As an author one of the most common questions you get asked is, how many books have you sold? This can be a confronting question and a personal one, especially if your success in your field is only modest. The answer can be vague for example, 'oh, I'm not sure, I'd have to check my sales records.' Or you might choose to embellish your sales totals, which can lead to other questions such as, 'why do you still have a day job if you are selling so many books?' The reality is, for most authors, success is modest by corporate standards, where things are measured by the amount of money you make. However, despite this, most authors continue to write, even knowing they might never crack the big time or get anywhere near quitting their day job. So why do so many authors keep writing anyway?
The primary motivation for many writers is their genuine passion and love for writing. They find joy in the act of creating stories, poems, essays, or articles, and the process itself is fulfilling. As writers will often say, you don't choose writing, it chooses you. If you know that feeling of just having to get the words on paper, you will understand this reality.
Another important reason is that writing provides a powerful means of self-expression and introspection. It allows individuals to explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences, even if their work doesn't reach a wide audience. The idea that your internal musings and ideas have not only reached but impacted other people is life affirming in the most amazing way. I will never forget a woman telling me that one line in my first novel inspired her to finish her university degree. I still get goosebumps when I think about it. And the funniest thing was that it was just a simple line of dialogue that most readers didn't give a second thought.
The primary motivation for many writers is their genuine passion and love for writing. They find joy in the act of creating stories, poems, essays, or articles, and the process itself is fulfilling. As writers will often say, you don't choose writing, it chooses you. If you know that feeling of just having to get the words on paper, you will understand this reality.
Another important reason is that writing provides a powerful means of self-expression and introspection. It allows individuals to explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences, even if their work doesn't reach a wide audience. The idea that your internal musings and ideas have not only reached but impacted other people is life affirming in the most amazing way. I will never forget a woman telling me that one line in my first novel inspired her to finish her university degree. I still get goosebumps when I think about it. And the funniest thing was that it was just a simple line of dialogue that most readers didn't give a second thought.
Following on from self expression, writing allows people to communicate their ideas, beliefs, and perspectives with others. It can serve as a platform for sharing knowledge and sparking meaningful conversations. This can be done either as non-fiction work, such as self help or educational texts or more subtly through fiction. Many an author's tastes, favourite hobbies or world view will be projected through fictional characters in their novels.
The act of writing can lead to personal growth and self-discovery. It is an activity that encourages self-reflection and also helps individuals understand themselves and the world around them. For those who are not highly successful, best-selling authors, writing requires resilience and self belief, both qualities that will also serve you well in all areas of life.
Although it is largely an individual pursuit writers often form communities and connect with like-minded individuals who share their passion. These communities offer support, camaraderie and opportunities to collaborate (not to mention enjoy coffee and snacks!). For many writers, being in a writers group or community of some sort is the difference between continuing to chase your writing dreams or letting them slip away because none of your family or friends truly understand what you are searching for.
All up, writing is a deeply personal and diverse pursuit, and individuals have a wide range of motivations for engaging in it. While external recognition and success can be desirable, (and most authors dream of it), many writers find fulfillment and purpose in the act of writing itself and the impact it has on their lives and those around them. If you know, you know.
The act of writing can lead to personal growth and self-discovery. It is an activity that encourages self-reflection and also helps individuals understand themselves and the world around them. For those who are not highly successful, best-selling authors, writing requires resilience and self belief, both qualities that will also serve you well in all areas of life.
Although it is largely an individual pursuit writers often form communities and connect with like-minded individuals who share their passion. These communities offer support, camaraderie and opportunities to collaborate (not to mention enjoy coffee and snacks!). For many writers, being in a writers group or community of some sort is the difference between continuing to chase your writing dreams or letting them slip away because none of your family or friends truly understand what you are searching for.
All up, writing is a deeply personal and diverse pursuit, and individuals have a wide range of motivations for engaging in it. While external recognition and success can be desirable, (and most authors dream of it), many writers find fulfillment and purpose in the act of writing itself and the impact it has on their lives and those around them. If you know, you know.
