I don’t believe I have to emphasize the inglorious life of a writer. It’s the one instance you can judge a book by its cover. That skinny, pale, hunchback you see on the train everyday? Yup. That’s a writer.

Of course, we all dream — whether we admit it or not — of some level or recognition, of fame, money, whatever. There’s always this notion that one day we’ll find success and that will be that. We’ll have creative control, never having to bow down to a producer or editor giving notes or compromise our artistic integrity. Usually the day we’re faced with a reality check comes first.

I figure it’s probably better to get that reality check earlier than later. So, here I am, destroying all your dreams. Nah, I kid. But here’s a link from That Action Guy (a great blog for writing, by the way) to highlight the ridiculous life that can only belong to a writer, as told by novelist and screenwriter (and one-time contestant on Fox TV’s Sexiest Bachelor in America) Ben Mezrich.

This is what you have to look forward to.

The truth is, writing a novel can be painful and horrid. It’s like having a stomach virus that lasts three months: you’re hunched over your desk, heaving again and again, trying to get the last bit out, but it just won’t come. On the other hand, some elements of this business are incredible, fulfilling, glamorous, and life-changing. There’s no better feeling in the world than seeing your work on the bookstore shelves for the first time. I may never write the Great American Novel. Likewise, I may never reach the status of John Grisham or Michael Crichton. But I will always follow the advice I got from Mr. Louisiana (a bodybuilder/model/retail broker), a fellow contestant in Fox’s Sexiest Bachelor pageant. “You’ve got to shake what your mamma gave you.” – Ben Mezrich

Link: “You’re Going to be Huge!” – The Ups, Downs, and Sheer Absurdities of the Writing Life