The Perks of Being an Author

Everyone talks about becoming a writer because they love writing. And I mean really love it. For most people who call themselves writers, writing is something they will do no matter what circumstances they find themselves in. Even if these hypothetical people are flipping burgers or working as lawyers or dog trainers or astronauts, chances are they are still finding (or trying to find) time to write. But let's face it. Not everyone is happy with just writing. Most aspiring novelists hope and dream that someday they too will join the ever coveted realm of the Authors. 

Texas Book Festival 2011

I feel this wish (with a burning, soul crushing intensity) every time I am in the presence of an Author, especially a group of Authors. Being in their company just makes me want, more and more, to be one of them. Over the years I've written on this blog about attending events in which Authors congregate, such as the Texas Library Association Conference (where I got to meet my idol, Shannon Hale), and the Texas Book Festival, which you can read an account of here. And yes, I write first and foremost because I love it with all of my being. I will always be a writer, and I will always write. It's like a part of my identity. But despite loving what I do, part of me feels like I won't ever be fully happy until I become an Author. Here's why:

1. Community: Authors are a very close knit group. Case in point: I was watching an old Youtube video today in which John Green was having a writing party with Maureen Johnson and Scott Westerfeld. In another he was talking about how Libba Bray had managed to break both her elbows and how that is totally something that would happen to her, as opposed to oh, I don't know...Sarah Dessen? The only thing I could think while watching these videos was, "How do you know all of these awesome people?!" and  "I would break both my elbows to be part of the company you keep!" 

2. Lifestyle: Besides being awesome and getting to hang out with awesome people, Authors have it pretty good as far as work goes, too. Sure, the actual writing part can be stressful and demeaning to the point where they probably want to burn their manuscript by the time they're done with it, but I like the fact that they can work in their pajamas if they feel like it. No dress suits and high heels for me! Give me a cup of coffee, a comfy chair, and a computer with a word processor and I'm the happiest girl in the world.

3. Readers: Almost as much I want to belong to a community of Authors I also want a community of Readers. I want to get mail from people who have read my work and who will ask interesting questions and tell me honestly what they think. I want to sign copies of books for anyone who's willing to take them. Most of all I want to know that there are people out there who have read my words and been moved by them.

Sounds pretty great, right? Of course it does! One of the reasons I wanted to write about this topic is because I am attending this year's Texas Book Festival in late October and I'm super excited! Just getting to spend time surrounded by books and Authors is a wonderful feeling, and while hopefully someday I will achieve Authordom, right now I can be happy by simply being in the presence of intelligent, compassionate people who write fantastic books.

'Till next time, and thanks for reading!