by Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes, Ed.D. @khutch0767

One of my favorite things to see is when writers are depicted in books, movies, and television. I feel incredibly validated and seen. I love how they are often glamorized, and I appreciate when we get a glimpse into the real-life highs and lows of the writer’s life. But much of the time, the industry gets it wrong and reinforces the misconceptions that already exist about writers and the industry. The truth is that much of what makes up these versions of writers is fiction or exaggeration.

Overall, many misconceptions seem to appear consistently across various platforms, but I’d like to tackle six of the ones I find more prevalent.

1. All writers know each other
2. Writers become wealthy after the publication of their first novel
3. All writers are quiet and introverted.
4. Writers are exceptional at grammar and spelling
5. Writers have loads of spare time
6. Writers control every aspect of the publishing industry
7. Writers have thick skin

While it may be true that some writers know each other, it cannot be generalized that all writers know each other. Numerous writers work in isolation and prefer it that way, and some live in different parts of the world and have never had the opportunity to meet each other. The writing industry is vast and diverse, with writers specializing in different genres, styles, and formats. Therefore, it’s unlikely that all writers know each other.

Some writers become financially successful after publishing their first novel, but this isn’t the case for most writers. Many writers struggle to make a living, even if they have published multiple books. I had the opportunity to meet Jerry B. Jenkins at the 2023 Write to Publish Conference. I was shocked when he shared with the audience that he’d published over a hundred books before publishing the series of Left Behind books that shot him to stardom. The publishing industry is highly competitive, and success as a writer depends on various factors, including talent, timing, and luck. Also, the amount of money that authors make from book sales can vary widely depending on factors such as the publishing deal’s size, the book’s market, and the author’s ability to market themselves effectively. While writers can become wealthy after publishing their first novel, it’s far from the norm.

The statement that all writers are quiet and introverted is a common stereotype that doesn’t always hold true. While some writers may be introverted, many are extroverted and have a gift for storytelling and captivating an audience. Many successful writers are known for their outgoing personalities and ability to connect with people from all walks of life. There may be some truth to the idea that writing requires solitude and introspection. Still, it’s important to remember that writers come in all shapes, sizes, and personalities, like people in any profession.

While it’s true that many writers possess excellent grammar and spelling skills, not all writers share this trait. Some writers may have difficulty with certain aspects of grammar or struggle with spelling, yet they may still excel in other areas, such as storytelling, character development, or plot construction. Some writers may prefer to focus on the creative aspects of writing rather than the technical aspects, which can lead to a more unique and unconventional writing style. Ultimately, while good grammar and spelling are valuable skills for any writer, they do not necessarily determine the quality or effectiveness of their writing. Some writers may have more flexible schedules due to the nature of their work. But it’s unfair to assume that all writers have much spare time. Many writers must balance their writing with work, family, and household responsibilities. Writing is often time-consuming and mentally taxing, requiring long hours of focused work. Writing can be a rewarding and fulfilling pursuit, but it’s not necessarily a leisurely activity that leaves writers with excess free time.

Saying writers have complete control over every aspect of their writing projects would be a stretch. Publishers and editors play a crucial role in bringing a book to market, including marketing, distribution, and pricing decisions. The market itself plays a role in determining which books are successful and which aren’t, regardless of the quality of the writing. While writers are undoubtedly important, they are just one part of a larger ecosystem that ultimately determines the fate of a book.

Writers must cultivate perseverance and resilience to cope with criticism, rejection, and self-doubt. However, it would be unfair to suggest they have thick skin. In reality, writers are frequently sensitive and vulnerable people who put their hearts and souls into their work. They are deeply invested in their craft, message, and readers and are just as susceptible to the emotional impact of their words as anyone else. Therefore, rather than praising writers for their toughness, we should show appreciation and admiration for their humanity, creativity, and bravery in sharing their stories with the world.

As writers, we often find ourselves battling against common misconceptions that people have about us and our craft. Some may think that writing is easy or that it’s not a real job, while others may assume that writers are solitary and introverted individuals who spend all day locked away in a room. However, as writers, it’s our responsibility to address these misconceptions with a combination of humor, truth, and wisdom. We have to educate people on what it really means to be a writer and how much work goes into creating something that is both compelling and well-crafted. Ultimately, the best way to combat misconceptions and stereotypes about writers is to let our words do the talking. By using our skills and talents to create stories, essays, and articles that challenge people’s assumptions and offer new perspectives, we can help to set the record straight and show the world what it truly means to be a writer.

Author, speaker, educational consultant, and editor–Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes, Ed. D. has had her hand in leadership for many years. She loves speaking to groups and delivering messages with a quick wit and real-life stories. Katherine is a freelance writer/content editor, a content editor/writing coach for Iron Stream Media, and a sensitivity reader for Sensitivity Between the Lines. She is a review board member and contributor to Inkspirations (an online magazine for Christian writers), and her writing has been published in Guideposts. Her work in art/writing is distinguished by awards, including the New York Mayor’s Contribution to the Arts, Outstanding Resident Artist of Arizona, and the Foundations Awards at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer’s Conference (2016, 2019, 2021, 2022). She was a finalist in the Genesis Contest ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers/Romantic Suspense 2022). She is a finalist for the Claymore Award 2022 (Thriller Division) for the best-unpublished manuscript. She is a member of Word Weavers International and serves as an online chapter president and mentor. She belongs to FWA (Florida Writers Association), ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), CWoC (Crime Writers of Color), AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association), and AASA (American Association of School Administrators). She serves on the board of the nonprofit organization Submersion 14 and is an art instructor and virtual exhibition specialist for the nonprofit organization Light for the Future. Katherine is the host of the podcast Murder, Mystery & Mayhem Laced with Morality. She has authored a Christian Bible study for women and is currently working on the sequel and prequel to her first general market thriller novel, “A Fifth of the Story.”