Why Write?
August 12th 2007 05:31
There is that ever-present question. Writing isn't a very stable business, as a writer the word 'paycheck' becomes almost myth, and publishing? Don't get me started.
So why write?
Because you love writing is the only answer. The people that don't love their writing don't make it. If you asked me why a book like Harry Potter or Stephen King's Carrie made it and gave their writers the equally mythic 'big break', I would say passion.
I've never met Stephen King or JK Rowlings. But I've read their books. I've read On Writing by Stephen King, too. The writers show passion. They care enough to properly create. To draw you into the story. Their endings (mostly) leave you satisfied. It's over when it's over.
I've had the pleasure of personally contacting and speaking with my all-time favourite author and childhood role model, Andrea Spalding (linkage below). From her personal responses, and from her writing, I gather that she loves the craft just as much as I do.
As a writer, it's easy to get discouraged. Easy to look at how many writers get their 'big break' and go 'oh crap I can't do this'. The reality is that if you can be convinced you can't make it... you probably can't. But if you just think you won't, and you still love writing, and you still do it, you stand a chance to make it with perserverance and hard work.
If you're a writer, you know what I mean. You can't not write. You have to. Writing is in your blood, you love it. It consumes who you are. At some point, everything in life is a goal to further your writing. Jobs become fodder for stories, school memories get thrown in, people you've known are inspiration for characters.
Why write? Because you can't not write.
Check out some success stories when you're down in the dumps. On Writing is a great book, and there are plenty of blogs out there.
As for Andrea Spalding? With much love:
andreaspalding.com
Writing is a passion, a discipline, an art and a craft. It is just as valid as any other. Good luck.
So why write?
Because you love writing is the only answer. The people that don't love their writing don't make it. If you asked me why a book like Harry Potter or Stephen King's Carrie made it and gave their writers the equally mythic 'big break', I would say passion.
I've never met Stephen King or JK Rowlings. But I've read their books. I've read On Writing by Stephen King, too. The writers show passion. They care enough to properly create. To draw you into the story. Their endings (mostly) leave you satisfied. It's over when it's over.
I've had the pleasure of personally contacting and speaking with my all-time favourite author and childhood role model, Andrea Spalding (linkage below). From her personal responses, and from her writing, I gather that she loves the craft just as much as I do.
As a writer, it's easy to get discouraged. Easy to look at how many writers get their 'big break' and go 'oh crap I can't do this'. The reality is that if you can be convinced you can't make it... you probably can't. But if you just think you won't, and you still love writing, and you still do it, you stand a chance to make it with perserverance and hard work.
If you're a writer, you know what I mean. You can't not write. You have to. Writing is in your blood, you love it. It consumes who you are. At some point, everything in life is a goal to further your writing. Jobs become fodder for stories, school memories get thrown in, people you've known are inspiration for characters.
Why write? Because you can't not write.
Check out some success stories when you're down in the dumps. On Writing is a great book, and there are plenty of blogs out there.
As for Andrea Spalding? With much love:
andreaspalding.com
Writing is a passion, a discipline, an art and a craft. It is just as valid as any other. Good luck.
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Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Comment by Louie
Climate Forum
Climate Red
randomthoughts
Phil's Wellness Tips
totally agree....
the difference between writing and making money from other professions is GUESS WHAT nothing.......all rookies in any profession pay their dues and eat shit for years, they just don't tell the world about it....because it is a different forum, but we all do it...blogging just gives everyone a forum to tell the world how hard they are working............
work hard and the world is your Lobster......as you know the most important thing is to enjoy what you do, success will follow.....
Writing is fun and we all write because we want to, so enjoy if you love writing it will love you.
Comment by Dianna G
I Wish This Was 42
Fictional Worlds
Hell, what if I don't like seafood?
What if I want the world to be my french fries or something?
Your comments give me the warm fuzzies
And thanks for all your support.
Comment by Louie
Climate Forum
Climate Red
randomthoughts
Phil's Wellness Tips
french fries...big macs.......tempura prawns.....life is life is life is life is life
laugh and be passionate...do it do it do it...YEAH
Me and my buddies we trade shares and stocks and stuff...you'll learn a lot from that.....ENJOY the warm and fuzzies....I started at Maccas at 14 ......thne baby sat, then did my time..........
just enjoy
Comment by Dianna G
I Wish This Was 42
Fictional Worlds
Passion is the only thing that brings success in this world-you can make all the money you want from your job, but if you're not passionate about it, you're not successful.
'then did my time'
You mean jail time? Heh.
I'm a writer. I think I'll spend my time writing rather than going to jail or working the nine-to-five (unless it's PM to AM... like tonight) kthx.
And I revel in the warm and fuzzies.
But my kittens are warmer and fuzzier SO THERE.
~Dianna