Well, it is hard work!

I've only now read Emma's letter but the following:-

but academics, bless 'em, are notoriously poisonous and snobbish about those of their number who achieve a more popular and/or public profile

made me think of Paul Potts. When watching the TV programme that followed his swift rise to fame, I heard a 'Real Opera Critic' slating his singing voice, saying it wasn't 'Real Opera', that there was no real emotion, and a lot more. So what? I'm sure Paul Potts is happy enough.

As for myself, I get polite smiles when I tell people I write. Those smiles are accompanied by raised eyebrows when they know I've sold some (just a few)short stories. So now I never talk about my writing, even to my husband who just sees it as an enjoyable little hobby. But one day - one day - I shall do a Paul Potts, you'll see.

LOL, PJ!!

Yes, it is hard work, Sally!

I suspect people are a bit starry-eyed about writing nowadays, it's sort of getting swept up in the whole celebrity i wanna be famous culture. They ought to try it

I'm sure you're right too, Susie - some people look at me as if they couldn't think of anything worse to do!