The question is pretty simple. Would you rather be (1) an author who publishes relatively frequently, receives mediocre reviews, and still makes a comfortable living writing or (2) an author who can only afford to write part-time but whose work receives fabulous reviews and awards?
I usually find myself leaning towards #2. I want to produce the most amazing material that everybody loves, and if that means I can't make a living by writing...well, I'm okay with that. But then there's this magical allure: the idea that I could possibly even make money doing something that I love. It's hard to shake, and does it really matter whether or not everybody else loves me?
I'm trying to polish off a couple manuscripts right now, so this question keeps floating in front of my eyes while I try to focus on the computer screen. What do you think--which would you prefer?
11 comments:
That's such a hard question to answer. On the one hand, as a writer, you do hope to be read - to share your thoughts/stories with others - so it would be nice to be published more frequently. On the other, you can't please everybody. No matter how well you write, there will be some people who find fault - just look at the reviews on GoodReads. On the other (and yes, I know we're up to the third hand :)) it would be nice to earn a living at writing, but it's pretty hard to do. Some people obviously do manage it, but I think there are more for whom the income is supplemental. But since the nature of the question is really to decide between highly praised writing and money, I guess I would go for the highly praised writing - but that is because I have the luxury of not being solely dependent on my own income :)
Sorry, but I'm going to go with number one. I plan to always be working to become a better writer. If I am able to do it full time, it gives me THAT MUCH MORE TIME to do it. :) Is it a cheating answer to choose one, with the expectation that it will someday become the best of both?
I want to write a good book and be true to myself, not necessarily the trends in the publishing world. So, I'd have to choose #2. Yes, it would be nice to have an income, but ultimately it boils down to have I written a good book. I enjoyed reading everyone's posts and ejoyed the dialogue. Carla -- a very thought-provoking question.
Patricia
oh criminey, do we really have to make a choice? we can't write good books and also make a comfortable living? I have to say I lean toward #1 also, because I feel like I could game the system and write really good books if I were doing it full time! So I'm with Peggy Eddleman. I starved in my peripatetic youth, I don't want to go there again--although "a comfortable living" for me, since I live so simply, is actually not much money at all.
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Thanks for your perspectives! You ladies have voiced some of the exact things that keep going back and forth in my mind!
Susanna, I agree--you really can't please everyone! That's why I tend to lean toward #2! ;) Still, money does have a strange appeal!
Peggy, I don't think that's cheating! I think it would be awesome to work out that way!
Patricia, I know what you mean--I think it is important to be proud of what you've created!
Gail, I suppose in reality, I hope that none of us have to make a choice and that we can all do both! Still, I think the question plays to our motivation, which affects how/what we write! ;) Either way, I suspect a writer should be ready to live simply!
Carla
Number two, for sure - but I'd lean toward number one if the circumstances required. Bills have to be paid, right?
Have a great week, Carla!
Number two for me, but I'm in an incredibly fortunate position -- I have a job I love, and that makes it an easy pick.
Michelle, #2 is my favorite too, but I'm definitely a fan of paying bills!
Amie, That's great! I'm lucky that way too...I think it does help! That said, I'm certainly in a place where a little extra money is always helpful!
Carla
Number 2 for me. I can only write part-time due to working full-time. So, I have about 15 more years before I retire. I'm content with that. I will just continue to learn all I can about writing until I can write full time. I should be pretty good by then. ;0)
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