Why You Should Hug A Writer

I saw a quote by Winston Churchill at The Writers Circle this morning that runs in the same vein as the poster above. Sir Winston once said:

“Writing a book is an adventure. To begin with it is a toy and an amusement. Then it becomes a mistress, then it becomes a master, then it becomes a tyrant. The last phase is that just as you are about to be reconciled to your servitude, you kill the monster and fling him to the public.” 
- Winston Churchill

Anyone who has ever tried to write a book would probably be able to relate to what the famed British statesman said. Even short stories, essays, articles, creative nonfiction--whatever needs a writer to be born--is proof of what American author, Nathaniel Hawthorne said. Interesting sidelight that they printed his rather significant birthdate on the poster. 

The EASY reading part caught my eye first and the thought came that most readers who have that easy reading in a well-written novel or any other piece of writing most likely never give a thought to the writing. I do, but that's because I am a writer and I admire anyone who can hone the skill well enough to give me, the reader, an easy read. I'd bet that most other writers also have a deeper appreciation of something they read that is a good read. They know what it takes to achieve that smooth flowing piece of prose. They know the proverbial 'blood, sweat, and tears' that go into the writing that can be assessed as GOOD.

Next time you read a novel you truly enjoy, give some thought to the writer. He/she may have lain awake many nights working on a plot, might have agonized over a decision as to what should happen to a beloved character, could have spent hours researching something that has only a minor place in the book but is monumental in the story itself. 

Readers may love a book but writers admire he/she who wrote the book even more. If you see a writer today, you might consider giving him/her a hug.