So... You Want To Be a Writer

Often I get people asking me about my job. "Must be interesting" or "SOOoo coool (deliberate drag), I've always wanted to be a writer". There have been a few brave others who have asked me to get them a job in the field. And I always try to but not without this: a word or rather a whole thesis of warning.
The industry does not need anymore deluded, disillusioned people. Here's an email I wrote to someone, who on behalf of her little sister, wanted to know more about journalism.

"In your sister's case - journalism isn't really brain surgery. You can be a queen or pilot or yoga instructor and still be a writer. So basically, it's relatively easy - as long as you're good with words that's really all you need.

I didn't study journalism. I personally believe that people should go study something entirely different from what they want to work as. Although, during my school age, I had very little idea of what I wanted to do.

I started out as an intern for seventeen magazine eventhough I already had a degree in advertising. I decided to intern because 1) I didn't have any experience in journalism and/or magazines 2) I wanted to learn a new trade 3) I had nothing to lose - either I got the job or didn't - I still get my experience. So that's what I would suggest to your sister. Go write to a magazine/ newspaper or whatever publication and express interest and enthusiasm to intern for a month or more (if she has the time). If she doesn't mind non-pay even better because then she'll most likely get the job. Tell her it's lotsa of time wasting as well as hard work. Ironic but true.

After that I was offered a more permanent position which is the lowest of the publishing rank: editorial assistant. Everyone (i.e freshies) starts out here. After that, if the royal editor deems you suitable, you grow up being a writer, then senior writer and maybbbeeee, one fine glorious day, with a stroke of luck (and lotsa butter) an editor.

I will have to tell you that there is NOTHING glamourous about a magazine house. Yes, it may seem so for the first six months but I can frankly tell you, after that, you either run ahead or away. I've met many burnt out writers and they ain't pretty I tell ya. It's alot of hard work and long hours. You'll have no weekends and no sleep. You lose your friends and then your family - and finally, you'll feel entirely alone in the world. I suggest your sister read books like How to Lose Friends and Alienate People by Toby Young and Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger - which are two very entertaining books my editors passed to me as an eye-opening nighttime read. If that doesn't give your sister nightmares, then good for her. Strongly encourage her to read anything that comes her way fr. newspapers, to financial magazines to gossip magazines. Oh, in real life, editors can send you on assignments and back to the scoreboard 3000 times until you get it right. With red scrawls and crosses.

The perks of the job of course is that you get to see alot of celebrities, and even talk to them. But you eventually realise that they are really just like you and me - human, flesh, snot and snob. You also get to go to alot of launches hence you will know everything and anything in the market two to four months earlier than everyone else. (Note: there will be lots of wine and food - so you may end up drunk and fat) (doesn't necessarily happen to everyone nor in that order). You will occasionally get special superficial VIP treatment from people just because your tag says 'Press' or 'Media'. And you will get lotsa of freebies - ranging from makeup, handbags, tickets to concerts and holiday destination. Prestige comes with years of experience. (Needless to say, my favourite season is Christmas.)

Sadly, I know more people who are in the job for the perks rather than the passion. Believe me, these people are very empty vessels. All talk and no brains. There are as many truth-loving, honest, unique and very interesting writers as there are untalented, greedy, uncreative self-proclaiming ones.

I may sound like I hate the job but I'm just telling you what it's all about - from my observation deck that is. There's a bitter sweet to everything. If you're in KL, then do call me up one day and we'll have chats over coffee. Take care and hope this helps her to make up her mind."