To write for gold or for love

[SageFury]

Inspired be a recent topic to remain nameless, why do you write your novels/short stories?

A. Fame and Money, you are writing to make yourself well known and popular and in terms get lots of cash in the process... Groupies, stalkers and etc.

B. Love of it, Your doing it for your own interest because you like stories and would like to write your own whether you choose to share it with a couple people or the world but you don't want to be famous and you are not trying to make it about the money.

(This one is a choice, you cannot have both.)

This has been Revised
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My Answer:

B. I write my novels because I love stories and adventure. The worlds that are brought to life and the characters inhabiting them. My pride is my creation and whether it is liked or disliked when I decide it is complete that is all that matters.

If I get it published that is just a plus to me =) I can share my creation with others and hope it inspires them as it does me...

[KTC]

B. I love to create characters and have them go through an arc of change.

Publication would just add to the experience, but is completely not needed.

[joyce]

I'm all over B. I write because I have a need to write. If I ever get published that would just be a bonus. :)

[OverTheHills&FarAway]

I have a feeling that people who write solely for fame and money, without love of story and whatnot, aren't going to write well enough to ever achieve that fame and money. This is an art, some amount of passion much be applied to get anywhere with it.


I write for the love of it, but with an audience in mind. Getting my stories out to my intended audience requires a certain amount of fame, and of course with that comes money...money's always nice, isn't it?

[S.H.P.]

I'll take A. I wants to burn brightly and quickly, like all the great stars do. Do we know where Urkel is now? No, but for a few short years ... we all did.

[ORION]

Definitely the fame and money...and the palm fronds laid at my feet...

[Sage]

Interesting that I'd say B here, but considered the best-seller/death question longer. But even if I don't get famous or even published, the fact that some people (betas and friends), including myself, have enjoyed the stories still makes me happy enough.

[Lccorp2]

B. Because I must.

[Andrhia]

Why does it have to be an OR? I really consider it an AND, personally.

[SageFury]

Why does it have to be an OR? I really consider it an AND, personally.

Because thats not the option, lol

Why must people try and break the choice =P

Bah.......

[icerose]

Why does it have to be an OR? I really consider it an AND, personally.

I agree here. I write for the love of it but I also write with the goal to become financially indepentant through my writing and to be widely read and my writing to be good enough that it's loved.

[Mel]

I write for myself. Wouldn't mind some extra money, but I couldn't handle fame.

I can see three answers there instead of two. Some do want to make a bit of money, although they write the kind of stories they want to read, but I think there are some who wouldn't want to deal with fame.

[Zelenka]

B. And because I don't really know how not to write. If I don't have a WIP on the go, I just stare at things on the walls...

I can't answer A as I don't really want fame. I mean, if they filmed a 'year in the life' documentary about me (as they did recently with JKR), I would have to tidy up my flat for a start. I wouldn't mind the money part though. And I'll go to awards ceremonies so long as a. I'm getting one and b. Jason Isaacs presents it to me.

[Zelenka]

I write for myself. Wouldn't mind some extra money, but I couldn't handle fame.

I can see three answers there instead of two. Some do want to make a bit of money, although they write the kind of stories they want to read, but I think there are some who wouldn't want to deal with fame.

I was typing when your post appeared, but that is spot on. I am option C. :D

[IceCreamEmpress]

I love to write. I'd also like to be able to make my living from doing it. Then I could do more of it, instead of having other work taking time away from my writing.

And who's paying in gold? I WANT NICE SHINY GOLD INSTEAD OF BORING OLD CHECKS.

[S.H.P.]

I stick by choice A. I want to do it for the fame and the ability to have groupies and to sleep around. Now when I get my whore on I can say people are sleeping with me because I am famous and not because I'm a slut.

[SageFury]

I was typing when your post appeared, but that is spot on. I am option C. :D

BAH!!!

there is no C, =P

Thats the point you either doing it for fame and money or for love.

Fame and money go hand and hand which is why they make option A =P

:)

*Not mad or anything I'm actually laughing at these devious attempts at making new options =P

[Zelenka]

Fame and money go hand and hand which is why they make option A =P


Not necessarily. I make a lot of money working in TV. I'm not famous though.

I write for love and if someone wants to give me money for it, cool. Don't want fame.

