I recently found out that the hit count on my Relevant article back in June was over 1.6 million. The editor told me it was the second-biggest traffic day in the history of their website. That’s mind-boggling to me.
If you had asked me a year ago what I thought it would mean to have a piece get that much exposure, I would have assumed it would be my big break. That it would boost my blog, lead to freelance opportunities, help connect me to the right people. That it would be my open door into the world of professional writing and publishing. That it would bring me validation and satisfaction. It would reassure me that what I’m doing here isn’t pointless and that my story matters.
Do you want to know the truth?
It hasn’t done any of those things. For a few weeks I received a lot of emails and messages from people thanking me for my story. I got to write a few guest posts on the topic. But no one has offered me a job and I haven’t landed an agent. 1.6 million people read something I wrote and my blog still has fewer than 200 followers. (If that’s not discouraging, I don’t know what is). And as much as I would love to say I don’t care about any of that, in the world of professional writing ( by which I mean writing in some capacity that pays the bills) numbers are what matter. How many subscribers do you have? How many followers on Twitter?
All I’ve ever really wanted to do since I was in kindergarten is to be a writer. I’ve tried other things and I’ve cultivated other interests, but writing is the only thing that has consistently excited me. I’m under no illusions that I could make a career out of blogging, but I would love to have enough paid work as a writer to support my family while doing something I love. And, like most writers, I would love to write a book someday. But these past few months I’ve become more and more convinced that I am not cut out for what “being a writer” means today.
Being a successful writer is no longer about craft or talent or art. It’s not about having the deepest insights or the most profound observations to share. It’s often simply about who can shout the loudest. Like high school student council elections, success in the blogosphere is a popularity contest. It’s about who is the most provocative, who is the most visible on social media, who is the most aggressively self-promoting.
I admit that I’ve dipped my toe into that pool. This summer I (very reluctantly) got a Twitter account. I hate it. I almost deleted it within 30 minutes of registering. I’ve tried to network with other bloggers, to write and invite guest posts, to comment other places, to submit pieces to other publications. But pursuing self-promotion doesn’t feel right to me. Reading someone else’s posts and looking for ways to insert myself and my work into the comments goes against some of my core values of sincerity and authenticity. These are things I’m not willing to compromise on.
In my last “What I’m Into” post I confessed that I’d been reading like a chain-smoker, using other people’s words to try to hide from own. I’ve read a few posts about this struggle lately (here and here ). Honestly, I was a little shocked and disheartened. One of my friends is working on a book and has landed a really great agent. One has a completed manuscript she’s starting to send around. I look at them and think, “If only I had an agent…” or “If only I had a finished manuscript…” Perhaps they look at me and think, “If only I had a million-view article…” And yet, we seem to have hit a collective wall. We are all struggling to feel that what we are doing matters.
I confess that I frequently get angry with popular and successful writers whose blogs I find poorly written and uninspiring. I don’t believe in quantity over quality – in pushing points that don’t need to be made just to generate content. There are a million voices out there and there are many moments when I don’t think the world really needs mine. If all I’m doing is adding to the noise then I’d rather be silent.
I want my writing to be about creating something beautiful—about art and passion and sincere wrestling with (sometimes fragile) faith. I want it to be about telling truths and naming every day grace. I want it to matter.
I’ve been rolling a book idea around in my head for at least eight months. There are some stories I want to tell, but I am afraid. This stage I’m in as a writer is one where I carve off a chunk of my heart and fling it out into the world and watch it disappear into the distance without even the consolation of hearing an echo back to let me know I hit something.
I am afraid of failing, yes, but here is an uglier truth. I am also afraid of hard work. Or rather, I am afraid of hard work that goes unrecognized and unappreciated. I am afraid of 1.6 million people who say, “Your words don’t matter.”
I want to give up.
And yet, I can’t quite do it. I can’t completely walk away. Because this space has changed me. In some ways it is healing me. I’ve made friends here. I’ve found a tiny community of artists who are fighting to say something true. These people inspire me. And I’ve experienced moments of extraordinary grace from readers, some whom I’ve never even met in real life, who have sent encouraging emails and have shared their own stories, who have sent me articles and books that are dear to them, and even one who bought the most beautiful cook book I’ve ever seen and mailed it all the way to Korea.
Jim Carrey once said, “I think everybody should get rich and famous and do everything they ever dreamed of so they can see that it’s not the answer.”
