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Plot is a verb. |
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A Hobby or a Business?
Writing is a calling many people heed. Even just in this community, you see hundreds of people online at any given time. There may be an argument about the social aspect getting in the way of the writing, but the pursuit of story is a solitary venture. Our social time is a way to connect with the world and not lose sight of our goal. Well, at least somewhat.
Anything can "get in the way of writing" if you let it. Do you set aside time to write where there are no distractions? Do you wait until the muse hits you, then eke out a story during a little free time that rarely exists? There isn't anything wrong with either take, but one of them will be more productive than the other.
Productivity is necessary if you're a professional who makes a business out of writing. If you're trying to earn enough for any goal, you must dedicate yourself to it. It's not like your day job would allow you to come in when you feel like it and squeeze a little work into your free time.
On the other hand, not all of us are trying to make it into a career. Sure, we'd all love to be published, but it's hard work and it can be discouraging when you've received your thirty-seventh rejection in a row - especially if it begins "Dear Author" and ends "Signed, The Editors." It's even more difficult if you never send anything out.
Determine how much you want that writing life and your priorities. If you want to make it work as a career, you need to treat it as such. Carve out the time and space to do the work.
There is nothing wrong with being a hobby writer. (As in one who writes as a hobby rather than one who writes about hobbies.) Accept your decision to do either, but make the decision to be one or the other. And don't quit your day job - at least not right away.
You might have noticed I didn't mention talent in the decision. Talent is not the determining factor of whether you write as a hobby or a business. It might be easier to get published with talent, but the much-abused popular authors on the best-selling lists may give you pause. Have you read the articles mocking Dan Brown's ability to string a sentence together? Maybe you've heard the Harry Potter series called 'just another British boarding school book?' Perhaps you've even mentioned Stephenie Meyer's lack in some way? Or how other authors get into a rut and have the same plot over and over? Still, they're professionals - and they support themselves writing. How many of their detractors can say that? |
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bronxbishop
Why is it that the obvious is what we always miss. Thanks for reminding me to let my characters be themselves and keep my thoughts out of their way.
It's not easy. Work on it in a rewrite.
atwhatcost
Ah, thanks. Sometimes I know I'm doing something wrong, but never knew exactly what it was well enough to pinpoint it. Now, if my characters would just be omniscient all the time, they'd know what I know. Lol
Omniscient characters? Does that mean they know what I'm doing even when I'm not working with them? Oh no!! Good luck, though.
scribbler 
Author intrusion is one of my biggest pet peeves, and something I am often guilty of!
I think it's harder to stay out of the way. Keep trying!
JACE 
Dang, awesome topic this month, Miss Storm. After reading this, I suspect I intrude so much my characters will be claiming me on their tax returns.  Thanks for the reminder.
That's Ms. Storm to you.  I thought only 'real' people had to die and pay taxes. What a wonderful thing to torment those characters with - you must pay taxes over and over. |
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For Authors: May 05, 2010 Issue [#3710]
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