Remind Yourself Why You Write

Every now and then, a reader needs to sit back and really think about what they are doing and why they are doing it. I am always frustrated when I hear writers, who once had a great passion for writing, suddenly forget that whole element. Now, it is all about the money and the glory.

I was listening to a great story on NPR yesterday about the Chelsea Hotel in New York. I've put the link here in case you missed it. I think what amazed me the most, no, maybe the word is inspired me the most, is that these residents truly keep that perspective of what they do at the forefront of everything.

NPR ARTICLE

I think part of the reason I like working with new authors is that they have not be ruined by the thoughts of money and glory. They write because they like to create. They love storytelling. Don't get me wrong though. These authors are not just throwing their writing out there without a desire to get something for what they do, but the focus is not on the money.

I do believe this is one of those reasons why I am frequently against many (please note I did not say all here) writers who dive into the lure of the self-publishing model. I do believe that many have forgotten why they write. They have forgotten the desire to produce a great piece of writing. What is motivating them is not the creation process, but "seeing their work published." Again, sure getting published is the thing we are all shooting for, but the question to all of this is simple.

"Do you write to create or do you write to make money?"

You can do both. But what is the driving purpose?

Just something to contemplate today.

Scott