"No One Can See That Child But You..."

[psalm_onethirtyone]

Yesterday I told Mum that I'd become disillusioned with the world of writing. When I was little, I thought only really good authors could be published, and bad authors were banned. I thought that if you were a good author, everyone read your books and knew who you were.

And then I grew up and realised that this is not at all the case, that terrible books can gain huge followings, that brilliant people can have only a select tiny cult following, and that people can totally be in it for the money only.

I told Mum I was very discouraged by that, and that I was pretty sure if I published a book, a few people would read it, a few people would like it, but for the most part, I would be one of those authors who no one could remember. I also told her I was quite resigned to that, and that I'd write anyway, but I wasn't expecting it to be remembered for my writing.

She told me I was definitely going to be a writer, then. She said that if you know you won't be famous or remembered for your writing, and you'll write anyway, just because you want or feel like you need to write, then you're a real writer.

So yay, I'm going to be a writer. But now I need to figure out how I'm going to support myself.



In other news, I still haven't finished my paper.

Comments

[theatre-angel.livejournal.com]

She said that if you know you won't be famous or remembered for your writing, and you'll write anyway, just because you want or feel like you need to write, then you're a real writer.
Truer words were never spoken.

Ack, writing...it's a wonderful thing...of course, the business is difficult, but so is every other business in the world...anyway. You're very talented. And, when you do get published, I shall read your book. ;-)

[rainbowjehan.livejournal.com]

She'll be flattered to hear so. :)

Aww, thanks. Wow. I have so many people I want to dedicate my first book to. I'll have two pages full of dedications, I warrant.

[sansenmage.livejournal.com]

The publishers are in search of quanity in profit, as opposed to quality of writing; but if more people have your hopeful attitude, there would be greater hope in the world of publishing!

[rainbowjehan.livejournal.com]

That's the nicest thing anyone's said to me all day. ^_^ Thank you.

[and-i.livejournal.com]

people can totally be in it for the money only.

I can't get my head around that. Writing should always be because you're passionate about it. I love it when things I write get recognised, but that's not the only reason I do it. I write because I love writing. I'd adore to have a novel published, even if the only people who read it are the people I make read it :).

[rainbowjehan.livejournal.com]

I can't get my head around that.

Unfortunately, it's quite true.

But I agree with you completely. Alas, the world is not so idealistic as we two.

[proseprincess19.livejournal.com]

Firstly, this half reminds me of the way Dounia thought of marrying Pyotr. You do it because you love it, and the money is just a very nice aside that keeps you physically alive. I could also link it to racehorses, but I don't think I will.
Secondly, when you write a book and get it published, I shall certainly give reading it a good try. I promise I will read it before either one of us dies.
Thirdly, sometimes having a little cult follow you is best. Mass hysteria isn't fun.
Fourthly, and I believe lastly, even if your first book isn't popular, or doesn't even get a small group of followers, you can always write another one. There is no law saying you can only write one novel.

[rainbowjehan.livejournal.com]

Firstly, no. It's for the love and the money can go to hell. I'll be teaching English history if I want money.

Secondly, thank you.

Thirdly, I did not say the ikkle cult was a bad thing. The ikkle cult is just what I'd like.

Fourthly, I also did not say I'd only write one book. I have no intention of limiting myself to one book always assuming I feel like writing another. Always assuming I don't die to-morrow and actually write the stupid thing.

[proseprincess19.livejournal.com]

Firstly, all right. The Soujin knows best, as always. *smiles sweetly*

Secondly, you're welcome.

Thirdly, I was agreeing with you in a wandering, backwards way.

Fourthly, great! More to read.