(no subject)

[scottobear]

verian posted this in regards to why writers write, in reply to this. This isn't meant as a slam or anything, just a difference of opinion.

I write stories to be read... that much I agree with. I disagree with the rest of the conclusions there. The rest of the "ladder to fame and fortune" is pure hogwash from my point of view. I also don't suffer from the demon haunting he mentioned. I'm not the best writer that ever lived. I think that I have some talent and skill, but there are quite a few more able. I write when the urge drives me, or when I want to polish that ability. Same goes for other things I do in my life, programming when a project is needed, or doing sample work when I want to see if I can hone my craft there.

Fame? no thanks! I *really* don't want to be famous. I like my privacy... I couldn't deal with people stopping me on the street and being weird around me because I'm a public figure. (Same reason I'd never go into politics). I don't mind the idea of people enjoying my work, but I wouldn't much enjoy doing any promotional circuits, talk shows, or deal with spooky fawning fans. Heck, there are freaky stalkers here on LJ that are fine examples of why that's an unattractive option.

Money? Anyone that goes into writing for the money is kidding themselves... $.03 a word is hardly the big bucks. Both Stephen King and Isaac Asimov had to keep working as teachers and rely on a second income for a long while, until they hit it mega-big. I know I'll never hit that level of notoriety. I make more money in a day or so of programming than in a year of shopping stories around.

When I write, it's largely to express a feeling, entertain or educate. (Myself first, usually). Writing has sent me on some nifty research quests, and I've learned a lot just by gathering information for a story.. even if the story never fully came together.

Like my journal entry previous... that article came together as a recollection and as an experiment regarding linked pictures. I don't plan on it ever being distributed to some magazine or rocking the world at its foundation.

I am Ludo! People just don't understand me. I'm a sweetheart who loves making friends - even with rocks, but I seem like a monster. Once people get to know the real me, they just can't help but love me.

Take the "Which Labyrinth character are you most like?" quiz by smarmy

Comments

[sirenity.livejournal.com]

Yeah, that's a pretty big leap for that person to think that people write ONLY for this or for that reason. The world is a pretty damn big place and people do things for *several* reasons. Take LJ for a huge example. Most of us are *paying* to write...

[scottobear.livejournal.com]

*nods*

I can certainly belive it may ring true for some, but I'd not even say most.

[dexterx.livejournal.com]

If King and Assimov hadn't made the "big time" they would still be writing and doing what ever else paid the rent - People do "thangs" because it is in their blood/bones to do so.

[isis.livejournal.com]

I'll be honest, I didn't read the post in reference or most of your post (I only have the computer while Rob is in the bathroom), but I disagree with the point right up there at the top that writers write to be read (okay, I know you well enough to know you weren't generalizing, at least how I take it). (Ack! I heard a toilet flush!) But, personally, I write to write, not to be read. I'd hope to be read if I published, but it's not the reason I write.