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Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Yes, Writing Is A Job! Pass It Along…

Writing Is A JobThis post is for all you writers out there because #solidarity! Do you ever get frustrated with people not taking your career seriously? Because sometimes?? Well, it’s all I can do to keep myself from shouting…YES! Writing IS a job!

I’ve been thinking about this a lot in the last six months based on far too many interactions I’ve had with people close to me. On one occasion, I was talking with an someone and they asked, “Are you still writing?” Granted, I’m sure this person didn’t mean anything bad by the remarks, but still…it stung. Big time.

I sometimes feel like people underestimate me as a writer. Or, that I shouldn’t be writing about the things I write about. You know what? That hurts more than you know. Because when I’m sharing my story, I’m choosing to be vulnerable. I’m offering a piece of myself with my words. Each and every word I write is me. So when people dismiss my life’s work as a hobby or even say that what I write doesn’t belong on my blog? It’s like they’re dismissing me. It’s like they’re saying I’m too much. It’s like they’re saying they don’t like me. They’re not only insulting my writing…they’re insulting me. I am my writing. And the sting of their words feels like the ultimate rejection.

Maybe I’m just being super sensitive, but it feels like people tend to write off (no pun intended!) writing as an actual job. I feel like they’re saying, “Oh, isn’t that a fun little hobby you have,” you know? As if it’s something I do on the side, which, of course, is totally fine if that’s what you want to do. I’m definitely NOT trying to shame people who do write for a hobby. But, writing is my job. It’s something I put my heart and soul into every single day, so for people to be so callous and thoughtless is pretty disappointing.

I suppose that’s really the overall message of this post: PLEASE give writers their props freely and often! We writers work hard, and, sadly, all those words we write don’t just fall out of the sky and into our laps.

And also, remember this little gem: Writers write about their life and they write about the things that happen to them. They’re not going to apologize for it!

Writing Is A JobSo what do you tell yourself when this happens, friends? Do people ever underestimate you, whether it’s unintentional or on purpose? I sure wish I had answers for dealing with this! Maybe I’m just cranky and need a root beer? That could be true too…

[Photos via We Heart It and Giphy]

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6 Comments Filed Under: blogging advice, Blogging Club, work

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Comments

  1. Christine B says

    Wednesday, February 21, 2018 at 6:42 pm

    “….. writing as an actual job..”, as d to a politician ??? Writers may be out saviours. Keep doing what you love, turn you mind away from the mean people who insult and judge while hiding behind ones and zeroes. The real computer code not emoticon s. You’re fine, just as you are.

    Reply
  2. Dianne says

    Wednesday, February 21, 2018 at 9:40 pm

    Great writing Mellisa. I’ve dealt with that since the 80s. It does hurt. You know, I think ppl are jealous that we get published so they minimize what makes them feel jealous. Keep writing girl. You’re an inspiration to many.

    Reply
  3. Jen Barucco says

    Thursday, February 22, 2018 at 3:44 am

    You’re funny, well read, and informative… I look forward to your columns and they make MY Day happier! If you are in a career where you’ve touched even just one person, then you are in the right field! Please keep writing…’cause I’ll keep reading!
    Have a great day:-)

    Reply
  4. Laura says

    Friday, February 23, 2018 at 3:15 pm

    I think everyone’s work seems easy to the people not doing it. A blog is a huge amount of work in itself, not to mention all your freelance writing…. I have somewhat similar problems with graphic design, everyone underestimates how long it will take, thinks it’s like a magic click of a button, etc.

    Reply
    • MelissaBlake says

      Friday, February 23, 2018 at 3:44 pm

      Laura, I worked with graphic design when I was a college newspaper adviser, so I know how long it takes! I tip my hat to you!! xoxo

      Reply
  5. Teresa says

    Wednesday, September 2, 2020 at 9:43 pm

    Dear Melissa,

    I’ve just found / followed you on Twitter and had to drop by and pour over your posts here.

    You’re a crafty writer, very conversational and always inviting the reader in. As a reader I am leaving your site feeling inspired, renewed, refreshed.

    I LOVE the questions at the end of your posts. They made me pause and feel like the two of really did just have a conversation!

    All the very best,

    Teresa

    Reply

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So About What I Said is a daily blog that covers relationships, disabilities, lifestyle and pop culture. I love to laugh and have been known to overshare. I also have an unabashed obsession with pop music, polo shirts, and PEZ dispensers. Read more...

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