And then you have those people who want you to write their stories. No, no. I don't mean biography-type stories, but the alien abducting Bible-times people stories. What? That sentence didn't make any sense?
Yeah, I know.
Someone recently found out about my personal and professional aspirations and proceeded to explain their idea for a story. When I encouraged them to pursue it--just write it out and see where it takes them--they shook their head. No. They didn't want to write the story themselves. They would however, allow me to write it and share in the awesome glory that would no doubt come as a reaction to their story being shared with the masses.
If you're a writer, you're laughing. Because as writers, we have so many stories fighting to be released, that the thought of taking someone else's seems crazy and exhausting. Would you agree?
So have you ever had this happen?
Generally what type of responses do you receive when telling others you're a writer?
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| I can just imagine he's saying, "Dang it! You stole my book idea!" |
*And I am in no way saying that alien people in the biblical days is a bad idea. I think if the plot is right and the characters are deep, you can make almost any time period and creature into a great story.
I tend not to tell people I'm a writer but other people who know me well (or at least better) usually let it slip.
ReplyDeleteI have had the "you're a writer? Well, you should write MY story" experience all too often. It always makes me laugh.
Once, after finding out, a woman asked if I wrote sex scenes and when I said I did if the story called for it, she responded with, "I really want to read a sex scene YOU wrote." I'm not sure what she was implying. I was too afraid to ask.
Oh. My. Gosh! Seriously? I'm laughing now! How awkward. A sex scene YOU wrote.
DeleteThis is so funny because my BF's best friend just recently tried to convince me to write his story for him. It would be under his name but I would get 50% of everything when it hits big. Um... It doesn't work that way. I've been writing stories and querying for years I know this, but no matter how hard I try to explain it, it doesn't seem to sink into his head. The funny thing, I write mainly contemporary, historical and trying my hand at paranormal, but he's a huge Sci-Fi, Fantasy person. I've never even seen Star Wars. I'm hoping he will give up soon.
ReplyDeleteAlso it's weird telling people about trying to get published. I always feel like they look at me like I'm a dreamer and it's time I wake up and get a 'real job' But I had that and it's not where my heart is. My grandma gave me great advice the other day she told me, "Don't tell anybody anything until you can hold it in your hand and stick it in your pocket."
I figured other writers had shared in my experience. :) I like your Grandma. So true!
DeleteYou know, I've never had anyone actually try to pitch a story to me. I mean, no one other than my kids. And, in those cases, they're not pitching new stories to me, just making suggestions on what I can do with the stories I'm working on.
ReplyDeleteAnyway...
I think this could be one of two things:
1. I already have a book out, express that I'm working on a sequel, so don't try to suggest anything new to me.
2. They just don't take me at all seriously and are laughing behind their hands, "Yeah, right... him, a writer? LOL"
My kids have suggestions too! And my book is fairly dark, but toady my 11 yr old suggested I add an even darker twist. I wanted to praise her for such imagination and then ask her how she doesn't stay up every night with nightmares!
DeleteA lot of people treat me like I'm a wannabe trying to make it big in the world when I tell them that I am working towards being a published writer. And when I try to explain that it's something that I'm really passionate about, and will do it even if I never get published, they get that "That's what they all say" look. But I'm okay with that. I know my reasons for being a writer.
ReplyDeleteI have had a few people try to pitch me an idea, but only on the understanding that "I would get a cut of the profits."
I'm all set with that, thanks.
As the saying goes, ideas are cheap. Even if someone does steal your "idea," they can never use it in the same way you imagine it. I was nervous about this when I first started, too, but have realized that writers have their own stories to tell. So, no worries anymore. I know I got that "HA" reaction when I was younger, when I said I wanted to be a writer. Not anymore, though. I think they've taken me seriously now. :)
ReplyDeleteI agree. The idea part is easy. It's the spending hours writing and months editing and years waiting part that can be difficult and no one can steal that from us. :)
Deleteheh That's funny. My younger son is always asking me if I don't think my stuff is "too intense."
ReplyDeleteMost people just look at me funny. Some have that look, like they wonder if I'm okay in the head. I used to get offended by that, now I just twitch a little for fun. LOL. Most people have no idea how the process works and we can't expect them to. In time, hopefully we will all be able to just hand them a book, right?
ReplyDeleteI love that. Yes, we will be able to just hand them a book :)
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