The profession and/or passion of an author is a modern term for a wizard. We create worlds, characters, and the dynamics in between, conjuring it up with our imagination, words, and drive. It truly is like magic and I am so lucky to have chosen this path, or at least to have followed the path I was guided to.
Still, like all jobs, there are stresses and stereotypes. Knowing other authors now, calling them friends, I see how people expect them to act in certain scenarios. I myself am included in this. Admittedly, sometimes it is insulting, but in a humorous way.
I thought I would dive right into some of these writer labels today, as an introduction to myself and to kick off NaNoWriMo Month (and my birthday today ^_^).
So, hello new friends. My name is Morgan Straughan Comnick and I am an author.
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#1. People expect you to be creative all the time-
Those who compose their own books, especially fiction writers, tend to have this expectation to be creative in several other outlets. Yes, writing is a creative skill, but also practical. I cannot cook or sew more than mend to save my life! Touching paint or Play-dough gives me anxiety. Sorry! Everyone is different.
#2. People expect you to write all the time-
Ah yes. The image of tormented, raw soul, staring into the graying skies as they peck away on their computer or scribble on their pad, coffees piled next to them. They only go out in public to people watch at cafes or to refuel, scowling if you get too near. That’s what I am supposed to do all day. Friends are shocked when I have time to see movies or hang with them. You know; I have to see that Marvel movie in theaters with my friends four times for…research purposes.
#3. That my grasp of the English language is so great, that I should never make mistakes-
I love it when I make a simple typo in a text or autocorrect kicks in. I get so much backlash compared to others! I hate to disappoint, but I have duh moments or my fingers slip. Writers also would be lost without our editors. Speaking of…
#4. In ‘normal world’ writing, I should be able to edit on my own-
Gravy! I recall a time I wrote an article for a newspaper and they told me they were not going to let their editors look at it because I was a professional author, meaning it should be right. Of course, I read and edited it a few times, but still! I was so nervous about that printing. I don’t want to be embarrassed. It is always good to have another set of eyes.
#5. Everyone gives you their stories to look at-
I do this often and I do not mind for students, coworkers, and friends, but it is expected almost. We like helping others achieve their goals, but it is added pressure sometimes.
#6. That we are secretly correctly people’s grammar-
Bwahaha! Yes, this one for me is sadly 100% true! If other authors do, we cannot help it. Just embedded in my teacher and writer’s brain. I won’t be mean about it though. Yet, if you mix up ‘see’ and ‘saw,’ I will twitch.
#7. That our search history would be weird beyond belief-
Ha…ha…Yeah, please don’t look at my search history. Guilty on this one.
#8. That when you are at meetings, you have to take the notes because people know yours will be the best-
If you want an epic poem to describe the methods of classroom management for this year with some cute doodles on the side, then sure. I’ll always be your girl! I take good notes at work and as a student myself, but I am in work mode and they are for my benefit. Not all authors are great notetakers or outliners.
#9. If you make an author mad, they will put you in a book and kill you-
Okay, I haven’t killed anyone yet in my book unless the spirits in my young adult story who chose their death with excitement count. Now, if someone got on my bad side many times and I made a character experience something…not overly fun…I cannot confirm or deny that…
#10. All authors want to be rich and famous-
I won’t lie; I would love to be able to write more often and get a decent amount to live on, to have my characters gain more exposure. But, my goal is to have those who read my books to enjoy the world I created, see the time, love, and effort woven into each page. Sharing my dream with those I have and I hope will in the future, especially inspiring young people, is the best gift writing has given me outside of my head and computer. Meeting new friends from my passion is the very best.
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Educator of young minds by day, super nerdy savior of justice, and cute things by night, Morgan Straughan Comnick has a love for turning the normal into something special without losing its essence. Morgan draws from real-life experiences and her ongoing imagination to spark her writing. In her spare time, she enjoys doing goofy voices, traveling to new worlds by turning pages, humming child-like songs, and forcing people to smile with her “bubbliness.” It is Morgan’s mission in life to spread the amazement of otaku/Japanese culture to the world and to stop bullying; she knows everyone shines brightly.
For more information about Morgan and her works, check out her website, which also has links to all her social medias: http://morganscomnick.com
