Many years ago, in the early 1980s, I began taking my writing seriously after having a small article published in The Upper Room, a United Methodist publication. One of the earliest lessons I learned then was this: many folks shrugged at my desire to become a writer. Others considered me lazy when I decided to launch out on my own and try my hand at it full time. Fortunately, some of my early writing teachers taught me to expect these reactions. Had it not been for their warnings, I might have quit. As most of us know, writing at a professional level is hard work and often lonely.
On the other hand, it became such a passion that I gave up certain activities so I could pursue it. The biggest thing I gave up was my Saturday golf outings with my friends. They didn’t understand. Not many people did. But that’s all right, because the Lord has enabled me through these thirty-plus years to “roll with the punches.”
I think one reason why the average person doesn’t understand writing (or writers) is because they don’t understand the hard work that goes into writing prose and other literary works. They don’t understand that the easier a piece is to read, the harder an author worked to make it look easy.
Don’t let naysayers discourage you from your calling. Our God is good, and He will bring your literary dreams to pass if you continue to follow and obey Him, and persist toward your goal of publication.
The Author's Cove: John "Jack" Cunningham on Writing & History 
“They don’t understand that the easier a piece is to read, the harder an author worked to make it look easy.” Truer words were never spoken. I find a good portion of my writing time is spent staring off into space imagining what I’m about to put on the paper. Once it’s there, it subject to be changed many times over before I’m satisfied with it. Only another writer could truly understand that.
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Thanks, Terri. Yes, I agree. Only writers understand writers.
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Truth! Anyone who starts on the journey with any serious intent has to give up something… or a lot of things. It’s a passion that few understand.
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Well said. When God called me to write professionally for Him, I did give up some things, many things, so I could write and learn the craft.
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Thank you, Brother Jack, for this encouragement.
Dave
On Wed, Jun 15, 2022 at 8:26 PM The Author’s Cove: John Jack Cunningham
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You are welcome, Brother Dave.
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Thanks, Jack, for sharing your experience becoming a writer and how you had to give up things to fulfill your calling. It must have been hard giving up your Saturday outing with friends.
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You are welcome, Pat.
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