[DWSTXS]

I'm writing because it's all I've ever wanted to do........the money would be nice too....., and also........I do it to entertain myself, and playing 'God' is so much fun........

[Chasing the Horizon]

For love. Purely and completely. My hope is that my new business will be successful enough that I'll never have to submit another piece of my writing for adulteration -- er, I mean publication -- as long as I live.

[JeanneTGC]

I love to write. I'd also like to be able to make my living from doing it. Then I could do more of it, instead of having other work taking time away from my writing.

And who's paying in gold? I WANT NICE SHINY GOLD INSTEAD OF BORING OLD CHECKS.
I'm with ICE -- gimme the money, honey. And make it shiny!

[ClaudiaGray]

It's a false dichotomy. You can have both. You can also have neither.

I'd never invest years of work in a novel I didn't love. I'd also never invest years of work in a novel I thought had no chance in hell of selling.

[triceretops]

No mistake--it's fame, friends and eight-by-tens.

Tri

[Novelhistorian]

Passion wins. It always does, even if readers I don't know never see it. Other writers may be able to distance themselves from their work in ways I can't, and that may be a handicap for me. But if I ever wrote something I didn't love, I doubt anyone else would like it, either.

[DWSTXS]

It's a false dichotomy. You can have both. You can also have neither.

I'd never invest years of work in a novel I didn't love. I'd also never invest years of work in a novel I thought had no chance in hell of selling.


my question then, Claudia....is.....would you invest 5 years of your writing life in a novel that would never be published as long as you were alive......but would be revered, be a best-seller, and lauded mightily after your death?
Just wondering...........

[Gray Rose]

Tough question. According to this definition I probably am doing it for money, because if I can't sell my stuff I will stop writing. I am not masochistic and do have a profession I love, which involves a lot of writing and very few rejections (trust me, a paradise, compared to fiction). That said, I do not want the money per se, but rather the confirmation that my fiction work is passable/readable.

[donroc]

I tried A and despite sales in Hollywood and withdom for ego maniacs felt no satisfaction. Then I became all B and did it "my way". Thus, I avoided the need for shrinks.

[Ervin]

Pretty pointless question IMO, who in the world says "Hey! I'm kind a low on cash so I'll just write up a book, and become famous while I'm at it!" If you really want money and don't have very much interest in writing, there are better ways. If you can do it, then thats because you love it.

So I'm going for B :P, but money is a very nice bonus.

[blacbird]

Phony dichotomy. It's not an either/or, and there are other aspects. Sure, you have to be able to write "for yourself", in the sense that only that will produce work that, well, works. But anybody who writes with "craft" in mind, can't possibly maintain that he only "writes for himself." Anybody who frequents this board, or others like it, is being completely disingenuous if he says "I only write for myself."

Everybody here wants other people to read their writing. EVERYBODY. That doesn't necessarily equate to monetary success (though I doubt anyone here would ever reject that idea). But it does equate, in my case, to respectable publication. I am frustrated beyond my capacity to express at the fact that I haven't been able, over many many years, to get a goddam thing I've written respectably published.

And I absolutely do not buy into the idea that "publication is a bonus". It's a goal, dammit. Otherwise there's just no point. Be honest about it.

caw

[HourglassMemory]

Definitely B, although sometimes I really do think that my reason is A.
But I follow B. It is B that drives me. A very big B.
A, supposedly, should follow. If B is good.

And here, A I assume to be a mindset like "Oh, I can't wait for the money*rubs hands*, lets write another chapter!"

[Shweta]

I go for false dichotomy too. It's saying if you want to be a professional you can't love it. I don't buy that. I write what I love, but I want to sell it, ideally to the markets that print what I love reading.
There's nothing better than that, IMO. well, except hot cocoa and my nice husband :D

[Scrawler]

Fame and money. I see writing as a job. It's a job I love but I also love monetary rewards. I'd be willing to cut that down to just money-- fame doesn't thrill me.

[SageFury]

I'm going to stop with the simple explanations from now on when I post a topic, nit picking and misunderstandings and so on...

Heres the full definition to what I was asking...

A. Fame and Money, They are writing to make themseles well known and popular and in terms get lots of cash in the process... Groupies, stalkers and etc.

