Why do you write?
Every single person has their own answer to that one and usually, it ends with something like this…
“I write because it’s what I am.” or “I write because its what makes me happy.”
Now whether the words match, the meaning will be very similar. I know because I am one of the ones out there being pulled by what I feel, what I am best at…tell stories.
But it’s a jungle out there once you decide to go pro. Some days, most days, you feel like you’d have a better chance to hit the lottery. From finding agents, publishers, perfecting your work, your style, trying to get your name known, reviews, interviews…trying to simply survive. Yes, with all that and more, it’s a jungle.
The competition is fierce even among your own kind. I think its out of frustration really. I mean sometimes you have very few choices when thrown into a pond full of piranhas…either get eaten… become one yourself…or find a damn good rock to hide behind while you do your thing.
So why keep trying?
For me personally, I can’t see myself doing anything else. I have tried throughout my life…this job or that one. I usually end up hiding in a break room jotting down a new idea for a book or adding to an old one. Yes, I am blessed with great kids, a modest home, and supportive husband… and I have absolutely nothing to be depressed about. That is, if I’m writing. If I am not, I suffer from an emptiness that no one can fill.
So whether or not I’m a success, this is me…this is you—to all the writers who feel the same. Despite the jungle…we will write…period.
I have yet to take my chances on the lottery.
Don’t give up!
C.H. Scarlett
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I write because I simply can’t NOT write. Each day I cross the hall to my office, greet my Muse and get down to work. I’m TOO driven at times, often forgetting to eat or answer the phone because I’m so immersed in my latest project. I HATE taking time off and vacations and I’m fortunate that my family is so understanding. 2010 marks my 25th year as a professional writer and while it’s never been easy, I wouldn’t give up the life I have for all the tea in China and all the gold in Bill Gates’ teeth…
Congratulations Cliff Burns. I wish you 25 more years (and then some) of success!
I am pretty much the same way especially with the phone. I do go on vacations but its more for the kids. Usually while they are running up the beach or lake, I am scribbling in a notebook or tapping in a lap top.
Again, congratulations!
I needed to hear–or read—these words. I had a stressful days after another. Things are just not looking as clear ad I want them to be. I’m in a new relationship that is getting kind of serious. I’m thinking about the prospect of a family and I came to the magic question: can I make a career of writing and really help support a family? Is this my calling? I really love it, but I’m 32 and I’m not published, so am I doing the right things to get there? What are the right things?
I’m sure you have asked yourself many of these questions and after reading the ‘hiding to write’ bit, I’m sure that if I decide not to do it, I’ll feel empty.
My yearly earnings would embarrass an indentured banana picker in Central America–irrelevant. I write what I want, when I want and my “indie” spirit means that I’ll live on next to nothing if I can present my work without compromise or bowing to market forces. My family understands that we don’t get to eat out much, or go to movies or splurge on luxury items and they completely and unreservedly support my stance. Whether or not my work stands up to the test of time I’m willing to leave to posterity. I’ll sacrifice all the bullion and baubles in creation if it means I can express myself with courage, honor and INTEGRITY…
Magaly,
Here’s the good, bad, & ugly. If you feel pulled to write, then do so. Period. Family or not, you will find the time, and a way. But do it because you are miserable when you don’t. Or do it because it helps you get the stuff out of your head. Or do it because you find a personal satisfaction and happiness with it.
You can do anything you set your mind to.