h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

There is a common misconception that writing is an enjoyable hobby but that getting published is the really hard part. Although I do agree with the publishing part, most wannbe writers don't even enjoy writing that much. Writing is work, and therefore, not fun. The parts of being a wannbe writer that are attractive are:

1) Having written
The satisfaction of finishing a novel (even a short story, in fact even a five-line poem!) is practically an orgasmic release. Simply releasing the catharsis from within makes it all seem worthwhile (even if the catharsis was built up from the agony of being an unpublished writer. There is then also the chance to show your work to everyone in the vain hope that they like it. (This ceases to be enjoyable when you find out that no-one else likes it.)
2) Talking about writing.
There are few joys in the world that writers enjoy more than talking about themselves. I could talk for about three hours about the intricite details of the plotline of my new book, the fantastic surprise ending and it's ingenious references to modern society. This doesn't mean that I've managed to get past the third chapter though.

The idea of writing on h2g2 is attractive but there is always the problem that you are not copyright-ed and your materieal could just be ripped off by the BBC. Not that I have any qualms against the BBC but paranoid schizophrenia can be useful for a writer in a corrupt world. Trust no-one.
Of course you have to have written something before you even have to worry.
I think it's time to make some more toast and have a bath.

The way I hear it, most wannabe writers don't *want* to write, they *have* to. Otherwise, what would they do with all their story ideas?

And writing for h2g2 has its advantages. Sure, the BBC can swipe my work anytime it feels like. But on the other hand, I've gotten my stuff past editors and into an online travel guide published by the BBC. If I ever *do* make an attempt at professional writing, this could be a useful thing to point out to editors. And until then, it's great fun to walk into restaurants, whip out my pocket computer, tell people I'm a freelance travel writer for the BBC, and start typing.

Overall, this is the most fun h2g2 entry I've read in a long time.

I have to agree, this is the most "guide like" entry I've seen in a while... thank goodness because I was starting to give up hope!

Thanks, I think the entry neglects to mention just how big headed a writer can get after being complimented but don't worry, I'll cope

A very good entry, I know give Fat Mammoth the right to look smug and talk endlessly about the plot synopsis of his new book/film/storycollection etc. of which he has only written the first page but can discuss for hours (am I right?)

This is the best entry I've read for a while. We should set up a forum for writers to just talk about writing.

I have to go now because I have to write. I don't want to, but I have to, the repressed catharsis is killing me and I must bleed it onto paper.

Thankyou

Bob

Spot on, except that I've actually got as far as Chapter 7, and have been stuck there for the last eight weeks...