land a client who demands meticulously researched, flawless content.

You promise them a stellar 2,000-word article and deliver your best work. However, when it comes time for payment, they offer you a mere $20. Just think about how many boxes of mac and cheese that could buy! Maybe you can treat yourself to a burger and fries—now that’s living large!

Stay Positive!

Despite the challenges, writing is not without its rewards. It’s an integral part of who I am, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I don’t expect to become wealthy from it; in fact, I may remain financially challenged throughout my life. But that’s perfectly okay. I love writing and the modest income it brings.

Perhaps one day, success will come knocking. However, I know that I can’t achieve that unless I keep writing. That’s my daily commitment, regardless of what happens. I willingly embrace the struggles—after all, I am a writer.

This video explores the motivation behind writing and what it truly means to pursue this craft, providing insights for aspiring authors.

In this video, Charles Bukowski shares his candid thoughts on the writing life, offering a unique perspective on the challenges and rewards of being a writer.