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Tuesday, April 9, 2013

My New World of Writing

I’ve been banging my head on my keyboard trying to come up with a blog post that was, if not profound, at least pithy and witty…I got nothing. Today the well is empty. And all the chocolate and wine in the cupboard doesn’t seem to be prompting my muse into action. (Actually, last I saw, she was taking off with an umbrella drink in one hand, her other arm linked through the pool guy’s, running through the sprinkler.)

Which of course, got me thinking about how difficult this whole writing gig really is.

I’ve had no less than fifty jobs in my life. Everything from nature educator to waitress, 4-H camp counselor to jeans salesperson, real estate secretary to girls’ dormitory janitor and nothing, I mean nothing (not even a classroom of twenty-5 year olds) was as HARD as writing books (nope, not even the college shower drains).

Even when I was teaching at a local science center, there were days I could show up without really “showing up” for the job. I’m a great teacher (without a self-confidence issue *g*), it’s a natural for me. I knew my lessons inside-out, backwards and upside down. Which meant, even when my mouth was going and my hands holding up specimens, sometimes my brain was writing the grocery list or thinking about last night’s…okay, well, let’s not go there. *g* The point is, I didn’t have to be engaged to be good at my job.

But writing? Ah, there’s an intellectual challenge that requires all cylinders be firing at full capacity. You can’t show up to your keyboard with half your brain thinking about what you’re going to cook for dinner. Well, you can, but the results will be less than stellar. Reviewers don’t like less than stellar. Editors tear apart less than stellar. And the readers? Yeeeeah, you just don’t want to go there.

But for all the head banging, sweat inducing and hair pulling moments, there isn’t any other profession that’s given me such a kick-in-the-pants thrill as seeing my name on a book or getting a letter from a reader telling me how much they loved my newest book. *sigh* And trust me when I tell you…it never gets old! My favorite quote by Michael Kanin, “I don’t like writing, but I love to have written”, sums up my love/hate relationship with my career.

So what about you? Have you ever had a job that you LOVED, but was really challenging? Have you ever tried your hand at writing? Curious writers are dying to know.

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23 comments:

Melissa Keir said...

You're right Nina! That's one of the reasons I'm frustrated with teaching. I'm good at it but there is no challenge. I've been teaching for the last 20 years and even attended the same trainings for the last 13. I don't think that there aren't changes happening in education...because I do. And of course each year the students are different, the parents are different...but I do find writing so much more intellectually engaging. :)

Thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

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Nina Pierce said...

Melissa - When I was teaching it was at an outreach science center so I got to create new programs. I did like that creative process.

But it's nothing like building a story and creating new characters. Definitely makes me smile when it all comes together!

Susan Arden said...

YES, I totally understand your position and point. Nothing beats writing even though writing demands 150 percent of an author's heart, mind, and soul, at times. Thank you for sharing it's not all rose-colored. BTW...I'm a huge fan of your writing. So your journey must be well served for you've so many readers awaiting your next release. Namaste!

Sandy said...

Thanks for sharing Nina. Loved the post and I know exactly how you feel. I've done a lot of things in my life to earn a living. None of them are as challenging as writing. Just keep on going because I love your books.

Katalina Leon said...

50 jobs? Nina, you are always full of fun surprises!
I wish you the best with your new audio books too.

Nina Pierce said...

Susan,
Thank you for saying that! You totally made my day!

Nina Pierce said...

Sandy - I'm not sure I've had a job that has so many rewards as writing.

Nina Pierce said...

Katalina - Seriously, that's just scratching the surface. I started working when I was 11 (babysitting) and have always had a couple of jobs at the same time. That's a lot of opportunities to work at different jobs! LOL!

Elysa said...

I'm with you here. I love having written. The writing part is damned hard. :-) I'm glad you keep at it, because the reading of your books makes it worth while.

Paris said...

You're right Nina, nothing beats this profession, lol! Although, some days I think following a pool boy through the sprinkler would be a lot more fun:)

Thanks for sharing!

jean hart stewart said...

Great post, and you stated to a t what I feel. Couldn't possibly stop writig, but somw days it's damn hard.

Nina Pierce said...

Elysa - The end product is what makes the difficult journey worth the turmoil!

Nina Pierce said...

Thanks for stopping by Marian.

Nina Pierce said...

LOL! Paris, isn't that the truth!

Nina Pierce said...

It's true isn't it Jean, once the writing bug hits, there's no stopping regardless of the hard days!

Liz said...

Every job I've had was challenging but probably trying to become the craft beer wench WHILE getting my first book published in 2008/09 was a little nuts. thanks for the post!

Nina Pierce said...

LOL! Liz, I've always admired that feat. And then to be successful at both ventures ... go you!

Sandy said...

I have a love/hate relationship with writing to, Nina. When things are going smooth I love it, and it isn't I hate it. lol

Nina Pierce said...

Isn't that the truth, Sandy.

Cara Marsi said...

Nina, for someone who didn't know what to write for her blog, you did a terrific job. Loved the blog. You are so right about writing. I haven't had as many jobs as you, and the two longest lasted 23 years and 15 years. Nothing I've done has been as hard and as rewarding as writing. It was a dream to see my name on a book, a dream I never thought would come true. Thanks for the post.

Nina Pierce said...

Cara - I have to admit, I love people's reactions when I tell them I'm an author and when they ask if I've published anything I show them one of my books. Yeeeeah, that feels amazing.

Renee Vincent said...

Nina, I can certainly relate. Nothing is better than getting that heartwarming email from an overjoyed fan!

Keep up the writing, hon. You're too good to lose.

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