Writing a Book is Easy

Some people truly believe it's easy to write a book. They seem to think writers just zip off a 50,000 to 120,000 word story in a matter of days. The fact is, the days--and nights--are many and long when it comes to writing.

I've made it a rule that my family must give me advance notice on anything that includes me. If I didn't, they'd be dropping off grandkids at a moment's notice, expecting me to drop everything. In return, I let them know in advance when I won't be available or my availability is limited. We work things out. Emergencies, like Payton's surgery and hospital stay, can't be expected. I'm there to help, even if it means rearranging my life.

Non-family members are another thing. Of course I can do whatever is needed for whatever they want done. After all, I'm at home all day! My writing is a hobby, right? Uh, no. It's a job--a career--and needed to keep a roof over our heads, food in our stomachs, and bills paid. Forget the frills. Yet I've been given the impression that it's far more important that their work gets done, whether as an employee or self-employed like me. And most have a spouse who provides another form of income!

I miss a lot of things I'd like to do. I sometimes regret that, but I know I'm lucky because I'm doing something I love to do--writing. I've learned to say no when people ask if can do something, but there are times I can't do that. When that happens, I put my writing and life aside to help out. But insinuating that their job is much more important than mine means I won't do it with a smile.