I've been thinking about this a lot lately. I know I enjoy writing, but do I have what it takes to dedicate myself to it? I'm not sure. When I consider how often it's the last item on the priority list, I think perhaps not. I can't even say its the fault of the husband, children, job, or household chores. I watch too much tv to say such a thing.
~Reading doesn't count. It's part of the whole process for me.~
So then I ask myself if it's not a priority, what is it? A hobby? It's certainly not an addiction. I can go for days, even weeks, without writing a single word. It used to be. I remember when I couldn't get enough time on the computer, when I'd ignore television and even the people in my life, just so I could get the story out of my head and onto the screen.
When did I lose that drive? Will I ever get it back?
Then there's the whole publishing thing. Is it absolutely necessary to be published in the traditional sense? Lots of people take the e-book route. Lots and lots. I don't know how well they're doing but they've at least made an effort to get their name and book out there.
I have a story I've been seriously considering polishing (grammar and typos only) and converting to a pdf. I think I might just throw it on my website, or this here blog, and let the curious read it for free. I'd be sharing my story, and isn't that really what it's all about?
I'm going to keep thinking on this. I just don't know what in the hell I'm meant to do...
~Reading doesn't count. It's part of the whole process for me.~
So then I ask myself if it's not a priority, what is it? A hobby? It's certainly not an addiction. I can go for days, even weeks, without writing a single word. It used to be. I remember when I couldn't get enough time on the computer, when I'd ignore television and even the people in my life, just so I could get the story out of my head and onto the screen.
When did I lose that drive? Will I ever get it back?
Then there's the whole publishing thing. Is it absolutely necessary to be published in the traditional sense? Lots of people take the e-book route. Lots and lots. I don't know how well they're doing but they've at least made an effort to get their name and book out there.
I have a story I've been seriously considering polishing (grammar and typos only) and converting to a pdf. I think I might just throw it on my website, or this here blog, and let the curious read it for free. I'd be sharing my story, and isn't that really what it's all about?
I'm going to keep thinking on this. I just don't know what in the hell I'm meant to do...
I've been wondering the same types of things. When I am writing I enjoy it and get an amazing amount of satisfaction from putting words on the page, but it is so easy to not write.
ReplyDeleteI worry about putting stuff up on the webpage for fear of giving away those precious first rights that publishers seem to want. But at this point I'm not even submitting for publication, so who am I fooling.
{{{hugs}}}
ReplyDeleteEveryone goes through this, more than once, even after they've been published. At least some of the published writers I know have. And some of the writer's blogs indicate this kind of worrying.
The important thing is that you're happy with whatever you decide to do. The only person's expectations you have to worry about is your own. No one else can decide for you. If you're happy writing for yourself and posting for free, go for it. There's no law or rule that says you have to be paid for every word you write or the writing police will come and arrest you.
You can always change your mind later and try to publish what you're writing at that time. It's not a "forver and ever" decision.
Good luck!
Linda
Wondering the same thing Krista! I can't even remember the last time I wrote something-- it was before school started, I know that much. I think everyone goes through something like this.
ReplyDeleteWriting seems to come in stages for me-- when you get inspired out of your mind, that's usually when you write all the time and forget about the people in your life just to sit at the computer and type (trust me, I can remember my mom yelling at me to stop writing my 'stupid stories'). There are down points in a writer's cycle and there are high points-- you cannot expect to write everyday, all the time. You will have days, weeks, months-- maybe even years-- that you WON'T write more than maybe a paragraph or two. Then there will be times where your butt is glued to the computer chair and you forget about dinner because your fingers are typing at 100 mph.
In the end you'll make up your mind, but I think a big thing is you shouldn't try to categorize what writing is to you. Don't place it in a category of 'hobby' 'obessions' 'time waster' or 'must do'. It takes the fun out of it-- writing isn't something you can just say your going to do. You need the drive and motivation, and it doesn't always come all the time.
You'll figure it out, Krista. Just don't stress over it.
Love ya!
Crystal
Take your time figuring it out. There's no deadline on the decision, after all. And, even more, you can change your mind in the future.
ReplyDeleteRight now, your life is full. New job at a demanding employer (been there, I know), kids, health issues, LIFE and trying to keep sane--and having to worry about writing too?
I've always said, if it's important enough, you'll find time and energy for it. Publishing isn't the only reason to write. In fact, it's the most stressful reason to write. Nothing wrong with just writing for your own expression, exploration, enjoyment and sharing or not sharing as you wish. As long as your writing is fulfilling YOUR needs, that's all that matters.
And your writing friends WILL understand. We've all been through it before, as Linda said.
Just do what's right for you and don't give anyone else another thought. This really is all about YOUR needs.