B. Love of it, Your doing it for your own interest because you like stories and would like to write your own whether you choose to share it with a couple people or the world but you don't want to be famous and you are not trying to make it about the money.

My other beginning topics I explained and apparently I can't be lazy... Bah to you ppl. :)

Plus I might Add, I'm forcing you to choose, why don't some see this... I mean its not debatable, I know you can do it all if you wanted but thats not the choice... Why is it some people wont play along today... such a horrible day it's been ~_~

[EelKat]

B, B, and lots more B. I've had people tell me my stories are really good and should be being mass produced by big publishers. I tell them where they can go... (it's a hot place with fire and demons.) And then they are taken aback and wonder WTH is wrong with me. Well, as you may have guessed I self publish my stories. I have made no attempt at all to contact a big house publisher. Why? I just do not have the desire to do so. For me, I'd rather create: create the characters, create the illustrations, create the layouts, create the cover art, create the marketing campaign, ... some of my books are full blown works of art, cause creating the cover art meant mixing together glue from scratch, weaving the cloth, sewing the saddles and totally building a hand bound book from scratch.

I'm not so much into the fame and money. Partly due to living near Stephen King. I've seen first hand the side effects of fame: stalkers, paparizi, having to sneak out after dark to avoid crazed faNS TOTEING STACKS OF BOOKS TO BE AUTOGRAPHED.... did you know that so many fans gather on his front steps each Halloween, that he packs up his family and leaves the state a week before, just to escape his fans! I don't want that. That kind of life is not for me. I like a quite peaceful life; I don't want to be chased down by crazed fans. Fame is not worth it.

Money? Well, I wouldn't mind having more money, but not if it meant having to deal with bad side effects (such as interfering with family time) or if it meant giving up my hands on creation of my books.

I'm all about the creativity.

[Nakhlasmoke]

... Why is it some people wont play along today... such a horrible day it's been ~_~

Perhaps because for some of us (myself included) it's not a simple either or equation. *shrug*

If you see it that way, well bonus for you.

I want to write my story to the very best of my ability, and I want people to read and enjoy. I'd like to be paid for my work (and it is work - sometimes it's *wonderful* work, and sometimes it's a just a slog). The more money I make from sales, presumably that means more people are reading.

Fame in the sense of Britney-stalker fame I don't need, but the fame that is "Oh, so-and-so - she writes absolutely fabulous books!". Yep - *that* I want.

[NeuroFizz]

It's an intellectual challenge that has a potential payday at the end, so the motivation is both personal and monetary.

In science, research results are worthless unless communicated to the world. While writing can be a personal thing, never to be seen by anyone but the writer, or a close circle of family and friends, it holds a greater (and different kind of) value if it is communicated to the reading public. So, one could approach the goal of publishing from that angle. However, at that point, the money comes into play again.

[ChaosTitan]

Why does it have to be an OR? I really consider it an AND, personally.

Perhaps because for some of us (myself included) it's not a simple either or equation. *shrug*


I'm with you guys. Sorry, SageFury. I understand that you're trying to make people choose, and I'm sure everyone else does, too. But I can't arbitrarily pick between A and B, when I don't fully believe in either choice.

[Danger Jane]

Publication would be hugely validating for me. I've always had it in my sights. But I started writing because I loved to, and I still write because I love to. I'm smart(ish). I could figure out a muuuuch easier way to fame and fortune.

But I would rather spend that creative energy writing.

[Toothpaste]

To me the either/or question is what creates artists who don't ask for what they deserve. Who feel honoured that someone else out there is reading their stuff, and maybe getting published in a zine or something for free. When really they should be getting paid for their hard work.

I know that the only reason to be a writer is because you love to write. If you want fame and fortune then there are easier ways of getting both. And yes there are writers out there who are doing it just for their own personal pleasure, who never want to be published. BUT. There is nothing wrong in writing with the goal of publication in mind. With the goal of earning money in mind.

