Underrated Writers

Written for https://jewishyoungprofessional.wordpress.com/2023/09/27/jyprovocative-question-4-underrated/

They ask us bloggers what is underrated.

I think writing a book is underrated.

Most people (not writers obviously) do not realise the hard work creating a book, or a short story, or a poem requires of the author. It took me seven years to write, edit, rewrite my book. During Covid, I was able to promote more time to my writing, and renewed my love of the written word. I got to work with an amazing editor ”Emily Randal” and my greatest achievement was when someone admired my character going on a journey from victim to survivor.

Even that first draft. which is never perfect, is an art form in itself. It takes hours out of your day, when you could be relaxing, watching the tv, or chilling with family. I try and write in the mornings, and blog in the afternoon. There are days, after working full time at a school, that I am extremely tired.

It is like a job I don’t get paid for, unless someone buys my book. My biggest challenge is I have not been trained to market my book ”It Won’t Happen Again”. In addition to this, I struggle to shout out about my success. I reckon that is very much being a writer. Most of our days are spent on a computer, without interacting with even family.

I would love to spend more time writing, and when I retire, that’s what I am going to do. Find a little job, working in a theatre, or a library, and write the rest of my day. It is something I have always done, ever since I was eight and got my first pink, petite typewriter. My first attempts were rewrites for Starsky and Hutch episodes.

Being an author is a brilliant thing, and it is important we value the art of writing. Putting pen to page, whether the grammar is great or not, is an amazing feat of endurance.

We are definitely underrated.