Being a writer seems easy, which is why so many people want to become writers these days; but it’s not, which is why only a few succeed.
Solitude, because not many people will understand what you do and why you do it. I enjoy solitude, but sometimes the silence becomes a great noise, bothering. Mobile phones and social media don’t help at all.
Invisibility, because you choose fantasy over reality and neglect the latter, which neglects you. I have always been good at being invisible, and as an introvert this does not bother me, but for extroverts it can be painful. For the ego.
Lack of cash, because a writer gets paid in ideas and emotions rather than in cash. I would say that’s good pay. Making money out of your writing will help you keep writing, but will rarely make you wealthy.
Fanaticism, because when you pick up the pen you establish a new religion, whose God you become.
Endless toil, because in the writer’s den every day is a working day. There will never be a day when you can say ‘I have nothing to do so I will sleep.’ Not if you want to be great.
Estrangement from friends and family, because every hour you devote to your books is an hour that could have been spent with those closest to you.
Poor shape and careless appearance, because looking after an imperfect body is not particularly appealing when you can create better bodies for yourself in your stories.
Development of emotional and intellectual abilities over physical ones, because a writer sees and hears and tastes and smells and feels mostly with their mind than with their senses.
Too much knowledge, because the more you know the more you tend to worry. Ignorance is often bliss.
Living with many uncertainties, because the journey of the writer is not straight like that of the carpenter, but winding, with many twists and turns and dead ends.
Melancholy, because every time you will leave your attic you will be disappointed by what you will see below.
(My next post will be on the advantages of being a writer.)
What are the disadvantages of being a writer?
boy with a hat 
How perceptive of you! You’ve hit the nail on the head (repeatedly) I agree with 99% of these observations–and particularly like the allusion to becoming the writing “God”. (the 1 percent is exercise; I do a lot of that and it REALLY helps the process; an FYI: cardiovascular activity stimulates the cerebral cortex (what binds the ‘bellums together) and so stimulated, lends itself to creative process.) I believe you will succeed, hatted boy…:)
I bounce about the chamber after getting up from my chair. I’ve been told that helps. 🙂
So, so true!! You hit the nail on the head!! Writers are soul mates, and your soul reached out and touched mine. Thanks for sharing!
I tip my hat.
Well, thank you!
Great post! Can’t wait for the advantages!
They will arrive Monday.
Good one….I can relate to most of it…except for writing of course, I write with my brushes….:)
Like my friend Oliver Colors!
I love this picture! I’ve always thought it perfectly sums up what writer’s often go through… 😀
you have painted the truth so skillfully…thank you for sharing that…:-)
As always, very insightful! Especially this one:
“Endless toil, because in the writer’s den every day is a working day. There will never be a day when you can say ‘I have nothing to do so I will sleep.’ Not if you want to be great.”
Amen, man.
I think you should stop eating candy. It mars the tooth!
lol
I love this. Makes me wonder if what I have always thought of as depression or some kind of personality flaw has something to do with my love of writing and painting. The reference to self inflicted solitude amongst other things certainly rings true for me. Great…
That’s an exceedingly cute child!
As usual, you’ve hit it exactly. Those are definitely some of the same disadvantages I have felt.
Reblogged this on balladblood.
Thrilled to have found your blog! Reblogged your post here:
http://inesdelorange.wordpress.com/2012/10/20/2211/
Amazing, hatted boy. Reading this after a hiatus from this part of the world, I must say that you’ve undeniably improved! Many slide from the slippery slope, but I can see that you’re a persistent climber! Proud of you, hatted boy!
Sweet gypsy girl,
How’s Newcastle?
Newcastle is beautiful. Europe is beautiful. Oh, I have four Romanian classmates and they remind me of you! 😀
Ask them to translate for you…
‘Esti foarte simpatica.’
I think there are plenty of successful writers who managed to avoid every single one of those disadvantages.
If you don’t give me names I will not believe you.
A very thoughtful list. Could we add ‘lawlessness’ – while there are rules, there are no rules! No maps. No sure-fire way through.
And ‘Nebulousness’ – no office, no set hours, no contract save with your soul (and possibly the devil!)
