In case you have a case of the "why bothers", ten reasons to write it anyway.
1. It'll be fun.
2. It'll be a growth experience.
3. "Writing rights things." (Julia Cameron)
4. Writing is the one part of this crazy business we can actually (sort of) control. No matter what might happen to the piece of work afterwards, we can still choose to write it.
5. Having inventory is always useful.
6. Work keeps the tools sharp and ready to use.
7. Every piece of work advances the writer's ability. Maybe this piece really is unmarketable, unwanted, useless crap...but after writing it you will be capable of writing your kickass breakout novel.
8. "A writer writes. Always." (Throw Momma From The Train)
9. The alternative is to get a real job.
10. If it won't sell anyway, you can pull out all the stops and do whatever you want. It's just for you. Nobody can tell you you can't do that.
I kinda disagree w/#7--to a
I kinda disagree w/#7--to a POINT! LOL
For most of us this is true--with everything we write we improve--but some folks take longer to learn this lesson. Some folks never learn it methinks :(
You missed the all-important
You missed the all-important "it delays housework". :)
Thanks for this. I have my own list and this'll add a few more points.
Ames, I fall back on #7 when
Ames, I fall back on #7 when I suffer from EverythingSucksItis. *g*
Anon, excellent point. Why
Anon, excellent point. Why vacuum when you could be writing?
I agree. :D
I agree. :D
And that's why you keep
And that's why you keep writing, no matter what.
#9 is why I write: I Have a
#9 is why I write: I Have a Real Job. I write so someday I can say Writing Is my Real Job.
(Or owning a B&B- yup, that's starting to sound Really good about now). :)
Ann, it's got ups and downs.
Ann, it's got ups and downs. For instance, you can't predict employment beyond last contract, and you don't get benefits. Plus getting paid twice a year. Many authors keep their day jobs for good reasons! That said, you get to work flex time, no commute, and you can go do neat things for research. *g* It's also never boring.
A B&B would be an awesomely complementary business.
#7 and #10 are really
#7 and #10 are really resonating with me today. I've been tied up in writing-related fear knots lately. You know, the "woe is me, no one will ever buy this, so why bother?" nonsense that only holds you back. But I'm determined to get beyond this phase. Your blog is always encouraging though, Charli, so thanks! :)
Carolynn, everybody goes
Carolynn, everybody goes through that stage, and before you sell is an excellent time to answer the question, "why am I doing this?" It better not be fame and fortune. *g* Glad you're encouraged!