#TenThingsNotToSayToAWriter

Last week, all over the interwebs, the phrase #TenThingsNotToSayToAWriter was trending. Some pretty famous peoples even tweeted about the rude things people feel free to say to them, just because they're writers. You can read some of those tweets here.

I joined in on it and came up with some of my own tweets. They got retweeted several times and had a decent reaction. But the thought has stuck with me, most likely because when I talk about being a writer, people tend to lose that inner-voice that tells them what they are about to say is rude. I've had these things said to me. By people I know. To my face.

(FYI, I'm an indie author, which means I'm self-published. This is by choice, not necessity.)

So, here's my list of #TenThingsNotToSayToAWriter:


  1. "Oh, is this like 50 Shades?"
    • Just because I'm a woman who writes doesn't mean I write erotica or BDSM. That is not the same as women's fiction. Not at all. Oh, and if I did write that, I'd be laughing all the way to the bank.
  2. "Indie publishing is the new version of the vanity press."
    • Um, no, it's not. Indie authors sell more each month than the Big 5 publishers. Indie publishing is not a fad, and it is not vanity. It is about having control of my work and getting paid what I deserve for my book.
  3. "Sorry, we're out of regular. How 'bout decaf?"
    • Must. Have. Caffeine.
  4. "How much do you make?"
    • How much do you make? This is just rude.
  5. "Hey, how 'bout you give me a book for free?"
    • Yeah, because I write just for the hell of it. You sell cars? How 'bout you give me a car for free? Oh you can't because you have to make a living? Guess what, I do too!
  6. <With righteous indignation> "I don't read."
    • Nothing to be proud of, Rusty.
  7. <From a fellow writer> "Anyone can just throw an e-book out there."
    • Yes, maybe anyone can. But that doesn't mean that's what I did. And, at least I did it. Don't knock indie publishing until you've tried it.
  8. "I'm looking for suggestions for my book club. Not your books."
    • You are an evil troll. I mean, of course I'm going to suggest my books. Because I think I write quality books and would like nothing more than to have new readers discover them. I would love the input and feedback that a book club could provide. But thanks anyway, you heartless beast.
  9. "Maybe someday, you'll actually get published."
    • Um, I am published. Five times over. I am legit. To quote the ever-so-eloquent MC Hammer, I'm '2 Legit 2 Quit.' This comment is especially ironic coming from the person still waiting to get discovered. And, for the record, I've turned down publishing contracts because I don't feel like paying people to do what I've already done. It's like taking a pay-cut to do the same job. Makes no sense whatsoever.
  10. "Is this you?" <pointing to cover with barely dressed woman on it>
    • Please stop. Your idiocy is showing.
I'd love to hear what you think #TenThingsNotToSayToAWriter could be. Leave me a comment!

Comments

  1. UnknownJanuary 3, 2016 at 1:18 PM

    #8 has to be the most horrible one on your list - it's cruel and heartless. I have no idea how I would respond to that. Good list, I fully agree. :)

    ReplyDelete

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