When I started off as an actress I was all, "And I can't believe people ever want to pay my to do this! It's so fun!" Now I feel, "Yes this is fun, but it's a lot of hard work. I train all the time, have honed my craft, and darn it I deserve to be paid for my work." (note I said for my work, I don't think that means I 'deserve' to be cast. But when I am cast in something, I want to be paid for it)

[Will Lavender]

To me the either/or question is what creates artists who don't ask for what they deserve. Who feel honoured that someone else out there is reading their stuff, and maybe getting published in a zine or something for free. When really they should be getting paid for their hard work.

I know that the only reason to be a writer is because you love to write. If you want fame and fortune then there are easier ways of getting both. And yes there are writers out there who are doing it just for their own personal pleasure, who never want to be published. BUT. There is nothing wrong in writing with the goal of publication in mind. With the goal of earning money in mind.

When I started off as an actress I was all, "And I can't believe people ever want to pay my to do this! It's so fun!" Now I feel, "Yes this is fun, but it's a lot of hard work. I train all the time, have honed my craft, and darn it I deserve to be paid for my work." (note I said for my work, I don't think that means I 'deserve' to be cast. But when I am cast in something, I want to be paid for it)

Good post. Exactly my feelings on the topic. Well...except the actress part. :D

[SageFury]

Ok, i surrender, it was fun until now.

Simple choice, some did it I thankyou for those who played along but I am taking a break, once something adds to my stress level (which i didn't need) I'm done with it

*Goes back to writing his book*

[Toothpaste]

Sorry hon! Didn't mean to add to the stress, but I didn't realise there were rules in replying to this thread. I just was trying to participate in the general conversation, and I think some interesting points were made (not just by me ;) ). I couldn't answer the original question because to me it wasn't an either/or, it was an impossible question to answer. It implied either you did it for fame or for love. And as others have said, why can't it be both? I suppose I should have just not said anything at all then. Sorry.

[Zelenka]

When I started off as an actress I was all, "And I can't believe people ever want to pay my to do this! It's so fun!" Now I feel, "Yes this is fun, but it's a lot of hard work. I train all the time, have honed my craft, and darn it I deserve to be paid for my work." (note I said for my work, I don't think that means I 'deserve' to be cast. But when I am cast in something, I want to be paid for it)

I can understand that totally - I was the same when I started my job in TV (behind the scenes - I never got the same buzz as a performer as I get running things in the dark ;) ). I felt like, I would do this for free! Can't believe they're paying me to do this! But now I make really sure my invoices are honoured, on time and for the right amount. I love the job, but I also want paid for it.

Sagefury - Wasn't trying to give you headaches either with the whole option C thing, just really joking about. I thought this was a really good discussion on people's reasons for writing and how they felt about it.

[Fresie]

BAH!!!

there is no C, =P

Thats the point you either doing it for fame and money or for love.

Fame and money go hand and hand which is why they make option A =P

:)

*Not mad or anything I'm actually laughing at these devious attempts at making new options =P

Okay, this C point is not valid, so I'll have to add my own, sorry, but that's the way I feel. A and B aren't what writing is about for me.

:Soapbox:


I definitely don't write for money -- nor fame! -- although ironically most of the stuff I write does get published -- not that it pays a lot, no. But I look around and see that writing is such a chancy game and a lot of hugely talented people I know never get published at all. And then I'd hear, "One day I"ll quit my day job, publish a novel and earn a fortune in royalties!" To write for money -- or fame -- is arguably the biggest delusion of out time, IMHO. Worse than American Idol!

And I definitely don't write for the love of it, because I hate writing. :Ssh: It's such hard work, every word comes out covered in blood. But what can I do? I have to write because that's what I'm about, that's what I'm meant to do, whether I like it or not. I have to write, I have to put these words on paper, but I definitely don't enjoy the process, on the contrary! It just kills me. I'm one of those people who love to have written (and be published) but hate to actually write.

[Shweta]

So me, I think this is a great discussion and it'd be a pity if it fizzled :)

On the other hand upsetting the OP is never our goal, sooo would people like me to split out the option C stuff into another thread so SF can have the game and the option C/D/E/X folks can have their (our?) discussion?

Or do y'all think it's better left alone? (pm me or something, so as not to derail)

[icerose]

The problem is you are separating two very big aspects of writing and eliminating all others.

You are basically stating that if publishing is anywhere in your goal you are doing it simply for the money.

And you are also stating that if you love writing you can't go for publishing because that would lead to the money side.

