Professional vs. Amateur

In a recent forum here on Book-in-a-Week, under Getting To Know Members, a new member, Patricia listed an Agatha Christie quote as one of her favorites.

“That was the moment I changed from an amateur to a professional.  I assumed the burden of the professional which is to write even when you don’t want to, don’t much like what you are writing and aren’t writing particularly well.”

Reading that was a light bulb moment for me. And that quote couldn’t have come at a better time. Not only did it get me thinking but it also provided a much needed kick in the you know where.

It made me realize that I’m a rank amateur and not because I’m not published but because of my attitude towards my writing.  Although it is an all consuming passion of mine, it has been relegated to the status of hobby. When I came face to face with that self evident truth, it made me cringe. For how can I expect to be a professional writer if I don’t treat it like a profession? Which begs the question: if you’re unpublished, how do you treat it like a profession?

The answer is quite simple. Like any other profession, you need to show up. Let’s face it, all professions–no matter what they are (nursing, teaching, banking, etc.) requires you to show up on the days when you don’t feel like it and there are days in any job that are “sucky”. Writing is no different. There are sunny days when you’d rather be outside, your story has stalled and it’s easier not to write, or you have lost interest.

There’s guidance in the Book-in-a-Week motto: Bic Hok Tam: butt in chair, hands on keyboard, typing away madly.

Ask yourself: are you an amateur or a professional?