Writing is a lonely job

By Doel Sengupta

‘Writing is a lonely job. Having someone who believes in you makes a lot of difference. They don’t have to makes speeches. Just believing is usually enough.” — Stephen King, On Writing

By Doel Sengupta

Writers usually start young and do it because they love it. Early encouragement goes a long way in choosing it for a job or as a profession. With the boom of social media, blogging, film and other forms of media, writing is not just restricted to traditional journalism or book writing.

I think at the beginning, writers write because they are inspired. It’s simply not possible to write if you do not read; any form of reading would go. Eventually, it pays the bills and positive feedback and approval go a long way in sticking with it as a profession.

Personally, I love journalling and writing poetry. But, these have not helped me make much money or bring in a pay cheque, at least not yet. As many of you know, I eventually ventured into journalism 13 years ago that gave me some money, even though not quite enough. I keep up with writing poetry and journalling on a regular basis.

So from my experience, there must always be some form of writing that completely captivates you. It is that which will hone your skills and craft, and give you a style. From my day job I have learnt about the business of writing, which I would never have if not for it. For that I’ll always be grateful. I have also, of course, picked up skills and polish my craft each day.

However, writing is an isolating process and can get pretty lonely. It may cause feelings of anxiety because as you write it’s just you and your creation — all alone. Even though you can monitor the outcome with techniques, research and planning, it’s difficult to predict how well-received it will be.

Getting published is a whole different ball game and comes with its own set of anxieties. No matter how much success you taste, the anxiety doesn’t ease because you just can’t afford to be trashy. You have your standards.

You may not always have people to share your work with, so you can’t gauge how good it is. And of course, self-belief and self-motivation are not enough. It’s always more motivating to have others believe in you.

It’s difficult to find people to bounce ideas off because they are generally busy living their own lives, even though you may live under the same roof. It’s not about not having enough friends or family. Any how, writing can often be isolating and lead to loneliness.

However, you live with it because, after all, if you write for a living you probably always wanted to and often dreamed of it. Sometimes, as you get immersed in the process you may desperately seek another human voice.

When I worked as a journalist, I still remember the effect of that pin-drop silence for hours together in the newsroom as scores of people worked without sound at something together. The experience is intriguing and fascinating. This only made me realise that writers (and editors) prefer to work in silence.

A habit of reading is imperative, if only a little every day. You may just not have enough time but let me tell you even one paragraph is enough.

Tips to get out of your shell and find some human connect:
Get onto the internet and join a group of writers by networking.

You may also join a book club. This will help you meet your reading quota and also discuss other writers.

Be grateful that you’re doing something you love because the best writing happens in silence.

There are many downsides, however. Payment can be abysmally low for many and sometimes pay cheques and salaries get stuck. I, personally, haven’t even got paid for many gigs with the commissioners going cold turkey. Well, with time I’ve become wiser.

Even as you are delved into the outskirts of humanity in silence and loneliness, you at least have the privilege to explore humanity through your work.