When you ask people to respond, you need to remember that people are going to respond however they feel like responding and the only thing you can control is how you respond back. Throwing a tempertantrum and claiming a group of adults didn't play the way you wanted them to isn't going to get you anywhere.

You gave too narrow of choices on a topic people around here tend to be very passionate about. Either you deal with it or you don't. Your choice. Pity to have it end this way.

ETA - Sorry if I come off sounding impatient and annoyed (I am) but I've been sick for the past 2 weeks and it just seems so silly to get mad when someone asks for people's opinions and then gets upset when they get them.

[Soccer Mom]

I think these boards are for discussion and while I don't intend to upset the OP, I don't think someone who starts a thread really gets to "enforce rules" for it. The fact is that I imagine most of us write for both and don't see a point in choosing one or the other. I can't choose.

Do I write for B? Certainly! The reason I started was to entertain myself. If I didn't love it, I wouldn't do it.

Do I write for A? Certainly! I want to share my stories. I want others to enjoy them. It would be a hollow victory to create a lovely story that no one read.

I think this has been a lovely discussion and I hope it continues.

[Maprilynne]

Yes. And, yes.

See, I answered the question just fine.;)

[Varthikes]

I write because I love it. Because, I can do things in my writing that I couldn't do in real life--like ride the backs of dragons. My goal to get published isn't about the money (though, that would be nice), but so that others can experience the worlds that I've created in my writings.

[Alexandra Little]

At this point in my life, with the "how the hell am I going to pay for a master degree?!?!" question looming over my head, I am leaning towards A.

[Takvah]

Yeah, yeah we all write because we love to. We love all of the solitary time, the laborious task of editing and the odds that are stacked against anything becoming of our work. Frankly, the more I say... "I write because I love it." The more comfortable I become with the idea of not being published. It seems disingenuous to me. I'm willing to go out on a limb and to say that "B" is a pretty convenient out, when "A" isn't seeming likely. Maybe it maintains sanity... and personally if I'm sitting around with people and talking about writing I will say, I do it for "B", but the truth is... all of my daydreams are of "A".

I suppose it goes back to my upbringing... when my uncle told me, "You can't bullshit a bullshitter." Cliche or not, it seemed sage because I was so young when I heard it for the first time. It reminded me to never try to lie to myself, even if it was with harmless affirmations like "You like to write," therefor I must. I find it impossible to try to "fool" myself. I enjoy writing, especially when it is flowing. I have a gift for it. At other times I hate it. Without a dream of "A" I would likely do a hell of a lot less writing... and I dare say that probably applies to a lot of people that have said, "B"... so readily.

Just my usually blunt $.02 :D

[girlyswot]

My daydream is of writing something that will be discovered after my death and take the literary world by storm. I would feel very uncomfortable with all the attention and the examination of my work now, plus it would be a big distraction from my actual career, which is something I care about passionately. But I secretly love the idea of being hailed as a genius by generations to come.

I don't know if that makes me A or B?

[swvaughn]

Phony dichotomy. It's not an either/or, and there are other aspects. Sure, you have to be able to write "for yourself", in the sense that only that will produce work that, well, works. But anybody who writes with "craft" in mind, can't possibly maintain that he only "writes for himself." Anybody who frequents this board, or others like it, is being completely disingenuous if he says "I only write for myself."

Everybody here wants other people to read their writing. EVERYBODY. That doesn't necessarily equate to monetary success (though I doubt anyone here would ever reject that idea). But it does equate, in my case, to respectable publication. I am frustrated beyond my capacity to express at the fact that I haven't been able, over many many years, to get a goddam thing I've written respectably published.

And I absolutely do not buy into the idea that "publication is a bonus". It's a goal, dammit. Otherwise there's just no point. Be honest about it.

caw

What blacbird said.

[icerose]

To be honest myself if I didn't have the goal of publishing and getting movies made. I would have stopped a long time ago. I don't have time to simply love something. I love art, I love drawing. I don't do it that much because it's just that. A love. My life is extremely hectic with three little kids. When I get a house of my own and have mroe space and my kids are at school I would love to start drawing again and playing the piano again. But right now my priorities lie in my writing BECAUSE OF my goals.

