1. I would write a book … if I had the time.

Oh, the classic ‘I’d write a book if …’ line. It never seems to get old … in all of the wrong ways.

    2. You want to be an author, right? So, you basically want to be J.K Rowling.

This is something I’d like to call the ‘J.K. Rowling factor.’ Whether you’ve finished your first draft, are querying agents, or have the book contract in hand, someone will always find the time to slip in a Rowling comparison that is enough to make you roll your eyes and walk away.

    3. When is your book getting published?

This question, or it’s so-called brother – ‘Have you finished writing your book? – are nearly always well intentioned, but rarely well received. It may come as a surprise to those who don’t write, but most aspiring authors are already weighed down by their own unrealistic expectations. We don’t need another human chiming in.

    4. Can I be one of the characters in your book?

They say ‘write what you know,’ but that doesn’t mean ‘write about everyone you know.’ So, as lovely as it may be to feature a real friend in your fictional world, it doesn’t mean you should feel obliged every time someone asks.

    5. If it doesn’t work out, you can always self-publish.

First of all, self-publishing isn’t just a means to an end, nor is it a last ditch attempt at seeing your work in print. It’s a choice, and if done right, it’s a perfectly acceptable one. In truth, it doesn’t matter whether you aspire to be traditionally published, or are readying your manuscript for KDP print. We’re all writers in our own right, and hopefully, non-writers will one day view us in the same way too.

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What would you add to the list? Let me know in the comments.

Until next time,

Melis x

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