Writers as an endangered species.
Writers more often put in situations which place them in harm’s way. Most people have these notions that being” behind the scenes” writers are in a safe place which is a pure misconception. Truth be told writers just like elephants and rhinos are endangered. In fact, the animals above have an up hand to the writers since measure have been put in places to curb their poaching. As for the writer there is nothing to write home about.
Hostile environment is one of the dangers a writer has to face. Given that a writer pours his heart out, creates imaginary characters and breaths life to them by giving them words. Not many people can house this art. Chinua Achebe had the ability of telling the African story in a splendid way. Many amazing lessons can be drawn from his books and personal life. However not as many people can relate to this because they have not had an encounter with his books.
One of the valued asset writers have is their candid nature. It’s more of a calling to tell things as they are but in doing so they put their lives in danger. Between us not many people can stand the truth that is told about them or things around them. The truth being out is a risk they are not willing to take hence they are capable of doing anything to guard their lies. As if that is not enough writers become victims of religious and political bigotry. Writers always have to be on the run.
Many people prefer peep talks to taking their time to read. At the end of the day not many people appreciate good literature and take their time to read. As long as they are not sitting for an exam reading is out of question. Several times the writers are left asking who they are writing for, given that the readers are getting less by the day. The common phrase is you want to hide something write it down in a book only a few people will have access to it. A publisher plays a key role in the life of a professional writer who is willing to take the risk and put his work out there. However many of the publishers take advantage of that fact and give writers less than what they deserve or even go as far as stealing their ideas and not publishing those books.
Ignorant critics never give writers a chance for their pieces to shine. Just like hyenas await for leftovers for them to feed on is the same way the critics read pieces and are quick to pin point some facts that they feel was not up to standard or does not suit their expectation. The fear of both religious and political critics kills the writer’s quest to write. Even if they defeat the power of fear of critics some will write a piece and once criticized they lack the urge to keep writing. But can we blame them really.
The pressure to meet deadlines for submission of books and articles is one of the slow poisons in the writer’s world. Many are willing to do the impossible to write fast and beat those deadlines. Honore De Balzac as he explains in his writing” The pleasures and pains of coffee, “was addicted to his coffee which he loved for what it did to his writing. Finally resulted to eating cold coffee ground on an empty stomach for maximum effect. He died of caffeine poisoning at age 51.As writers we are enemies to our self.
Writers are great assets to society and their existence plays a key role in the betterment of society. The unity of writers will mean a great mechanism to keep us a float and overcome many challenges we face. Because if it is in you writing is like an ulcers that will burn so much until you take.
