I say I'm an author, with most people not seeming to hear this part, skipping the suggestion of asking me about my books, going straight to "(That is interesting) What else do you do?" as if being an author is not a career option.
Unfortunately, writing and publishing books are generally believed to be just a hobby done by the wayside at a whim without effort from the author at all. Never mind you spending two years (or longer) of your life to bring a book to publish.
(Conclusion in 2019 - I feel this uptake of writing and publishing books to be a hobby is unfortunately true, a time consuming and very expensive one. The sad part is many authors agree as few 'make money', never mind a living from their books.)
Okay, so you wish to know 'what else I 'do'?
Me: "I dabble in crystals, psychic phenomenon and energy manipulation."
Inquirer: "Come on, you must surely be kidding? What do you do for a living?"
Me: "I'm a non-practicing ordained minister and the originator of an anti-ageing cosmetic company."
That one is a hard one to swallow and I always get a funny look.
Me: "True story. I died, had near death experiences, was sent back and healed completely from third degree burns to 35% of my body. This adventure has seen the birth of many Mystic Educational Past Life Recollection books, and Natural Skin Products that had improved the lives of thousand of people."
By this time the person would either politely excused themselves and leave in a hurry, or become a life-long fan.
Yes, sometimes the truth is weirder than fiction. Stick around. Visit my website. Have a read. You might just learn a few things in the process or at least be entertained.
