On Writing, Peanuts, and Belgian Waffles

By Sarah Aterrado - September 27, 2015


I love to write but I never really wanted to be a writer. Not that I consider myself to be one. As a matter of fact, I didn't like my English classes back in high school and college. I have even failed English (literature) once. My lack of interest in the English Language and Literature, however, unexpectedly warranted me to end up writing stuff for a living.

Well, that's what I did a long time ago and I tried to do the same thing recently. I was under the impression that I can make writing pay the bills again. Before I glued my butt to the swivel chair to write a 1000-word essay, I was so pumped up by the mere fact that I really do love writing. I can write more than a thousand word blog post in an hour or so.

This should be easy.

But everything changed the moment I started staring at the blank screen. It came to me like a flash of lightning that writing isn't fun at all. Writing is frustratingly bleak that I agonized more or less three hours to finish a draft. My thoughts were all over the place. I've had grammar lapses. And half of the time I was greatly intimidated by the text cursor that intensified my lack of creativity with every blink. To make matters worse, I needed to make two essays. And I've got a deadline to beat.

It seemed like Gandalf was with me all along screaming with fervor, "You shall not pass!" to any idea that tried to get inside my mind. And those three wasted hours were not even worth the scanty amount I get from it.

It got me thinking that I should have just worked for McDonald's instead for I only reap the same benefits. The only difference is, I wouldn't have to suffer mental exhaustion and I get free lunch from it. Don't get me wrong, I'm not belittling jobs at McDonald's. It's just that I want to make a point why they take writing tasks so lightly that they pay peanuts for it and still expect you to deliver high quality writing. I mean, it's not something anybody can do. Clients should understand the time, effort, and skills, not to mention the creative thinking techniques needed to put the words harmoniously together. Writing is never easy no matter how passionate you are with the craft. It never really was and it never will be.

Well, I guess I'd have to set writing jobs aside. That kind of job's not really for me. But anyway, six hours and an exhausted brain later, I am sitting here writing this blog and enjoying my Peach-mango Belgian Waffle bought from my very brief writing stint. Still thankful albeit wishing I ordered the blueberry-cream cheese instead.

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23 comments

  1. My sister is a freelance writer. My dad always tell her most writers only get rich when they're dead, unless you're as awesome as J.K. Rowling or as terrible as Meyer.

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    1. I don't really intend to become rich from writing. I couldn't even earn decent money from it. Haha. I think I'll just keep on writing for fun. :)

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  2. Hahaha ah I also had no interest in English during my high school and college years but writing about my day has always just been something I've enjoyed. I'd never become an actual writer full time though no way! Mathematics will always have my heart <3

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    1. Aaargh! Math *faints*. I never really liked Math. And Math doesn't like me either. Haha. I don't think I'd ever be a writer full time too. My writing skills are just enough to publish a blogpost.

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  3. Oh I can really relate to this!......I call it 'White Fright'! :D Did you enjoy your waffle?

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    1. I did! But I would've enjoyed it more if I ordered my favorite. I wonder what's a White Fright?

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  4. Most of the time I got inspired doing all sorts of things during the day, because I`m daydreaming a lot. I even get excited so much! Then, in the evening when I finally get to write something, I don`t know how to start, but when I do it`s the best. I really like having a blog, but sometimes can relate to you :)

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    1. It would have been easy if I write whatever topic I wanted to write. But if given a topic I'm not really familiar of, then that's the hard part.

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  5. love your pictures associated with your blog

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    1. Thank you, Barbara! I drew those doodles myself. ^_^

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  6. I feel you, I tried ghost writing before and I did not last for a year so I just started a blog. hehehe!

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    1. I don't last a month. I'm only better at writing when it comes to blogging. Other than that, it's just meh.

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  7. Well, nicely written and love your Doodles specially the second one..;)

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  8. U have your unique way of writing.....kudos

    www.lexhansplace.com

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  9. Maybe you should stick to blogging and earn more by putting ads on your blog. :)

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    1. Yes, I'm sticking to blogging. And nah, I've thought about ads a thousand times (in fact, this used to have adsense). But I, myself, am annoyed with ads. And I'm trying to keep this blog as genuine as I can. ^_^

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  10. One of my dreams is to become a writer! I love to write but sometimes, I get discouraged and think that writing is not for me. Buti nalang there's blogging, I can freely write what I want. :)

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    1. Yes, that's the beauty of blogging. We can write whatever we want. Less stress pa. :D

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  11. You have to force yourself to find inspiration to write. If you wait for it, that will really be difficult. Just enjoy the words!

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  12. We all have different reasons for writing. Others do it for fun, others earn decent money from it. As for me, I consider my blog as a stress reliever. :)

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  13. Tough grind. Well, each and every single one of us—who do this thru passion or profession—has its own shares of struggles. Mind you: some may actually had in mind but just can't do the execution part: either because they lack the machinery to put the ideas in black-and-white, or the sudden mental blockage where that person may actually wanted to put something into writing, but just can't be able to do so once they faced either the paper or the blank word document.

    I get the feels you have inputted in here. Sometimes I also felt discouraged after seeing my posts having multiple errors, from grammatical—and even typographical. It's like at this age where everyone's a writer, it's no excuse to be imperfect on those aspects. As if our world now revolves in a web we know as cyberspace. As if everyone has a Godlike computer literacy skills. And as if everyone thinks global that's why they speak a lot English.

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