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. Her publishers kept pressuring her to write novels, which caused her a great deal of anxiety, but she stuck to to writing short stories.

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

Munro did not use social media and rarely attended literary events. Despite winning many prizes, she was little known outside literary circles.

Some might say 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.

Alice Munro showed that even the most celebrated writers struggle with self-doubt and professional insecurity. She also showed that you can write interesting books without living an exciting life.

Could you be a writer?

Yes! Alice Munro showed that the most important thing for a writer is devoting themselves to their craft despite self-doubt and failure.

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.