Why Do Many Die-hard Writers Seek Anonymity?

I suspect there are as many answers to this as there are writers. An e-mail note from a special person brought this topic to mind, and got me thinking. I'm one of the die-hard writers that truly does prefer anonymity regarding my chosen path to write, but why is that? And to whom do I wish to keep my writing a secret? Considering I keep this blog, and have a website that clearly tells of my writing, I mustn't be trying to hide my love of writing from everyone. Right?

It's true, I'm not. Letting people in cyber space and other writers know that I'm attempting to be a published author is much safer and far more comfortable than having to deal with people of close proximity asking "How's the writing going?" every time you happen to cross paths. After a while they, too, learn to stop asking, and discover vicariously through you that this business is slow going. Either that, or they come to think that you're just an awful writer and living in a dreamworld to waste such precious time trying to get a story down worthy of publication. Either way, it's the writer who has to live with the feeling of incompetence every time they hear that question. A huge reminder of how difficult this business is. Do we really need this added frustration? I think not.

The truth is, few people who haven't attempted to learn the craft of fiction writing understand that the average author has sweat and toiled over learning this art for a good number of years before the glory day of publication arrives. Even more writers never see that glory day despite years and years dedicated to honing the craft. Nevertheless, I believe time spent writing is never a waste. Not if you write with a desire to please your Heavenly Father. For God can use our training-years in so many wonderful ways. I know, because I've experienced a few eye-openers already as a direct result of my writing.

If you are called to write, write for the immense gifts that writing can bring to your life. And if someone asks just one too many times, "How's the writing going?", invite them to join you on this writing journey. Worst case scenario is that they'll take you up on it and they'll get published tout de suite, but hey, then you'll always know that your encouragement had a place in his/her success. And that's the next best thing to being published yourself.

Blessings to all!

Eileen

84 days to reflect and celebrate our Saviour's birth.