Without goals it's all pointless. Even in loves and hobbies its good to have goals, but if you're taking something seriously and striving for something, just loving it doesn't cut it. And I hate, absolutely hate the editing process. I force myself through it because of my goals not because I love it.

[Linton Robinson]

How would you know?

I think that setting up this love/money sort of question is harmful to the way writers see themselves. Nobody says you can't make a living doing what you like. Many do.

[popmuze]

I think everybody starts with B and then if you are good enough and lucky enough to get published and start making money you move over to A.

After you've been over at A for a while, you really need to keep checking back at B to see if you've still got your priorities straight.

A lot of people wind up taking assignments just because the money and the contract is there for the asking. After a while they begin to wonder what they used to love about writing.

The only thing I'd question is that money and fame correlate. They do not. You can make money at your writing and not be anywhere near famous.

If you want to be famous you pretty much have to take your clothes off in public, in one way or another.

[icerose]

A good example of a writer who is has money and fame but doesn't want the fame part is JK Rowlings. Then there is Koontz who keeps very much to himself but is famous.

[jessicaorr]

I'd rather write a great story, even if it never gets published, than write a cardboard cutout and be famous for it. Still, I'd love to write well and be famous.

[mada]

For now, I write for myself. I'm not sure if I'd call it a love of writing since most of the time it's painfully slow. I'm trying to sort out my life and writing is something I do for no one but myself at the end of every day. That's not to say that I would turn away the money!

[IdiotsRUs]

I write cos that's how I get my kicks. Groupies would be nice though :)

[Zelenka]

I write cos that's how I get my kicks. Groupies would be nice though :)

Hmn, despite what I said about not wanting fame, some good looking male groupies would be nice... ;)

[IdiotsRUs]

Hmn, despite what I said about not wanting fame, some good looking male groupies would be nice... ;)

I was thinking...Karl Urban, Johnny Depp dressed as Captain Jack, the English rugby team, maybe that industrial sized bottle of baby oil. Nothing much, I like to keep things simple.

[Zelenka]

I was thinking...Karl Urban, Johnny Depp dressed as Captain Jack, the English rugby team, maybe that industrial sized bottle of baby oil. Nothing much, I like to keep things simple.

Add Jason Isaacs and that's pretty much what I was thinking too...

[IdiotsRUs]

Tell you what, you can have Jason, I'll have Karl and we can share the rest.

Deal?

[Zelenka]

Tell you what, you can have Jason, I'll have Karl and we can share the rest.

Deal?

Fine with me. Though I was thinking, how freaky it would be if you actually were at a book signing and not only did Johnny Depp turn up, but for whatever reason he turned up dressed as Jack Sparrow... I overthink things I think.

Anyway, I think I'm going a bit off topic... :D

[IdiotsRUs]

I'd drown in my own dribble, that's how cool it would be

Anyway, yes back to the topic at hand
:)

[Alexandra Little]

Add Jason Isaacs and that's pretty much what I was thinking too...

All of that plus Gerard Butler (Phantom, and Leonidas from 300). Come to think of it, howabout all the Spartans from 300...

Ooh, and Jayne and Mal from Firefly, too...

Crap, I gotta go clean up the drool pile...

[IdiotsRUs]

Oooh yeah Jayne, I forgot about him. He looks naughty!

*wipes dribble from chin*

[ishtar'sgate]

Well, if I can only vote within those narrow parameters, I vote for Fame & Money. I write to be read and a large readership is usually reflected in a higher income. Call me greedy and egotistical.:D
Linnea

[Linton Robinson]

In keeping with my earlier comments on avoid the mindtrap of polarizing love/money, there is a concept known as Right Vocation. The idea being that you make your living doing things you love to do. A mutual support thing. If you can't pull off making a living writing, then it's not your right vocation.

So you write as an amateur. From the French word for love: very graphically a person who does thing for the love of it. At which point, again....there is no duality to worry about.

[Jennymomof4]

I chose B. Whether or not I'm ever paid again, I'd still be writing. I can't help myself.

[James D. Macdonald]

Write for love, but cash the checks.

[TPCSWR]

I'm going to say B, but I actually hate writing. The problem is it's the only way to these damn stories out of my head. I'm a horrible aritst and I feel more comfortable with novels than writing a movie or TV series. I kept getting stories in my head and even once I tired of them they stuck with me and annoyed the hell out of me.