I’ve never been rich or famous, but I can tell you that as a writer, having an article go viral is not the answer. And it seems that having an agent or finishing a manuscript is not the answer. Satisfaction and conviction that this work is good and that it is worth doing has to come from somewhere else.
I don’t know what the next few months will look like here on the blog, but I’m committed to trying to figure this out. Should I write? Should I not write? What should I write? And why? And for whom? Hopefully I will find a way forward–a way to be able to do what I love without compromising the kind of person I want to be.
___________
****EDIT: I just wanted to add a note letting you all know how much I appreciate all of the kind and supportive comments I’ve been receiving on this post and for all of the new followers. I am really overwhelmed by your generosity and support. Online interactions can sometimes be so negative and all of your kind words have really touched me. I may not be able to respond to each and every comment, but please know that I’ve read every word and I appreciate them. I know I’ll come back to them in moments of discouragement. I’ll be checking out a lot of your blogs over the weekend. There’s a phrase we use in Korea that means “Don’t give up! You can do it!” It more or less translates to “Fighting!” in English. So to all of my fellow writers, artists, and creators, “Fighting!”
Image source: Wikipedia.org
Lily Ellyn 
“I want my writing to be about creating something beautiful—about art and passion and sincere wrestling with (sometimes fragile) faith. I want it to be about telling truths and naming every day grace. I want it to matter”
This is the part that matters…doing what is in your heart and telling your truths…it will matter to you to be authentic…Radiate your joy… Namaste. Marie
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Thank you, Marie. I also find that that authenticity is what I am most attracted to in other writers, so it’s what I strive to do with my own writing. Thanks so much for your encouragement!
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Agreed! Authenticity is how we connect to the humanness in others. Your authenticity is what got writers to read. I’m glad you are writing for yourself now…I can tell it brings you much joy.
Happy holidays!
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I feel you on that one. I got into writing because it was something I always loved, and was unemployed. I figured that if (insert poor news agency here) hired writers who had worse grammar than my six-year-old then I could get a job easily. I wasn’t counting on the fact that these articles were written by people in foreign countries who could charge pennies to my dollars.
I jumped into ghostwriting thinking that it would be my gateway, but despite several articles that have gotten a lot of traffic I still have few jobs and only one or two steady clients.
It is discouraging when North American companies look at you, even knowing that you live in North America, and ask if you can lower your price to match the guy from the Africa or China. I’m sorry that isn’t even enough money to let me get dial-up, let alone help with the mortgage.
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I also forgot to mention that I fully agree on the whole self promotion thing. I find it hard to do, I was raised to believe in modesty, I don’t wave flags telling the world what I have done.
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Wow. I honestly didn’t even realize that companies were outsourcing that kind of writing these days With so many people who are absolutely crap writers it is so hard to understand why writing well isn’t a more valued and appreciated skill. What I’ve run into is a lot of companies wanting freelancers or bloggers with either tons of previous publications (which you can’t build up because no one wants to help you get started) or who have really impressive stats from their personal websites and social media accounts. Both my husband and I are writers. Good thing we don’t have kids to feed. 🙂 Best of luck in catching a break soon!
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This is the first post of yours I have ever read- I am quite new to the online writing world! I absolutely love your thoughtfulness and honesty on the matter- it really IS sometimes hard to put your raw, authentic work out for others to read. What happens if you bare your soul, only to receive silence from readers in return? It’s an awful feeling to experience unrequited vulnerability. Your words offered a nice slice of inspiration for me to always produce work that mirrors my heart and mind, not somebody else’s. Artistry>Conformity
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Welcome to the online writing world! It can be both a brutal and a beautiful place. (A writer I adore uses the word “brutifal”). Thanks so much for reading and for taking the time to comment. I’ve been so encouraged by the response of so many other writers saying, “I hear you. I feel the same way!” Have you ever read Brene Brown or seen any of her TED Talks? (I’ve got a review of her newest book somewhere on here. Probably under the vulnerability category) She is actually a vulnerability researcher and has some really terrific things to say about bravery and vulnerability. Good luck with your writing!
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I’ve never come across any of her works, no! Thank you so much for the recommendation; I am definitely going to check them out. Also, I really appreciate you taking the time to reply- I didn’t really expect a response much less a very thoughtful, welcoming one! Thank you again and I wish you luck with your writing as well!
