I’m wondering about the value of writing a story which I find personally compelling, but which (based on my experience trying to sell such stoires in the past) I suspect is not marketable.
I do think that for someone who is focused on publication, writing time (scarce to begin with, and filled with interruptions) needs to be carefully used writing stories that are most likely going to sell. Anything else, for a truly focused person, is a waste of time.
Most times I think I can determine which stories fit which category before even writing them, so that – yes – I can choose to write only stories that I think will be of interest to editors. But I am so weak! I continue to spend valuable time writing stories that I like, that are personally meaningful, but that are ultimately a waste of time. I must focus more on goals, and less on frivolous self-amusement, as I’ve come to see it.
In the summer, I have more time for writing, and I’m far more productive. So. My goal for the summer is to write: (a) only stories that are fit for publication, in my view; (b) the novel, whether publishable or not, because I need the experience.
its the difference between an artist and tradesman
but then again…the phrase starving tradesman has never entered our vocabulary
Hi there,
Interesting point of view. I admire your determination on the road to publication.
I can’t write stories only for publication – I have to be passionate about what I’m writing or it comes out contrived. I figure that if I write the kinds of things I want to read then someone else will want to read what I like to write. I guess what I’m trying to say is that there is a market out there for every writer. It’s not a matter of changing your style to suit the market, but finding the market that suits your style.
Happy writing
Hello Dianegallent,
Nice to meet you. I hear you loud and clear, you have definitely struck a cord with me which compelled me to reply. You know, for many years I’ve wrote letters to friends, family and strangers of a personal nature. While writing not at any time did I think about publishing as my letters were purely private and inspiration at a time when they was needed. Only recently, in the last few years, out of curiosity, I wondered, if I wanted to get publish how do I go about it? All the advice available points to a kind of writers reverse engineering. First you find the publication, analyse the design, wordage, and then slot your written piece neatly in there. The difficulty, I believe, is finding the correct market or publication that suits the soul and essence of your work. My difficulty Dianegallent, is probably similar to your own; carving out quality writing time to do targeted research before the writing. As well as to make writing equal to breathing – something that is essential to your life. So you write automatically without a second thought.
I am yet to find a market that will accept my non-potty trained sense of humour; my reluctance to adhere to political correctness. As I think it’s a government conspiracy to control freedom of speech, people can actually cope with honesty if you don’t consistently lie. Unlike our pillar of truth and morality MP’s. Anyhow, I love writing too much to stop looking.
All the best and good luck.
Well, I guess I’ll be the voice of dissent. I think writing for yourself is just as important. Yes, you need a certain amount of marketable output, but if you continue to deny yourself the pleasure of stories that resonate with you, are you risking losing the magic and joy?
Sometimes we need to just explore things. How else will you discover new things, new techniques or styles?
Painters have sketchbooks, where they explore ideas without any consideration for public reaction; purely for themselves.
Why can’t we, as writers, have the same thing? Notebooks where we can explore that odd idea, test it out, play with it, learn from it.
Not everything we write has to be aimed towards something. We should allow ourselves to write for the sake of writing, to travel without a destination in mind. Otherwise, how will we discover something new, if we only keep to the same old path?
Nurture your brain. Write for love.
I hear what you’re saying. Writing has always been very personal. That probably explains why I’m still unpublished. The balance between personal satisfaction and public approval remains elusive.
Good luck in your journey.
Nathan: good analogy! I guess I’d like to be more of a tradesman.
Sharon: I’ve never found the market that suits me perfectly. When I do find it, I only hope they pay professional rates! I love your blog btw.
fazotamo: reverse engineering, that’s another good analogy. Have you checked out Duotrope? They may have “some” non-PC publications listed on their site. Good luck.
Marrilee: I love you way you expressed it, that we should be free in the way artists are, to create “sketches” only for our own exploration. Beautifully said! I do agree, really, I do, but I always feel guilty anyway when “sketching” like this, as though I am wasting my time.
vanieck: Thank you for your comment. I know that I’m not alone in this.