Should I Just be a Writer When I’m Old?

Question:

I've always thot abt being a writer-bt as a second proffesion 2
being a doctor-smthing 2 do on my spare time. U know??? Howeva, smthings freak m
out abt it! Most of d writers biopicz tht I see dey look out of it, loony, & jst
plain frightening!!! LOLZ, bt urz lkz happy, u dnt lk wackso, and frm d way u
give us all very sound advice; ur def not a loony! So how did u avoid d trend???
Also, Im a very social, outgoing human being and writing lkz like a lonely job.
Shd I jst b a writer whn Im old-or r there ways 2 make writing a social
proffesion? Cz if so…I wanna know it!

Phyllis replied:

If you’re thinking about becoming a writer, either full or part-time, I hope you’re starting now, because for most of us, it’s a long road with lots of rejections.  In any case, I always advise people who want to be writers to prepare for another job and write on the side at first, just to see how it goes, and whether or not the writing life suits you.  You really don’t have to look or act or be strange to be a writer.  I love working alone, but I love being with friends too.  I can entertain myself for hours when traveling, but really look forward to doing things with my family.   Right now your job is to figure out what interests you the most and what you do best.  Then do your research to find out how you can make a living at whatever this turns out to be.