People often think that writers' lives are glamorous. But some of the most important writers seemingly have the quietest lives. Alice Munro was the perfect example of this.

The Nobel-Prize-winning Canadian author died this week at the age of 92. Munro's early years were spent as a housewife, writing short stories between caring for her children. But her publishers kept pressuring her to write novels, which caused her so much anxiety that she suffered from ulcers and writer's block.

Her stories are mostly about people living in the towns and suburbs of Canada. Although the plots are surprising and the structure daring, Munro's subject matter drew on everyday experiences. She describes people's lives as "dull, simple, amazing, unfathomable".¹

Munro did not use social media. She rarely attended literary events or commented on current affairs. Despite winning many prizes, she was little known outside literary circles, with fame coming late in her career.

According to Sheila Heti, another celebrated Canadian novelist, Munro understood that writing was "the humble craft of putting your opinions and ego aside and letting something be said through you".²

Some might argue that Munro's career would be impossible today. Writers have to publicise themselves through literary events and social media. They also have to write in different styles and genres - nobody can make a living from writing short stories.

Either way, Alice Munro showed that even the most celebrated writers struggle with self-doubt and professional insecurity. But she also showed that you can write interesting books without living an exciting life. Her stories are about paying close attention to the people that everyone else overlooks. The material for great literature can be found everywhere and anywhere.

Could you be a writer?

Yes: Alice Munro showed that the most important thing for a writer is devoting themselves to their craft despite doubt and failure. Money, fame, and literary parties are all just distractions.

No: A career like Alice Munro's would be impossible today, because writers have to create a public presence if they want anyone to publish their work. The myth of the isolated genius is long gone.

Or... Alice Munro shows that great literature can be written about even the smallest lives. You do not need lots of experience to write well, just the ability to notice what other people miss.