It is so frustrating to me to work very hard on my writing, only to have my efforts judged on the basis of how much money it will make. I know that for someone who is not a writer (like my husband) it is very difficult to see beyond the possibility of an future best seller. I know he doesn't get the fact that just getting finished with a writing project is a reward in itself to me.
I am writing a teenage novel for girls as a requirement for an advanced writing class I am taking. The course is very challenging for me, and a true learning experience. I have the first seven chapters of my first draft completed, and my instructor loved what I have so far. My only errors were small typos or spelling errors. I was so exciting to hear her feedback regarding how much she likes the characters in my book and how I have done well at transitioning between scenes. She is also enjoying the plot and little interesting twists I have included.
My husband just can't understand my excitement at receiving the positive feedback. His main comments to me are "Non-fiction sells better than fiction", "People like their books to be exciting and full of action", and " How much money do you think you will make from your book?" This is an almost daily conversation that has gotten to the point where it frustrates me and almost kills my creativity. Oh, yes...he also goes on to tell me that if I don't make a lot of money off of my book, the class I'm taking was just a waste of time.
I tell him, "I'm writing this as a challenge to myself, and my main purpose is not to get rich from it. My main purpose it to complete a book I can be proud of, and if I do that I will feel I have accomplished what I set out to do." Of course, he just looks at me with this blank stare, totally not getting it.
Now, don't get me wrong. If I make money from any of my writing, I will be very happy. But I can't let that be my sole purpose in writing, for it stifles my creativity. ANYWAY...thanks for listening to my rant! I do feel much better now....
recommend this
email
print
link to this page
Comments: 29
As well as every other person - who understands that a writer MUST write, as much as we need air...................jean
Lost, I do get a lot of enjoyment from my writing. And let me say that I believe you WAY underestimate yourself, my friend. Your poetry is superb, and I know if any of my poems can be published, yours most definitely can. You just have to find the right publisher who will see how amazing your work is.
Maybe try to point out that thought process to him over something he is passionate about?
I'm sure your novel will be superb and a great accomplishment to you. That's all that matters!
The incomprehension of others is one of the reasons why it's so thankless.
I breathe because I must
I read...because....you write
and breathe a sigh.....
of joy....tinged with envy.
keep writing Cheryl.
Larry...keep on writing! I will definitely check out your stories. And to answer your question, my husband doesn't write. He doesn't read anything either other than the newspaper. He has a short attention span which makes it hard for him to read a book. Lately, however, he has taken an interest in letting me read to him some of my writing. He has told me that a song I wrote could be a number 1 hit......so that was very encouraging.
Now, so far as non-fiction - the type of non-fiction I write is never going to make any money, even if I ever seriously get published An author of a series of hard back books on the history of Kernville, California and surrounding areas in the Sequoia National forest found out the easiest way to get his books published was to do it himself. The money he made on them, just went right back into publishing more books.
I know, even if I never make any money, that my writing has made a difference, thanks to the wonderful world of the internet! So has yours, Cheryl. Keep up the good work!
Bit of sour grapes, bit of paying toooooooo much attention to other than him?
This most likely is the wrong thing to do but I would anyway: Go underground. What someone doesn't know about they can't critique. You are the owner of yourself and your writing. Hug yourself...We all think you are good, good, good!
Just add option B to option 3.
Keep writing!