Writers write
Writers write. It’s what defines us. You can’t have a writer without writing.
A writer doesn’t write for fame, fortune, or glory. Although admittedly, I like money enough that the possibility of writing the next huge breakthrough book is a sweet fantasy, that’s not why I do it. It shouldn’t be the motivating force behind any writer.
The motivating force should be the story. It should be because you have a story in your head, and all the voices won’t shut up until you put that story to paper. It should be because that story is compelling you to write it and you have no choice but to listen. The story that compells a writer to write is the story that will compell readers to finish it.
Don’t write the book because you have dreams of seeing your name on the NY Times Bestseller List. Write the book because the story demands it and won’t give you peace otherwise. Then…if your name does show up on the lists, you can bask. But if you set out to be a bestselling writer, I think you’ve already missed the boat. You aren’t doing it because the story compells you…and that means your story probably isn’t going to be that compelling.
But if you’ve got a story that demands to be told, characters who won’t shut up, and a dire need to seek out the keyboard at all hours of the day, then you’re a writer.
Write the story…because that’s what we do. Writers write.
November 6th, 2007 at 6:31 am
I look at all the fame, fortune and whatever as the icing on the cake. If it happens, great. But the writing itself, that’s the cake. That’s what feeds and sustains me. I can eat a cake without icing, but I don’t think I’d be able to eat just the icing and be satisfied.
And if none of that makes any sense, that’s okay. I got up at 4:30 a.m. to try and squeeze in some writing (revising) before heading off to work and I haven’t had any coffee to speak of.
November 6th, 2007 at 7:38 am
You just described how I came to be a writer perfectly. The voices in my head wouldn’t be quiet and they wouldn’t let me sleep. I didn’t have a choice but to start putting it all down on paper. It’s difficult to explain to someone who hasn’t experienced it. Yes, I hear voices and see scenes in my head, but I’m not crazy…really, I swear!
Anna - good for you in being so devoted that you got up at 0dark-thirty to write. That’s awesome!!
November 6th, 2007 at 8:24 am
Amen darlin
November 6th, 2007 at 12:43 pm
Great post and one all writers should take to heart.
November 6th, 2007 at 1:30 pm
Jaci beat me to it, but I want to add a big AMEN.
I’ve been under immense stress this week, and found that writing actually helped. I wrote for the love of writing, the need to tell the story, not for any other reason, including my need to meet goal for Sven. *wicked grin*
Someone once asked me about quitting once. I could only stare in wonder. Quit? It’s not something I do, being a writer is something I *AM*.
November 6th, 2007 at 8:26 pm
That’s why I think every thing is writing related. I’m a writer. Everything I do is as a writer. Therefore it’s all research. You never know what will inspire you. Sometimes I take a break from actually putting words on the page, but I never stop writing. Those voices won’t let me. I’m okay with that.
November 7th, 2007 at 2:13 pm
Yep.
November 7th, 2007 at 6:01 pm
This is my first time to take the challenge. I started on Oct 17th and as of today, I’m at 77,100 words on my way to a 100-110,000 single title Romantic Suspense. I started without an outline, only two folks that I wanted to bring together and throw them a few curves on the way. I should be finished in another week or so. This challenge has made me concentrate and keep to the grind. Focus, focus, focus. I’ve never put a story together so quickly or so tightly. It fun. This is the only way to write.
November 24th, 2007 at 9:18 pm
Well, I completed a 100,000 manuscript in 33 days. I’m shocked & amazed at what can be done if a person commits and then sweats until the goal has been achieved. Now comes the editing and rewriting (per my critique partners) and then I’ll send off the first chapters to a few places. Thanks for the challenge!