The subject I’m blogging about today is writing and the passion it takes in an industry that sometimes never recognizes your work. What does writing mean to you? There are a few questions below that I’ve asked myself a number of times.
How passionate are you about writing? Do you describe yourself as ardent, eager, enthusiastic, zealous, burning or indifferent? Is writing something you feel compelled to do? Do you labor over something you’re working on just to make money, or do you feel driven to complete a work in hopes you’ll get recognition and praise? Do you feel you’ve accomplished a work of art? Are you in it just to make a quick buck? These questions always run through my mind. Why do I write?
I’ve always wondered what would happen if I ever won the lottery, or inherited a huge chunk of money. What would I do with my life then? Would I give up writing and live a life of leisure, or continue to write.
In my case, I’d continue to write knowing that my heartfelt thoughts put on paper will most likely never bring me a fortune. But, that burning desire to write is there and I can’t get rid of the need to express myself. Once I finish a manuscript, I feel pride and, richness fills me. Maybe the reviewers don’t look on my work as I do, but I feel the satisfaction of having accomplished something. Money received for work is good, but it isn’t the main factor.
As for having a wealthy benefactor, that isn’t in the cards. Winning the lottery doesn’t look too promising either. That doesn’t stop me from feeling rich inside by just writing and hopefully bringing entertainment to anyone reading my work.
Mary Suzanne
8 comments:
I would keep writing no matter how much money I had. For me there's something inside of my brain that screams to come out. Paper and pen seems like the most natural release.
I may not write to publish if I were rich, but then again I might open a publishing company and give the rest of these people a run for their money!
Kissa
Well I've always written, even before I ever decided to try for publishing.
I think you either have the desire or you don't.
In so far as money is concerned...I have a goal. lol...I want to make enough money to pay for my time. Not expecting a fortune, but it would be nice to have that balance. To know I am doing what I love and getting paid for it too.
Great blog, Mary!
In it for a quick buck? Anyone who tries that is in for a surprise! But, like Tess said, I do want to make enough to be able to quit my day job. On another note, if I won the lottery I would definitely quit my day job and write full time. More money certainly wouldn't affect whether I write or not except that I'd get more done. Writing is a part of what defines who I am and I can't imagine a life without it. The voices and stories in my head demand to be unleashed :)
Thanks, Kissa, Tess and Katie. I'm with you Kissa, I'd love to open a publishing house to give promising talents a stage to show their work.
I also agree with you, Tess. A little payday always helps balance out the burning desire to write and to know you've earned something for all your work.
I agree with you, Katie. Hitting it rich wouldn't factor in putting my thoughts down on paper, or should I say on a CD. Writing longhand versus typing your story as you go along on your computer is a good topic for a future blog. LOL
Hi Mary Suzanne...a thought provoking blog. I would write no matter what! I am the guy at parties jotting things on napkins, scrap paper, toilet paper...whatever is handy.
The author Mary Higgins Clark wrote in her memoir Kitchen Privileges: "To be happy for a year, win the lottery. To be happy for life, do what you love."
I have followed her advice ever since.
A.J.
See...if I won money I would quit the day job and write full time. :) I have all these stories in my head I just need to finish one. I finally found one that is sticking so I'm hope to finish it before another story starts in my head. :)
I would keep writing because that's part of my passion along with creatinig wealth and making others FEEL.
Aj, Jambrea and Sascha.
That's exactly how I feel about writing. Just bringing a story to life has always been so satisfying to me.
Mary Suzanne
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