Iceberg of a Writing Career
Descent Into The Depths
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On this beautiful Saturday morning, we’re off on a trip.
I’m taking you on an exploration of the dark depths of a writing career.
This article is aimed at four types of people:
The apprentice writer, he needs to know what to expect.
To writers, they need to know that they’re not the only ones to traverse these depths
To the writer’s family and friends, they can better understand the feelings that torment the soul behind the facade.
To those who recognize themselves in one of the depths. The deeper you are, the more careful you need to be.
It’s deliberately built to explore the dark side of a writing career.
It’s an iceberg, a descent into the depths.
Not an ascent to Valhalla.
Level 1: Visible Surface — The writer’s perception
When we think of a writer, we think of those famous authors. The great names of our childhoods. Iconic works that are part of our cultural landscape.
We think of that artist with a natural sprezzatura. He manages to construct beautiful sentences. Has a unique style. Eccentricity with a touch of insolence.
For these writers, writing seems easy. Fluid. They blacken sheets early in the morning, cup of coffee in hand. Their books are selling, and they don’t seem to be worrying about how to pay their next bills.
In reality, writers are ordinary people. Who just decided to write stories. They face difficulties every day. In between writing sessions, they do the dishes, imagining their next chapter.
They sit behind their computer to write. And unfortunately, sometimes the sentences just don’t come. They don’t understand why.
They write very early in the morning. That’s often the only time they have free. Or during a break. Between meetings. In a waiting room.
Their dream is to one day be read by thousands of people. In an ultra-crowded industry where there are many dreamers and few chosen ones.
Level 2: Under the sea — Hard Work
Writing a few texts may seem easy.
Writing every day is immensely difficult.
You have to find the idea. Then organize them. You have to do research. Then start writing. And when it’s done. You have to start the hunt for mistakes and poor formulas. It’s all about making your writing as digestible as possible.
Sometimes a single idea is the subject of several drafts. And often, what took hours to write will take a few minutes to read.
A first reality strikes the writer. Behind all writing. There’s an enormous amount of work. If he wants to succeed, he’ll have to roll up his sleeves.
Level 3: Diving — A ruthless ecosystem
At this level, the writer discovers just how ruthless writing can be.
He spent hours on a project, but it failed completely. With a heavy heart, he refreshes the counter of stagnant views.
What’s more, they have to build up a tough skin to accept the many rejections. They arrive in their mailbox with a kind of universal template.
“Sorry, but your writings are not what we’re looking for. Best regards.”
After rejections come questioning.
“Maybe I’m not good enough.
Maybe I should produce something the market likes?
They’ll also have to put up with a few lunatics whose sole aim is to ruin their morals. A vile comment or e-mail exposing a thesis explaining how lame and disgusting the text produced was.
At this level, they also discover the solitude inherent in writing.
Writing is a solitary act.
You have to voluntarily cut yourself off from the world in order to produce. Some close friends and family won’t understand. Certain relationships will suffer.
“Why do you need to lock yourself away when the sun is shining outside?”
They’ll never understand and that’s normal.
When you’re not a writer, it seems absurd to voluntarily stay alone with yourself even when the world keeps spinning.
Level 4 — Depth — Financial pressure
At this level, the writer discovers a new layer of reality.
Most writers don’t earn a living from their writing. And even writers… who sell a lot of books… live under great financial pressure.
The writer will have to juggle two or more jobs. At this level, he discovers that writing is difficult but achievable.
The real difficulty is having enough physical and mental energy to write after a full day’s work.
Level 5 — Oxygen becomes scarce — Doubts and Blocks
We continue our descent to meet the anguish, doubts … and imposter syndrome. He whispers in the writer’s ear that his lines are useless. Worse. Worthless.
It never really leaves him. It’s revived under criticism. Or by the comparisons the writer makes with others who are doing better than he is.
The writer will also discover blockages. Lack of inspiration. The reasons can be numerous. Emptiness, fatigue? Fear, Doubts…
Unfortunately, there is no doctor for creativity. All he can hope for is to take care of himself and heal.
At this point, many writers even question their identity.
Maybe it’s not for me?
Why did I even try?
Identity crises are serious. Because even successful writers can suffer from them. That’s the main reason why some disappear overnight.
Level 6 — Total Darkness
In these waters, light no longer shines.
The amateur writer who has to cope with rejection, self-doubt, financial pressures and identity crises, all the while providing daily work (and keeping an eye on the threat of AI), is subjected to an explosive cocktail that can knock him out.
They will be victims of burnout, depression or addiction.
A while ago, I had a real burnout. And for several months, I didn’t want to touch a pen. That’s why I write a lot less and try to have a balanced life.
Even if passion and balance are not good friends.
If you recognize yourself at one of these levels, it’s normal.
It’s part of the writing life. And these difficult moments will be balanced by magical ones. When you discover that your writing changes lives and improves the lives of those who read it. Or that they allow some to escape those hard days by losing themselves in your wor(l)ds.
The important part to avoid reaching the last level at all costs.
You have to take care before you must.
If you’re looking for inspiration. I’ve got lots of articles on how to take care of yourself and be productive at the same time, as well as on effective routines that won’t ruin your health.
Have a great Saturday.
See you next week.
This is one of the best articles about writers I have ever read! Take a bow Viam, this piece is incredible!
Thank you for this inspiration and the reality we all face, most importantly that we’re not alone.