I know a lot of people wonder why I bother with writing when it doesn’t pay enough to be a full time job. Oh, they don’t come to my face and ask it, but I hear the undertones of their questions when they ask about sales or promotion. I’ve especially heard it since Progenitor released in late April, and it came back to mind this week when a potential idea for a book to write in November for National Novel Writing Month came to me (yes, I even ask the question to myself!). I also see the posts on social media to indie authors from people that clearly don’t understand why we would spend our time on something that isn’t paying all of the bills (or any of them, in most cases). I can’t speak for others, but I can address this pink elephant from my own perspective. Maybe this stands for others, maybe not. I think it’s important they answer it for themselves.
My reason is simple: I do it because I believe it does matter. First, I’m a writer at heart, and I’m going to keep writing books, stories, blogs, etc. as long as the inspiration keeps coming. And I hope it does keep coming for as long as I live, because I enjoy writing these stories and sharing them with the world! Maybe I’m not a best seller, but readers can’t find what isn’t out there. Doing something for glory or attention is piss-poor motivation if you ask me, and it isn’t honest or authentic. What’s right and pure is to do something for joy. I write because it brings me joy, and I publish because I want to share that joy with others. I pray every day that my writing will read readers that will be blessed and inspired by the stories I create, and would love nothing better than to finally have that “breakthrough,” but my life doesn’t depend on it. I have a good “day job” that pays the bills and gives me the freedom to keep writing without having to worry about sales or promotion in a desperate or out-of-balance way. Sure, there are times when it’s hard to juggle, but that’s life until retirement.
I’m not going to deny my authentic self just because what I love isn’t bringing in fat stacks of cash. Life isn’t about money or fame when you get right down to it – it’s about living in a way that brings joy to this world, both for yourself and others. You can’t make decisions solely based on results. You have to look at the big picture and determine what’s right for you. I’m bored and antsy when I’m not writing or promoting my writing. Sure, I have to use discernment in paid services or promotion, but again, discernment with money is something that should be exercised in all areas to keep in balance. Writing isn’t hurting anything. In fact, it’s making me happy and easier to live with because it helps me to cope with reality. I think most people would be uncomfortable if they knew how much my writing keeps me civil, especially in busy or stressful times!
I believe it does matter. Call it a Holy Spirit prompting, or a conviction of the soul. Deep down, I just know that it matters on some level, even though I can’t see it. Not all things are obvious, and I have a feeling that this does matter on a level beyond the seen. Perhaps it will break through to the known world someday. I live in that hope, while I continue in the joy of what is.
And that’s the way it is.
That’s all today. Take care, and have a great rest of the week.
Bye!
My reason is simple: I do it because I believe it does matter. First, I’m a writer at heart, and I’m going to keep writing books, stories, blogs, etc. as long as the inspiration keeps coming. And I hope it does keep coming for as long as I live, because I enjoy writing these stories and sharing them with the world! Maybe I’m not a best seller, but readers can’t find what isn’t out there. Doing something for glory or attention is piss-poor motivation if you ask me, and it isn’t honest or authentic. What’s right and pure is to do something for joy. I write because it brings me joy, and I publish because I want to share that joy with others. I pray every day that my writing will read readers that will be blessed and inspired by the stories I create, and would love nothing better than to finally have that “breakthrough,” but my life doesn’t depend on it. I have a good “day job” that pays the bills and gives me the freedom to keep writing without having to worry about sales or promotion in a desperate or out-of-balance way. Sure, there are times when it’s hard to juggle, but that’s life until retirement.
I’m not going to deny my authentic self just because what I love isn’t bringing in fat stacks of cash. Life isn’t about money or fame when you get right down to it – it’s about living in a way that brings joy to this world, both for yourself and others. You can’t make decisions solely based on results. You have to look at the big picture and determine what’s right for you. I’m bored and antsy when I’m not writing or promoting my writing. Sure, I have to use discernment in paid services or promotion, but again, discernment with money is something that should be exercised in all areas to keep in balance. Writing isn’t hurting anything. In fact, it’s making me happy and easier to live with because it helps me to cope with reality. I think most people would be uncomfortable if they knew how much my writing keeps me civil, especially in busy or stressful times!
I believe it does matter. Call it a Holy Spirit prompting, or a conviction of the soul. Deep down, I just know that it matters on some level, even though I can’t see it. Not all things are obvious, and I have a feeling that this does matter on a level beyond the seen. Perhaps it will break through to the known world someday. I live in that hope, while I continue in the joy of what is.
And that’s the way it is.
That’s all today. Take care, and have a great rest of the week.
Bye!
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