On Writing : Writing isn't available for everyone by Frank Van Der Meijden

Frank Van Der Meijden

Writing isn't available for everyone

Writing really is a profession.

We as writers could be (sometimes) more proud of that. (Even though I am additionally engaged as a director, for me writing is an essential start to directing.)

Last week I received a question from a dramaturg of one of the national Dutch television broadcasters. She commented: I have a pitch for my series almost ready, but I get stuck in some episodes and I'm not sure if my pitch has the right power.

I helped her with the character's "want" and "need," the premise and logline, and with writing out some aspects of the story.

In one evening, I was done. I didn't think it was that complex and she did the major part of the story.

The next day: full of disbelief, she stared at me.

How could that be? Already done, like this?

It's my job, I said. :)

Shellie Schmals

Great answer!! :)

David E. Gates

I'm a writer but it's not my profession. If it earnt me enough, it would be. But, alas, it doesn't. So I have to rely on my other career for income.

Eric Sollars

I haven't made a nickle writing.

Debbie Elicksen

Writing is hard work. One of my favorite quotes is from Ernest Hemingway about "writing is easy." He said: There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.

Frank Van Der Meijden

It is hard work, indeed, Debbie. One important note,: I'm earning money with writing for 20 years now, but for the most part it is with commercial and business-like tasks. As a ghostwriter, speechwriter, journalist, editor in chief en lecturer. As many others it still is a dream to live from creative writing.

Evelyn Von Warnitz

Great post. So agree. But somehow is bleeding is a sweet thing for my opinion.

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