For years I have been trying to summon the Devil and sell my soul to him. But he never appears. Any tips?
Only large quantities of drugs and alcohol – if it doesn’t summon the devil, at least you won’t care!!
Gladly, i have found a balance between socializing, and writing. I write about imaginary relationships id like to have with real people. But the Inteligence thing is definately true.
‘Gladly, i have found a balance between socializing, and writing. I write about imaginary relationships id like to have with real people.’
I’d give you a hug for that, but you’re far, far away!
Its about time my Magic carpet got some air. Im coming for my hug! Vincent, ill remember to wear hat and I very well may forget to tie my laces on purpose.
But stumbling and falling from a magic carpet is dangerous…
Danger is lovely when its on the same path to an immortal story-teller. Im sure id fall on your pen.
No comment!
oh, thats a horrible comment. Oh can you visit my blog please? I have some poems id like you to read and comment on =)
as for appearance, Vincent. I do 60 situps everyday. ( lies)
I can touch my toes with my fingertips thank you!
You’ve told the story so well. I love the remark about every time you pick up the pen you establish a new religion, and about not always being well-dressed and presentable. So many people have cavalier attitude towards writing and think, oh, gee, yes, I’ll write a book one day. You’re approaching it with a healthy respect for what you’re getting into, and that’s the best starting point you could possibly come from.
I’m anxious to hear the advantages you’ve found. You’ve got terrific insight, and I could use the wisdom of your perspective right now.
I love the way that you phrase things. I have to admit that I don’t mind the solitude but I do mind getting wrapped up in what I’m writing to the point where it feels like I’m neglecting my children…I need to find a balance because when I’m excited about a project it’s too easy to forget the world outside of that project. I look forward to your next post. (Your last point made me think of Tolkien’s thoughts on writers and their creations) 🙂
How about placing your children for adoption? 🙂
I feel you on the “too much knowledge” point
Eh, it’s not so bad. Particularly as it can’t be helped. 🙂
Yes, it can’t be helped…
If only….
What I have found is that being a writer isn’t solitary at all–it is far too social for my taste. It seems like the only way to actually sell anything is to be a rabid extrovert.
Ah, writing and selling – two different realms methinks, and one good reason for the blogging world to exist and flourish x
Julia is right! 🙂
All so true x
Good points, but I must disagree with a few, just speaking from my personal experience. I don’t feel any particular solitude as a writer. Sure, my thought process is different than the average Joe, but part of being a writer is immersing yourself into different worlds and finding ways to relate to other peoples. If not, it is nearly impossible to write convincingly diverse characters. I’ve managed to find plenty of people in my program to relate to, as well as at church events, sports teams, and clubs.
Also, poor shape and careless appearance! Of course a writer can dress cute, work on the physical aesthetics of their body, and write well. There’s always a balance. Successful writers might not live double lives as football players, basketball stars, or ballerinas, but most every writer friend I know is involved in either a sport or a daily physical fitness regime.
And the melancholy: isn’t that more of a temperament issue? I haven’t noticed the rates of depression are higher among writers than other artists, or even other professions.
Good points.
All my posts are personal rather than ‘general’. So it’s a good thing you disagree on some points!
perfect! agree with everything you have said here
I’m glad you’re going to talk advantages on the next post! By the way – you always have such great images. That woman’s shirt is fabulous!!
many of these barriers apply to the artist in general working in solitude in their atelier…
Great post, Vincent! I feel all those things, and I’ve only been trying to avoid becoming a writer. The stories in my head won’t leave me alone, though! Following! 🙂
Had I, when your age, that depth of insight regarding the craft I would almost certainly not have pursued it. In a way I was lucky in finding regular employment that required me to write (though not fiction), and exposed me to some of the most interesting people in Britain.
Haha!
It’s a nasty bug it is, this writing affair…
Well, you’re exceedingly obvious but I like you and your writing style. Kudos?
It is sad that you do not get much money for writer or any money at all.
But, I continue writing blog posts because of my passion of international dating, foreign women, foreign cultures, and so on.
I have written and published over 200 blog posts as of today. I have no regrets. I am just waiting to receive more good results eventually.
Do not quit or give up writing because of the current disadvantages.