Things Not to Ask a Writer

 

A writer's journey is filled with hard work, joy, and frustrations. One of the frustrations is that those who are nonwriters don't always understand what you are striving for, nor do they shy away from asking rather personal questions or making comments. 

I can't tell you how many times I've been asked if I'd published my book yet. First of all, what book? Second, I don't write books. I write in short form in several genres. Sometimes, when I say I haven't published a book, I get 'the look' from the questionner. The attitude of some nonwriters is that you're not worth much if you haven't published a book. 

There are countless fine writers who have never published a book and never intend to. They're perfectly happy writing short pieces or single poems for magazines, ezines, and anthologies. They may have a long list of credits to their name, but one them is not having published a book. 

Perhaps some nonwriters don't understand that there are numerous facets to this endeavor. People who have sold plays and screenplays may not have written a book, but what they have chosen to write is just as important as that of a novelist. 

Some may ask you the same question each time they see you. "Have you been published yet?" They know that being published is one of a writer's goals, but do they ever consider the writer's feelings by asking this again and again. Better to wait until the writer friend spreads the news of being published. 

Instead, you might ask something like, "How's your writing life going?" The writer can give you the short answer or enlarge on what he/she is working on. They will most likely appreciate your interest in their work but aren't pinned to a certain kind of answer. 

Ask "What are you working on"" instead of "Have you sold anything yet?" 

Please don't ever ask a writer how much he/she made on their last sale. You wouldn't visit your doctor and ask "How much did you make on that last patient?" Extend the writer the same courtesy. 

Showing interest in the writer's writing life is fine. In fact, it's great. Inquire about their present writing project--what it is, how it's going. Or ask if they're working on a new project. Just don't ask some of the questions mentioned above.