6 Perks of Being a Writer (That Make It the Best Job Ever)

6 Perks of Being a Writer (That Make It the Best Job Ever)

Being a writer is truly a dream come true for me. I love the writing life and all that it has to offer. Of course, writing has its challenges (I’m looking at you, plot holes and self-doubt), but it also comes with a surprising number of perks. Some are big, others are small, but all of them add a touch of magic to my daily life. Here are just a few of my favorite benefits of being a writer—my personal prologue to this ever-evolving creative journey.

1. Book Friends Are the Best Friends

If you’ve ever found yourself in a bookish community, chances are you’ve heard the phrase, “Book friends are the best friends.” And I can confirm—it’s absolutely true.

Some of my dearest friendships were born out of a shared love of story. Whether they’re authors, editors, or fellow readers, book friends understand what it means to be swept away by a narrative. They inspire me, ground me, and often give me the gentle nudge I need to keep going when a manuscript feels like a mess. We connect over deep thought, humorous tangents, and the shared joy (and heartbreak) of great storytelling.

Many of these friends I’ve met through social media or online communities. They’ve become part of my wider book family, cheering me on, asking thoughtful questions about characters and covers, and reminding me why I do this in the first place.

If you’re curious to meet some of these wonderful people, check out my Book Banter series on YouTube, where I chat with fellow authors about their books and creative journeys.

2. Daydreaming Is Practically a Job Requirement

Yes, really. Daydreaming is one of the best—and most essential—parts of my writing life.

Whether it’s while riding shotgun on a road trip or lingering in bed on a Sunday morning, my mind is often spinning stories. In these quiet, imaginative moments, my characters come to life. Settings glisten with texture and emotion. And the plot? It plays out like a perfectly paced film, seamless and captivating.

In these daydreams, the story is exactly as I want it to be—flawless. My job, then, is to try and get as close to that imagined perfection as I can on the page. If I do it right, you, dear reader, won’t even notice the world around you slipping away as you fall into mine.

3. I Can Write from Almost Anywhere

This hasn’t always been the case. When I first started writing, I needed absolute silence and a very specific setup. Any disruption could derail the creative flow.

But like many of us, the pandemic taught me to pivot. I can now write with headphones, amidst background noise, or even while sipping tea at the kitchen counter. I’ve started using a stand-up desk in the afternoons, and I find that changing my physical space often helps shift my mental one too.

Writing on the go? It’s finally within reach. And yes, I could write in my pajamas—though I rarely do!

4. Reading Is Part of the Job

Being a writer means being a reader—an avid, voracious, deeply curious one.

If I’m not buried in historical research for my current work-in-progress, I’m likely reading historical fiction, suspense, or the occasional legal drama or rom-com. And because many of my friends are fellow authors, I’m lucky enough to get early copies of their books. Some are beta reads with a focus on feedback and clarity, others are just pure reading joy delivered straight to my inbox.

Let’s be honest: there’s no better mail than book mail.

5. I Spend My Days with Imaginary Friends

Most of my writing days start with a cup of tea and a conversation—with characters only I can hear.

These fictional friends aren’t just figments of my imagination. They’re vivid, stubborn, insightful, and often demanding. They tell me what they want, what they fear, and where their story needs to go. And even when I argue with them, I always listen. Because the truth is, they’re usually right.

Some of them stay with me forever. Pastor Michael from All That Was is one of those rare characters whose wisdom continues to echo long after the final chapter. His is a voice I still carry with me.

6. "The End" Means Everything

Finishing a novel is no small feat. It takes months—sometimes years—of writing, rewriting, reimagining, and doubting.

There are moments that feel like banging your head against a wall. There are pages you want to delete and start over. But then, one day, you type those final words: The End.

Even though those words rarely appear in my published novels, I always type them in the draft. It’s my quiet celebration—a personal reminder that I stuck with it. That I made it through.

One of my favorite quotes about writing comes from William Faulkner:
“I only write when I am inspired. Fortunately, I am inspired every day at nine o’clock.”

Writing is an act of faith. It’s delayed gratification. It’s discipline. And when all is said and done, it’s the greatest job in the world.

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