On writing: caring for your writer
Almost a year ago, in this post, I passed along a discussion on how family and friends can support the writers in their lives. Recently, I came upon a new post entitled, “The Care and Feeding of Writers”. I think it complements the old list nicely. You can find it here. Though the entire post is a worthwhile read, if you want to read just the ten steps, skip down about half way through.
For us fledgling writers, I found this quote apropos:
Lastly, for beginning writers and their support staffs, I want you to know that publishing will not solve your life. Whether it’s a book or a story in a magazine, you are still going to have all your issues and problems — and you probably won’t be rich.
–dp
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According to Dave 
Well said, Dave! I know about not being rich, but I was thrilled all the same this morning when I received a notice from Amazon that a royalty payment of $15.81 for my new book The Good Luck Highway was being deposited in my bank account! Yea! Still a long ways from buying that villa in Monaco, but what the heck…:-)
That is so awesome. I can see why that feels so good. Get a few bucks and at the same time know that there are some folks out there who’ve invested in your work and enjoy reading your book. Hope to join you in that club in the not-to-distant future. Take your money and have a (small) party … I would 🙂 Just be sure to invite us.
I’m already rich… rich in connections with other WordPress writers. Awwwww…
Say, can I borrow five bucks?
😉
Awwwww is right. Aren’t we all just one big happy WordPress family? And no, I don’t have five bucks to hand out … now a buck, I do have that. Just let me know where I can deposit it for you.
One of the most helpful things my family can do to support my writing is recognize that when I’m writing, I’m working, and therefore repeated interruptions aren’t helpful. 🙂
And I agree–if we’re doing this to get rich, we’re definitely in the wrong mindset!
Definitely. Interruptions are the worst thing when trying to get into the zone writing. I need solid periods of time where I can concentrate on the stories I’m working on and get the mind working. I think I need a sign on my office door that says, “Writer at work” 🙂
Yeah, I have no delusions about what I’m doing. No plans for riches. All I hope to gain someday are a few satisfied readers who like my books and stories.
I had a sign hanging from my doorknob that said, “The wicked witch is in. Enter at your own peril.” The witch from The Wizard of Oz adorned it. But it didn’t keep the interruptions at bay…
So true! For years, I wasted time waiting for the time when I would cross some kind of invisible barrier and be officially “made it”. Learning that there’s no such thing was incredibly freeing.
Wait, what? I won’t be rich? Damnit, I’m done writing now! *stomps foot angrily in the sand*
I know, right? Many, many years ago, some of my motivation came from that thought of making money and becoming famous. Yeah, pathetic, I know. These days, being older and, thankfully, wiser, I realize that’s not the way it works. Money isn’t the issue for me … it’s the creation of the story and the hope that eventually it will find it’s way to a reader who enjoys what I took the time to write down …
That’s how I feel. I want to touch minds and souls. Money is a practical matter that I think about, just because I would like to be able to support myself while doing what I love. But even then, the money (if one is blessed enough to be able to make any) should serve the writing, rather than the other way around.
Well said, Jeff!
Unfortunately, it’s the not getting rich part that has made it so difficult to explain my desire/need to write. Where I grew up, if you can’t make money at it, why do it? But I can’t complain. As you noted in another discussion, my writing is probably better now than it was 30 years ago 🙂 And now that I can look forward to a modest retirement, the getting rich part is irrelevant … not that I would mind getting rich 😉
Hi Dave-
Sorry to have been away for so long – I enabled the 2 step codes on my blog and got locked out! I was able to follow your posts via my phone, but couldn’t leave any comments. Anyways, so nice to see all your stories. Nice to see you’re writing. Hope you are well and ready for a great summer!
take care,
Sue
Hi Sue – happy to see you back online. Don’t get locked out again, ok? 🙂
Doing pretty well with my writhing. Blogging has slowed down a bit, now working more on some short stories for a while, and looking at submitting stories I think are good enough. Might even self publish a book of the shorts. Who knows? 🙂