You know what’s beginning to irk me…really chap my hide? The question we get as writers. A question that at first didn’t really bug me, but every once in awhile brings my eyebrows together.
Here’s what I hate. A friend, an acquaintance, or even a stranger finds out that you’re a writer. And they express how cool it is, and that it’s great that you’ve gotten published. Then they throw it at ya…
“So how does that pay anyway?”
Most of the time I’m pretty honest, and explain that most writers aren’t able to quit their day job. And that’s fine. But when they follow it up with,
“Oh my God, is that it?” You kind of want to deck them. And sometimes they even follow that up with, “Why even waste the time then?” Which really knocks the wind out of my sails.
I don’t know where people get it in there head that writers get millions of dollars per book, (Okay, maybe one or two writers do!) but that’s just not reality! Writers don’t start writing for the money, and those that do don’t keep at it very long. We write because we love it. Love telling a story. Love knowing someone is reading our book and enjoying it. And if we happen to get a few bucks out of the deal, then we’re happy.
I mean, I don’t go around asking people how much money their job pays. And when someone brings up that topic, but more importantly with that tone, you feel like everything you’ve worked at is equated with a price tag. The conversation isn’t always this way though, I had a similar talk with friends at dinner on Saturday, and that was a good chat (I have to throw that in, in case she’s reading this!) Because I didn’t feel attacked. Didn’t feel the need to defend what I loved to do.
How do you deal with people when they ask this?
Yes, this cartoon might annoy some, but it cracked me up so I put it in my post. 
December 19th, 2006 at 4:00 pm
LOL–love the cartoon Shelli. And yes! Those questions annoy the crap out of me. Do I ask people if their hobbies/second careers make them a million bucks? NO!
How rude!
Even Nora Roberts didn’t start out…Nora Roberts.
December 19th, 2006 at 4:55 pm
Crystal’s right. I always say “Not enough to put new ______ in my house.” Fill in the blank. I guess, for the most part, I’ve been lucky though as far as people asking (or not). Next time maybe give them the perks, sitting home in your PJ’s while they have to get dressed and schlep through traffic to get to a job they probably don’t like that much, and then schlep home while you’re….still in your PJ’s =)
December 19th, 2006 at 6:25 pm
I don’t give specifics. I don’t think that is a question you should just ask to anyone.
December 19th, 2006 at 7:36 pm
You can always answer:
Nun-ya, as in none of your business.
or
I could tell you but then I’d have to kill you, and we only just met, I’m not sure I’m ready to do that yet.
Why is it necessary to ask that kind of question anyway? Bother!
December 19th, 2006 at 7:54 pm
Unfortunately Kelly it’s like white folks adoptiong a child of another race, a license to ask rude-ass questions you’d never in a million years ask someone like, say, your accountant =(
December 19th, 2006 at 8:56 pm
Fortunately no one’s asked me that question yet. They’ve asked if I’m selling well, etc, but not how much or made snarky comments afterward.
December 19th, 2006 at 11:36 pm
I’ve had the “how much does that make you” question but no one has been rude enough to go, “OMG that’s IT?!” Though my hubby is still waiting for me to hit pay dirt. I think he’s going to have to wait for a looooong time.
Love that cartoon!
December 20th, 2006 at 12:00 am
That cartoon is so true. LOL.
I’ve never had anyone ask me how much I’ve earned (I’m just starting though). Not sure how I’d react except just to say, “not enough — yet.” I actually would be happy to tell my writer friends so they can have an idea of what they’re up against.
I NEVER ask someone what they earn. I don’t get people. And they obviously don’t get us if they don’t understand the reason behind why we write.
Great post!
December 20th, 2006 at 6:16 am
I’ve had a couple ppl ask if it pays well, but not how much. That’s pretty damned rude, imo.
December 20th, 2006 at 7:38 am
Dang. I must have some rude folks in my state! LOL seriously, I get asked it a lot!!
The cartoon I found on cafe press under keyword writer. Sooo if you want it on a magnet, go get’m girls!
December 22nd, 2006 at 11:13 pm
“I’ll tell you if you’ll tell me how much you make,” delivered with a smile.