Misconception

One misconception of authors, at least one I've always had, is that the author's circle of friends is deeply invested in their books and keen to read new stuff. Let's clear that up and say I have some in my circle who read my stuff and more who don't. Maybe I need new friends. Just kidding, of course, they're my friends for a variety of reasons beyond reading and writing, but I do envy writers who list a whole page of people who read their drafts, offer feedback, and just generally support their fits of writing and publishing. I’m sure this type of support system is more prevalent in an academic setting and in writers’ groups, the latter of which I’ve joined in the past. I say all this to communicate a little of what it means to do something that is mostly a solitary venture by nature and dispel some of the "romance" of writing, if you will. If you're an author reading this, I hope you have that extra bit of support. For my friends and family who give me that encouragement, it means more than you know. Thank you. I originally wrote this post as part of the author’s notes for The Drop: Season Four but decided it to be a little too heavy-handed for that medium and more appropriate for this. I hope it’s not too self-serving and please don’t read this as a cry for help. I merely intend it to be a reality check for authors who might hold this particular misconception about the life of a writer.