A writer? So what do you really want to do?

Why do people always ask  this question when a person says they want to be a writer, or an artist of any form.  You never hear people ask med students or law students so what do you really want to be?  Why is it so hard for some people to believe that there are people out there who not only write but actually want to carve out a living doing it.  Last year my pessimistic, narcissistic mother came to visit and half way through my seven days in hell she so graciously asked if I was still doing “that little writing thing”  (I can always count on my mother and grandmother for a confidence boost).  When I gritted through my teeth yes, trying to remain somewhat civil and not lose what little bit of religion and faith in the universe I have left.  She then proceeded to in her own mommy dearest way point out that no one who isn’t famous is making a living as a writer.  I was offended by her mommy dearest comment on several levels; first there are plenty of “non-famous” people who make a living as writers.  Second, just because someone is famous it doesn’t make them a writer reality stars have driven that point home with a vengeance.  After thirty-six years of being her daughter I knew we were not going to be able to have a civil conversation or debate about her baseless comment and I did the only thing that would make sense so I cut the television off in the room.  When she asked why I said in my sarcastic way.   “It seems pointless to keep it on since only famous people make a living being writers.”  She didn’t get it but in truth I didn’t expect her to understand.  And in some respects I don’t understand why writers are held to a higher level than other professions.  I don’t understand why it’s okay to be a successful unknown doctor but not a successful unknown writer.