5 Reasons Teens SHOULDN’T Pursue a Writing Career

5 Reasons Teens SHOULDN’T Pursue a Writing Career #teenwriters #writingtips Click To Tweet

When I was 14, I emailed a best-selling author asking for writing advice.

Rather than receiving an encouraging response like I’d anticipated, instead she sent me a list of reasons of why I might not want to pursue writing.

If you’re trying to decide whether or not to write books for the rest of your life, it’s wise to look at both the negative and positive aspects of this career.

Here are the reasons why you SHOULDN’T pursue writing:

1) It does not guarantee fame or money.

The best-selling author asked me: Why do you want to pursue writing? Is it for fame and money? If so, you’re in for a disappointment.

Very few people make a fortune off writing these days. In fact, many authors work a side-job so they can pay their bills.

If you aspire to be an author for either of these reasons—not only are you going into this career for the wrong reasons, but you are also in for a huge letdown.

2) It’s a lonely job.

So many people think that being an author is glamorous. But what’s so glamorous about staying in sweats all day, chatting with make-believe characters rather than actual human beings?

A writer’s daily routine involves sitting in front of a computer. Alone. For hours. In their home, or perhaps at a coffee shop.

Either way, very little human interaction is involved on a day-by-day basis.   

3) Nowadays, an author’s career no longer consists of only writing books.

Today’s author has to wear several hats. Their day-to-day workload no longer involves penning story after story.      

It also involves building a platform. Marketing. Blogging. Branding. Interacting with others through social media.

In other words: Authors are no longer simply artists. We are also entrepreneurs. Publishers look for writers who have an established web presence, brand, as well as writers who know the ins and outs of how to market a book.

And if your book doesn’t sell due to a lack of marketing/branding/platforming, then guess what?

Your chances of landing another book contract are slim to nothing.

4) Being an author requires a HUGE backbone, as well as humility.

The story you’ve been working on for years? It might become torn to pieces by an agent. The writing you thought was to perfection? An editor will list every area you need to improve in your craft.

Then, once you think your book is done going through the shredder and you can FINALLY send your masterpiece to the public—your pride becomes shattered. Negative reviews start flooding in as soon as the book is published, and you’re left wondering why you ever thought you could write to begin with.

Okay, so your writing journey might not look that intense. But the point remains the same: If you want to be an author, you might want to start growing a back-bone now and accept the fact that you do have room to improve.

5) It’s tempting to compare your achievements and successes with other writers. 

Are you competitive? Do you envy others when they get further along than you? If so, writing might not be the best career for you to pursue.

This journey is filled with setbacks, failures, successes—setbacks, failures, and successes. Some of your writer-friends might land a book deal sooner than you. Or maybe they’ll receive film interest in their book. Win some awards. Perhaps their publisher will schedule a book tour to help promote their latest release.

Meanwhile, you’re still waiting for that first book contract.

A writer of true character will understand that each person is running their own race. Sure, you might be in it for the same goal—but ultimately, each writer is unique. Intended to write different books with a different style and for a different purpose. No one can run your race except you.

A mature writer will understand this. They will be content with his/her unique writing path, confident that their dreams will unfold when it’s time.

Being an author doesn’t just involve celebrating your own successes; it also involves cheering other writers on as well. Helping them improve their craft. Celebrating their victories, endorsing their books, and promoting their latest release.

If you’re the kind of person who can’t stand to see someone else achieve “your” dreams, then perhaps writing isn’t the career for you.

A mature writer will be content with his/her unique writing path, confident their dreams will unfold when it’s time. #writingtips Click To Tweet

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If, after reading the negative aspects to the writing career, you STILL want to pursue writing—then I’m going to ask the same question my mom would ask me when I was little:

Someone has to be an author. Someone has to fill those empty spaces on bookshelves and make a mark on the world through the stories they write.

Why can’t it be you?

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Does this list make you want to reconsider your dream of being an author? Comment below!