Photoshop Friday

Writers: A Field Guide

Today we continue with the study we began last week of the many species of writers flitting around there in the world. In this concluding session, I will disclose my own personal breed. So, stay tuned to the end. (Also, I want to give a big thanks to all those who gave me ideas last week!)


The Narcissist
Ah, haven't we all known a writer of this variety? There are many of them. They can be easily recognized by their loud praise of their own work, and their talents as a writer. They refuse to edit. Good heavens, why would they??? It's perfect as is! Alas, just as Narcissus did in the Greek myth, many a Narcissist has perished, unpublished, as they marvel at the glory of their own work.


The Cynic
Listen for ranting and raving, or snide remarks about Agents/Editors/publishing companies/etc., etc., and you will find The Cynic. They are writers who have felt the worst and hardest parts about the biz, often again and again and again. They are jaded, angry, and one can't really blame them, I suppose. A Cynic should be treated with kindness and understanding, however, an aspiring writer might want to disregard a lot of what they say.


The Dreamer
This breed of writer is not to spot, though it might confuse the careful writerwatcher. Mostly because The Dreamer does not technically fall in the same family as writerus maximus, or the average writer. The Dreamer is filled with ambition, hope, and of course, a brilliant idea. They mingle with writers, might even start a blog. But when all is said and done, their stories remain in the dreamy glow of their minds, and never actually to the black and white glow of a Word document.

And last of all . . . (my breed)

The All-of-the-Above,-just-Depends-on-the-Day Writer
(by the way, is that a creepy picture or what?) On any given day, this writer can be any of the previously mentioned breeds. Her moods shift from one to the next, dictated by any number of reasons. Maybe she's feeling frustrated with edits. Maybe her first draft is going along so awesomely! Maybe that pile of other things to do are striking her as much more important than some book. Whatever the reason, the writer shifts like the four winds. So bear with her. She's trying. ;)