Welcome to Writing Biz RealityMYTH OF THE MUSE
A lot of beginning writers want to write books. So they tell me and others who will listen. I have a friend who wants to get paid for freelance writing, but she hasn't actually tried to do so. In fact, she hasn't written any spec articles to place in a portfolio of samples. Just like some wannabe novelists I know who haven't sat down and consistently produced pages of writing. They write when the "muse" inspires them.
Fantasy vs. Reality
These writers have an idealistic view of writing as a career. Why? Because they think you only write when you're inspired. Ask any writer - freelance or novelist - who has signed a contract if that's how they work. They'll tell you - as soon as they finish laughing - that the business doesn't work that way. If you're under contract, you don't wait for the Muse to pay you a visit. You write whether you're inspired or not.
Got a deadline and got the flu? You write. You're depressed and weepy? You write. Don't know what this scene or even this chapter is about? You still write.
Do you get the idea? Writing demands the same kind of dedication as careers in teaching or accounting or any other job. If you're a teacher and you're tired and sleepy, you don't sleep in. You go to school and teach.
If you're an accountant and you're tired of the same old grind, day in and day out, you don't skip work and go to the ball game or a spa. You go to the office at your appointed time.
Writers, if you want to be successful, adopt the work ethic of your peers out in the job force. You may be one of those who punches in and out at the same time every day. Put your butt in the computer chair at the appointed time and write.
Takeaway Truth
You have to be disciplined, and you must learn to create on a consistent schedule. But you're lucky in that you decide exactly when you must place your butt in the chair and how long you must keep it there.
Writing is akin to owning a small business. I began my first business circa 1995, and the similarities are astounding. During that period, I learned how to write--that's my passion.
ReplyDeleteYou're right, Rick. Every writer who writes for publication is a small business owner. I tell everyone who wants to earn money from writing that they must marry the creative with the business.
ReplyDeleteJoan, excellent timing on the article. My friends and I (mostly unpublished) were discussing a passing comment an unwitting friend made. They suggested writing was an easy way to "get rich quick."
ReplyDeleteIf only they knew the amount of time put in to making those pages fly by! And work ethic is what makes it possible for you to find the time to, well, work :o)
Joan,
ReplyDeleteit looks like we must be multi-tasking automatons, like aliens form distant planets...or just hard working people like the resst of humanity.
Multi-tasking automatons from an alien world sounds more exciting than hard-working earthlings. Gort! Varada nictu.
ReplyDelete