Why Blue Collar Mentality

Hello Timmy! Today, let’s delve into a somewhat light topic – something I can tackle while dealing with the myriad of things happening around me. Oh, and don’t worry, Neophyte is doing just fine. Today, I want to discuss the perpetuation of a stereotype, Timmy – the one about the bohemian writer, almost a hermit, living solely for their art, seemingly alone yet not feeling solitude because they have their art as a constant companion. Annoyingly enough, Timmy, there’s a grain of truth in this stereotype. I know, it’s frustrating, but most stereotypes have some roots in reality – writers aren’t exempt.

While this idea has its roots in the literate elites of the past, those who could afford a life of leisure, times have changed. Only a select few can write a handful of books and be set for life. The path for the rest of us is now crowded, crooked, with unexpected turns and blind spots.

So, Timmy, I feel obligated to tell you that, to merely survive, you need a blue-collar mentality. It means getting up, tackling the day, and doing your job, no matter what’s happening in your life. Not to meet expectations necessarily, but because it’s necessary. Writing a book, even a relatively short one, is a long and arduous endeavor that may or may not be ready by the self-imposed deadline. You need a deadline; we’re creatures that thrive on limits and structure, after all.

This mentality also scoffs at “rituals.” I, too, used to dismiss them. They served their purpose initially, but eventually, they outlived their usefulness and hindered my progress. It’s an insight born out of experience. The people who gave rise to these stereotypes had money, and their habits have been passed down to us. However, times have changed.

What do I mean by this? Writing has to be treated as a job. Unless you strike it big, you have to perform your duties daily and consistently. You get up, do what needs to be done, and then you write. You let your hands fly over the keyboard, typewriter, or piece of paper – whatever your preferred medium is. That’s the only way.

I call it a blue-collar mentality because the job needs to be done, regardless of your state, unless it’s something so debilitating that it impairs your work. I’m not suggesting you break yourself against the page. I can’t write if something is consuming my thoughts or if I’m too tired. I always say any writing is better than no writing, but with a caveat – if you’re too tired or too ill to be coherent, you really should rest. For instance, during my university days, I had to read a sociology book (can’t recall the specifics), and I was so tired that I spent minutes re-reading the same line before realizing what I was doing. That’s something to avoid.

But sacrifices need to be made. If you set too many conditions for writing, hindering your work, you’re doing it wrong.

Now, Timmy, I’m not saying you shouldn’t have a ritual or favorite conditions to write in. Knock yourself out if it helps you. But those are the key words here – if it helps you.

I’ve witnessed situations go awry more times than I can count. Perhaps that’s where my mentality stems from – things need to be done. Any ritualistic crutch you place in your way will hinder you from doing. If you’re not doing, you’re not writing. If you’re not writing, you’re not failing and learning. If you’re not failing and learning, you’re not achieving anything.

Ultimately, writing has to be done, and like many things, there’s no variation. You’re either doing it or you’re not. It’s much more preferable to be doing.

Until next time!