| Author | Message | ||
     Mbfg (Mbfg) Username: Mbfg Registered: 09-2010 Posted From: 212.219.63.204 |
I just had a thought. What is more important to me as a writer? A cracking review from someone we respect hugely or sales? If I could simply give my work away to everyone I meet, would I do that just so people could read and be amazed by my deathless prose? What am I after here? A purring ego, a pocket full of money or the fulfilment of an obsession that drives me to write and won't let me go? Anyone else? Cheers Tel | ||
| Mbfg (Mbfg) Username: Mbfg Registered: 09-2010 Posted From: 212.219.63.204 |
I am about to sign a contract to write several chapters for two electrical text books. Yes, this time there will be serious-ish mony involved. but I can say with my hand on my heart that money isn't the only reason I'm going to do this. Or is it? I mean, few of you, my literary peers and folk I respect are likely to read them, in fact its intended readersip will definately not appreciate the books' literary genius and if they feel anything at all, will probably hate them as a boring neccessity. Cheers Terry. | ||
| Zed (Gary_mc) Username: Gary_mc Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 195.166.117.210 |
What matters to me most, both as a writer and a human being, is boobies. Just show me the boobies. | ||
| Weber (Weber_gregston) Username: Weber_gregston Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 194.176.105.57 |
(o)(o) | ||
| Zed (Gary_mc) Username: Gary_mc Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 195.166.117.210 |
Ah...that's better. | ||
| Mbfg (Mbfg) Username: Mbfg Registered: 09-2010 Posted From: 212.219.63.204 |
Okay, okay, I was being pompous... Boobies are good too. | ||
| Zed (Gary_mc) Username: Gary_mc Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 195.166.117.210 |
Sorry to be facetious, Terry, but I've kind of grown sick of this subject over the years... Just write. All the rest is simply a distraction. | ||
| Carolinec (Carolinec) Username: Carolinec Registered: 06-2009 Posted From: 92.232.199.129 |
I guess it depends. For the professional writer who wants (needs) to make a living out of it, then I guess it has to be sales - and the ability to make a living. BUT that writer isn't going to be able to write well unless they enjoy it - writing for writing's sake. It's like being good at your job - IMO you have to enjoy your job to actually be good at it. But then for the "hobby" writer like me (I just do it when I can, when I want, for my own happiness), then I think I'd rather have somebody say "yeah, I really like that". On the other hand, I've never been paid for any piece of writing - so I can't really talk ... (btw Terry, my hubby might be interested in your electrical text books - that's his trade too) | ||
| Ramsey Campbell (Ramsey) Username: Ramsey Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 195.93.21.68 |
Engaging imaginatively with the material. Telling as much truth as I can. Enjoying language. Surprising myself with stuff I didn't know I was going to write until I did. | ||
| Mbfg (Mbfg) Username: Mbfg Registered: 09-2010 Posted From: 82.6.90.22 |
Thanks folks. and yeah, it has been talked about a lot Gary. It just crossed my mind during a dark moment because my car radio/cd player code needed re-setting so instead of being able to drown out the voices with Led Zeppelin or Sibelius during my long commutes I got to wondering... Anyway, the music is back now, Philip Glass today and David Bowie tomorrow, so I can just enjoy being smug about my novel, have I mentioned it yet? It's called...Oh I have mentioned it, ah. Caroline, the electrical text books will be for Level 1 foundation students and published by Pearson, which is an imprint of Penguin, I think (don't correct me if I'm wrong, just let me go on believing). They will be pretty basic but the darkest text books ever written! Cheers Tel | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 86.181.16.203 |
The pleasure of crafting something complete. Exploring daily insights and thereby nailing down such passing thoughts forever. The unparalleled joy of the supernatural. Creating a snapshot of my psyche for future selves to wonder/scoff at. Relishing the challenge of puzzle solving, plot and theme alike. Invoking savage dramatic events. Sparking up the occasional fiery phrase. Amusing myself. Exploring alternative lived world scenarios from my own. Spending time with imaginary folk I'd love to have as mates. Sharing any and all of the above with other people. Just some reasons. | ||
| Zed (Gary_mc) Username: Gary_mc Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 81.96.253.77 |
To return to Terry's original question: What is more important to me as a writer - a cracking review from someone we respect hugely or sales? Sales. I want as many people as possible to read my work, and I'd actually like to make some money from it in the process. (I guess that's my key to the garret revoked) | ||
| Zed (Gary_mc) Username: Gary_mc Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 81.96.253.77 |
Btw, that's a specific answer to a specific question...it isn't why I write. That's another question (and set of answers) entirely. | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 86.181.16.203 |
It was a leading question. Shame on you, Tel.  | ||
| Zed (Gary_mc) Username: Gary_mc Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 81.96.253.77 |
It was a leading question Indeed. But are there any other kind?  | ||
| Mark_lynch (Mark_lynch) Username: Mark_lynch Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 92.40.253.24 |
Sales vs good reviews? Sales, I suppose you'd have to say would be the most desirable, because good review or bad review the tale is already set and fixed, you've done your best with it. | ||
| Carolinec (Carolinec) Username: Carolinec Registered: 06-2009 Posted From: 92.232.199.129 |
But of course, as writers, you need good reviews in order to generate more sales - so the two tend to go hand in hand anyway. I suppose the key is: write well, enjoy what you do, and this (hopefully) results in good reviews AND good sales. |