Now that I've started writing I haven't though about my WIP except when I want to or short moments of inspiration. I don't think I could get to sleep anymore without at least the intention to finish the story off.

I just hope I can keep ahead of my imagination, unlikely but I live in hope.

[HeronW]

Writing coz I love it, getting pub'd is the icing. Would like more icing plz.:} (in the manner of lolcats then slipping and falling in the drool puddle...ewwwwww) :}

[megan_d]

I write with the hope of achieving fame and fortune. Does this make my writing less, I don't know, pure?

[Fresie]

I'd rather write a great story, even if it never gets published, than write a cardboard cutout and be famous for it.

Absolutely! I second it!

I'd also say: if you don't just write a great story, but actually tell it to your reader and keep them interested in the outcome... then undoubtedly it will get published. Because, IMHO, it's only the readers' interest in what's gonna happen next that gets the story sold, not how well or how badly it's written. Probably, a lot of those cardboard-cutout authors just know very well how to tell a story their particular readership will appreciate.

[Appalachian Writer]

I write because I love to write, but I also write to be read. Recently, a friend of mine began betaing my second novel. Just the thought that someone was reading (although when the beta came back, well, she said I had two novels instead of one:cry:) gave me goosebumps. Will I continue to write if I don't find that mystical agent and none of my books ever have the opportunity to linger on bookstore shelves? Probably. Anyone can be defeated by lack of interest, don't you think?

[Shadow_Ferret]

I
A. Fame and Money,
B. Love of it
C. I have no other skills and if I can't make it as a writer then I'll just be a complete and utter failure in life.

That said, if I have to choose either A or B, I'd choose A. B doesn't put food on the table.

[sheadakota]

Getting paid and recognized for what I love to do would be simple validation that other people think I'm as good as I do :ROFL:

Yes I know I didn't choose.

[aruna]

I can't answer this question in terms of either or. I just can't. There are several aspects to my writing.

a) I write novels because it;s just about the only think I ever wanted to do, career wise, and the only thing I CAN do well. I am not talented in any other way. I love creating an involved story and setting it out into the world, and having other people read it.

b) I am inherently lazy. I would not write at all if I did not have to. I need money to support my family. This is the only way I can get money. If I did not need the money--- and I mean NEED, not want--- I probably would not write. If I had lots of money and did not meed more, I would probablyu just travel thw world and not boter to het up at 5 am to write, which is what I do now. So having to pay the mortgage is a good thing -- it forces me to write! I also love living in nice places. I have a need to have a really beautiful house in a really beautiful area somewhere in the world, but I wil havev to write a bestseller to finance that! All my life I have had the problem in not having a real home, a place I felt really comfortable in. I long for that. So I write for that.

c) I do not care for fame. In fact, I would be quite happy to write amonymously, with nobody knowing it was me. So fame and wealth do not necessarily belong together; I don't know why they are always paired.

[aruna]

And I definitely don't write for the love of it, because I hate writing. :Ssh: It's such hard work, every word comes out covered in blood. But what can I do? I have to write because that's what I'm about, that's what I'm meant to do, whether I like it or not. I have to write, I have to put these words on paper, but I definitely don't enjoy the process, on the contrary! It just kills me. I'm one of those people who love to have written (and be published) but hate to actually write.


Funny.. this is in a way how I feel about it. I love creating the situations and the characters and fitting everything together but I HATE the process of writing it down. I have NO love for the actual writing procedss. I am always frstrated at my inability to put into words the story I see so cleary bfore me. I think I am a storyteller first and not really a writer. I would love a magic wand that, the moment I know my story, would change it into a fnished manuscript.

But I love the feeling of having produced a greta story, a story that others want top read, and I would love to have millions of readers. But it's a private satisfaction, a satisfaction on behalf of the book, and not on my own behalf. I want to sit in my beautiful villa in a tropical garden by the seaside and think up the stories and send them out into the world.
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[roskoebaby]

I haven't been paid and I keep churning out novels because writing is like an addiction for me. lol. I told my husband to get me a t-shirt that says "I'd rather be writing." That way, wherever I go, People will know what I'm thinking. lol