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You’ll Never ‘Make It’ as an Author — and That’s the Point.
It’s no wonder that we have skewed ideas of what it’s like to be an author when we watch programmes about it on TV. Like that episode with Angela Lansbury when her editor sent her on a luxury cruise to get her book written. Angela was happily tapping away, delivering one page or chapter at a time into the hands of her grateful editor. Sorry, that’s not how it works. Many wannabe writers have fantasised about a J.K. Rowling story of discovery: one day, you’re writing in a coffee shop and the next you’ve been discovered, and while your bestselling books are flying off the shelves, movie producers are falling at your feet.
Unrealistic Expectations
When I mention I’m an author, I get several different type of responses, ranging from ‘have I read you?’ (no idea mate, I don’t know what’s in your brain,) or ‘I hate reading.’ (You don’t know what you’re missing out on,) or my favourite, ‘I’m going to write a book. Just something I can retire on.’ Or ‘I only want to write one book, just enough to buy a house in the countryside. I’m sure my life story will sell.’ (Not unless you’re a celebrity sensation and even then, there’s no guarantees.)
