The Writer's Ego

J.K Rowling author of the marvelous "Harry Potter" books was living on the edge of poverty when she finally published her first Potter novel. Of course, we have all heard the tales of Stephen King's pre-famous life. He was rejected 600 billion times before finally publishing his famous novel, "Carrie." Okay, that might have been a stretch. We also have heard about famous authors that have had to go the less-than-dignified course of self-publishing, e.g., John Grisham, Mark Twain, and L. Ron Hubbard to name a few. In my less-then-humble opinion, many authors use these scenarios to push an agenda. Perhaps, selling a book? Or, maybe they're pushing their POD or self-publishing business? "Do ya think?"

Don't get me wrong. Novice writers (I include myself in this category) need encouragement, ego stroking. Here's the deal. My wife (whom I love and worship) is filled with great pride when she tells her friends, "My husband is a writer." Subsequently, when her friends approach me with, "Your wife says you're a writer." My reply is, "Yes, I've written some novels, but they're not that great." What does that tell you about confidence? Zero confidence, zero ego, would be the correct answer.

How do writers cure this "I suck," self-imposed ego-prison? Let's see, have you tried this one? "I write for myself. I really don't care if anyone reads my words." Sure you have. We all have. Guess what? You're kidding yourself. No one writes a story so they can read it themselves (unless you have some major personality disorder). Writers write because they think they have something to say, a story to tell, or a mournful poem for someone to read, for someone to say "cool write, man." Yes, writers want someone to say, "Hey man that is some heavy duty stuff you've written."

Writers I believe are a sensitive lot. In fact, the stigma of writers is that of a reclusive, depressed, and sometimes mad person with a keyboard or a pen. I think this description is not all wrong. Creative individuals, be it artists, actors, writers, or exotic dancers, do indeed require a certain amount of sensitivity. How can you write about someone wanting to commit suicide, if you haven't had at least a glimmer of the thought? How can you write about the abusive alcoholic father if you haven't at least seen one in action or been sired by one? How can you write about your buddies dying on the battlefield unless you've been touched by a story, a movie, or have had an actual experience on the battlefield?

Writers are also a smart ilk. They know when their egos are being overly stroked. They know that the Stephen King anecdotes and J.K Rowling rags to riches stories are meant to encourage them, which is all good and well, but we have heard them time and time again. Stroking our egos is great, but how about reading some of our writings. Writers write to be read by readers. I think it's a simple theory, but I own it and I'm sticking with it. I must go now and hide under a giant toadstool until my medication is delivered.