What do you do or say when non-writers criticize your profession or imply you ar

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   Shanti Perezposted 12 years ago

   What do you do or say when non-writers criticize your profession or imply you are not doing much?
   
   How many of you fellow writers deal with dismissive attitudes--either verbally or implied--from non-writers who do not understand the amount of research and work that goes into your profession and how do you respond to it?

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   MickSposted 12 years ago

   The main problem some non-writers suffer from is the, 'anyone can do that', well yes, anyone with a standard education can write, but there is a great difference between that, and writing what an editor and the great reading public want to read.  If anyone can do it they are all welcome to join the ranks and give it a shot of proving how easy it is.

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      Shanti Perezposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Great point!

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   M. T. Dremerposted 12 years ago

   My biggest problems were 1: explaining why my book wasn't done yet, and 2: explaining why my book isn't published yet. I did a great deal of research about how to prepare ones book for the publishing industry, and then submit it to proper agents and publishers. But certain members of my family seem to think it's the easiest thing in the world and if I just force the book onto every possible person (without regard for the market) I will eventually find success. They don't see the work that I'm putting in, so they assume I'm just dragging my feet because I'm afraid, or I am comfortable where I am.
   
   I haven't come up with a good response for this yet. More often than not I just feel attacked and shut down. I'm terrible in verbal arguments. I can only hope that, once the book is actually published, they will lay off. It's just a shame that they can't appreciate the hard work I am putting forward. When someone isn't in the industry, their only check points for progress are 'book is done' and 'book is published', with nothing in between. I'm not sure that any amount of explanation would help them understand it.

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      Shanti Perezposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Hello M.T. Dremer,
      I spend too much time considering the others' viewpoints instead of defending my efforts. By the time I think of a good response, I'm lost in their reasoning. Hahaha!

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   Jennifer Angelposted 12 years ago

   You take it with a grain of salt and keep your head up. Who cares what they say? As long as you are "fine" with what you are doing and what you have accomplished in your life! It's no one's real business unless it interferes with your ability to do other work, such as keeping your place sparkly and doing the chores you need to get done.
   
   Usually those who pick on you are the ones who feel less than you, because you are showing a great deal of smarts by being creative, informative and assertive in your desires to be accepted as a writer. Many have insecurities and do not know how to not say something negative about what you are doing.
   
   You are in charge of how you receive these compliments (or far from them). What you do in response, shows you are either at their level or above them.
   
   I'd like to stick with my original idea, take it with a grain of salt and wish them well in their journey to success. Then remove them from your list of friends!!
   
   Hope this helps...some!

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      Shanti Perezposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Excellent!

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   ReneeDC1979posted 12 years ago

   I keep writing.  While they are wasting energy "criticizing" my work I have already wriiten at least three more articles, poems, etc.  As I always say "Thanks for sharing, and keep hubbing!"

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