In the community of authors, there are those for whom writing is in their souls. It is who they are, what they do. For some, writing is a calling. I respect that. I think there is something noble in it. I will leave it to those who share that level of passion for writing to explain it in their own words, because that’s not me.
My nature is that of an entertainer. I like to provoke discussion, thought, reflection or laughter in others. For me, telling or writing stories is one way to do that. In order to accomplish that, it is not enough to write; what I write must be read by others. On some level, I think that is why everyone writes. When someone announces that they wish to speak, they are not actually saying they want to utter words – they could do that anytime. What they mean is that they wish to be heard.
For me, writing is merely the action, not the result. I understand not everyone will share that sentiment. Some may write for catharsis, or because there are restless voices nagging at them to be expressed in some way. Maybe they process certain feelings or experiences by writing. At the risk of having my elbow patches and brier pipe revoked, I must ask: If this is really all that is required, why publish your writing? Why anguish over reviews?
I firmly believe that the fundamental force at the root of all human behaviors is the need for validation. I don’t mean validation in the sense of a pat on the back, but validation in the sense of testing and confirming what we hold as the truth about ourselves. If I write a book, that’s validating if my untested belief about myself was: I bet I could write a book.
That is not why I wrote a book, though. I wanted to know if I could write a book interesting enough that people would pay a couple of bucks for it. I did that. My book got some really outstanding reviews from people I’ve never met and probably never will meet in person. My book was read by people who live in other countries. That makes me feel pretty good about myself. (Not to mention, I’ve made literally tens of dollars!)
Along the way there were some disappointments as well. I had always assumed that if the book was good enough that people would pay a few bucks to read it, that agents and publishers would be interested as well. They were not interested and as far as I know, still are not interested. Well, the whole traditional publishing industry has other things to worry about.
There were some very pleasant surprises as well. I admit that my preconceived image of a group of authors was not a particularly flattering one. I imagined a bunch of self-aggrandizing gasbags sitting about, looking down their noses at a presumptuous upstart, especially so if the upstart did not have “the calling.” I can honestly say that reality is 180 degrees from that image. I have never met a warmer more supportive community than that of the indie authors I have come to know. If it were a town, I’d move there.
My message is simply that if you want to write, do it. You do not have to be called. It does not matter what your motivation. Other people besides Hemingway have written books. Readers await, so do write and fear naught.
A version of this article first appeared on Lisa Vandiver’s blog, Lisa’s Place on August 24, 2011. You can find the original article here.
Exactly. I could not have said it better. You took the words/thoughts out of my head.
Aw, thanks, Yvonne. 🙂
*LIKE*
“Gasbags!” Chortle chortle. How I love that word. Super post. I too have discovered a supportive network of authors who put themselves out to help each other. That has been the most rewarding part of my writing journey.
And I love “Chortle chortle” – Glad to have you all in the fold. 😉
Oh, how I wish I could say, I was a fellow writer. So, to be part of that community (and I hope it doesn’t sound pompous to assume I am a part) without actually writing a book is indeed a privilege. I don’t think readers realise how much THEY can learn from writers and how enriching getting to know authors can be.
You are a published author now, Cathy. Guilt by association, you know…
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ABGWDY4
I’m with ya, Stephen on this line of thinking. I’m one who doesn’t believe if you have the calling to write you must write. If you want to write, write.
*High fives* Glad to hear from you, Jac. Hope you had a nice holiday. 🙂
Thank you Stephen. It was ok considering I moved during it and still unpacking, getting ready to set up my treadmill with built-in desk. Let’s see how much writing I get done now, lol. Hope you had a super holiday.
I think they should build treadmills with coat hooks on them. That has been the main purpose all my treadmills have served.
I love that ‘if it were a town, I’d move there’. The feeling is mutual.
‘Won’t you be my neighbor?” 🙂
Well, I beg to differ with you. You are one of the most talented writers I’ve ever read. So you can humbly refuse to refer to it as your “calling” all you wish, but those of us who have read your writing know the truth. 🙂
Ms. Brooks, that is a very high compliment. You are very kind. 🙂
Really enjoyed this post and totally agree with what you say, especially about writers wanting/needing to be read by others. Reading a good review from a total stranger is a great feeling, nothing like it.
Thanks Mary. 🙂
Stephen your post was exactly what I needed to read & ‘hear’ today. I am struggling with validating my own writing – questioning myself ‘why’. Best wishes to you in 2013 and I am very glad you write. You have given me something to smile about today.
Elisabeth – I thought this was another awesome, inspirational & motivational post by our Evil Mastermind. I hope it helps. https://indiesunlimited.com/2012/12/13/you-are-here/
Aw thanks, Elisabeth. 🙂
You mean we’re not self-aggrandizing gasbags? 😉
Great post, EM. I’m not sure writing is my calling, but it’s loads more fun than anything else I’ve ever done for money. (Let the heckling begin…)
Money? lol
I like to think of myself as a self-deprecating gasbag. Humility is perhaps the finest of my many fine qualities. 😉
I may not always agree with everything you say but I certainly do always love the way that you say it. And as far as for the trad’s, and what they are interested in (‘the next best seller’ whether it’s cr** or not: ie. FSG), come the revolution Brother… Oh wait, we are the revolution and you, Stephen, are our Che Guevara! And book me a place in that town too.
Great article, Stephen.
I want you right on my block, T.D. I may need bodyguards… 😉
It’s interesting that we all share similar emotions when it comes to writing, isn’t it. I thought the clouds would part and the sky would open when I self-pubbed my first one but other than a couple of false starts, nobody came a knockin’.
Great post, Stephen, it’s a pleasure to be associated with you and this great group of writers at IU.
We’re glad to have you aboard, Martin! 🙂