Twenty Something Writers

This post was written by Nic from PINKNIC.

Since starting out, I’ve gradually come to realise that writing is not the relatively risk-free career I expected it to be. So below, for your protection, I set out just a few of the dangers of the job they never warned you about in school!

1. Paper has an evil side
Seriously. Maybe it’s holding a grudge about the fact that it was once a beautiful tree before it was brutally chopped into thousands of pieces just so we humans could use it for our own enjoyment, but it cuts you at every opportunity. I’ve lost count of the amount of paper cuts I’ve gained over the years. And it’s never just a little graze. It’s a deep slash, it stings, it bleeds, it leaves a scar for days, sometimes even weeks.

2. Writer’s Cramp
Well, all that wrist action is bound to take its toll, isn’t it?!

3. No social life
Ok, so you get to go to some amazing places and meet fabulous (and sometimes famous) people. But what about the weekends you’re forced to give up, stuck at home, desperately trying to meet that oh-so-important deadline? How about the times you’re still awake at 2AM due to that brain of yours that just won’t switch off because it’s thinking up crazy new ideas and pitches? Or even worse, what if it’s NOT? Which leads me to my next point…

4. Writer’s Block
Easily every writer’s nightmare. When words are what make you a living (and ultimately keep you alive), it’s helpful if you’re not in short supply of them. Alas, sometimes the unthinkable will happen, and you’ll be at a loss for these precious gems. You won’t be able to write a THING. You just have to hope and pray that the block disappears before you starve to death.

I hope I’ve managed to give you a heads-up on some of the mortal dangers you will encounter if you decide to become a writer. But in doing so, I hope I haven’t put you off writing for life! Remember, the rewards are far greater than the risks.