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EVERYTHING you’ve said has resonated with me – and I almost wasn’t going to read this Freshly Pressed post.
I don’t want to do the self-promotion thing either, but you’re told that it’s the only way to get read. Thanks for letting me know that a viral post isn’t everything that I think it would be, but that’s probably because most of us are busy going on to the next thing.
While I like writing and blogging, I don’t feel the pressure to write a book or anything, but your post is more confirmation that whatever is to be will be – and I shouldn’t have to jump through hoops to make it happen.
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“I shouldn’t try to jump through hoops to make it happen.” Yes. Exactly. When I think back on some of the best things that have happened in my life, I realize that many of them were not the product of my scrambling around and trying to make something happen – they were the result of me being faithful in everyday life and being open to opportunities that came my way. I have to remind myself of that sometimes. 🙂 Thanks so much for reading and for commenting. Good luck with your writing and blogging!
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You have got 800 odd likes and 300 odd comments and you say nobody hears you.your post is lovely and you need to write more stories:)
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Thank you! I know, I’m really overwhelmed. I obviously wrote this post with no idea that it would end up Freshly Pressed. I’ve been so honored and humbled by how kind and encouraging people have been. Thanks for reading and for commenting!
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Good
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Thanks!
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Dear Lily:
I highly recommend WritersWeeklyDotCom, a free newsletter by my POD publisher, Angela Hoy, of BookLockerDotCom. Please do investigate this excellent newsletter, as well as her publishing site. You won’t regret it.
Also, check out James Altucher’s blog. He has written wonderful posts on the reasons to self publish. You can ignore the occasional vulgar expletive and the typos; he really has something to say. To help you choose a publisher, read “The Fine Print of Self-publishing,” by Mark Levine — a must for all aspiring authors.
I believe self-publishing is the way to go — and you don’t need an agent for that.
All the best in your writing career; please don’t give up!
Mary Crawford, author of the forthcoming (in a few weeks!)
“The Secret of Slim: The Insider’s Guide to Permanent Weight Loss”
(My new web site is under construction, or I’d mention it here.)
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Thanks so much for the encouragement and for all of the resources. I have a few friends who are going the self-publishing route this year and I will definitely consider it!
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I’m having a hard time accepting that this was freshly pressed.
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Honestly Brent…I’m having a hard time believing it too. I found it very ironic.;) Though I am very grateful for the opportunity, it doesn’t necessarily feel deserved. At least not for this piece. There are pieces I’m much prouder of than this. But…I really have no idea how these things get chosen and I am thankful for it regardless.
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Reblogged this on mermaidindulgence and commented:
Stay Grounded, Love the Honesty in this piece. Sami xx
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Thank you! And thanks for the re-blog!
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I’ll try not to write too much here, but please consider this a “ditto” to what everyone else has said in loving support. Congratulations on the over 1.6 million hit count! You have still reached a milestone others have hoped to achieve! Bask in that for a moment every time you are…off (even if it’s a short moment, it is still a smile).
We write because we have to. I know that when I don’t, I can’t function properly. We need to ‘get it out’. And I understand the hating to self-promote. My ‘self-promotion’ on FB is “play”, and I don’t want to lose my playground to ‘business’. Whatever happens with the writing you do, do it for you, and enjoy that you are being true to who you are. You won’t feel right, otherwise.
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Thank you! And I’m with you – I know I can’t stop writing, even if I don’t do it publicly, because it’s part of how I’m wired. It’s what I need to do to “function properly.” Best wishes for your writing and juggling the self-promotion game. Thanks for stopping by!
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Reblogged this on New Viral Ads.
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Thank you for writing this very honest post. You express something that occurs in the hearts of many of us, and not merely in this blogosphere. It’s all creative artists. It’s always been who shouts the loudest. That’s why probably the least insightful music plays over and over on the radio while the true art music remains within a well-defined community. Yet, this doesn’t mean the artist is not and cannot be successful; rather, it means that not everyone understands it and wants to take the time to do so. For me, I’d prefer to stay in a community with people who truly appreciate my work. If people just read and like what I have to say without earnestly wrestling with it, is my work at all worth it? I just want to encourage to continue fighting, as you say. To live is to struggle, and to live is beautiful. As long as we believe in that, the rest is nil. Congratulations on your success thus far, and best wishes into the future!
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“If people just read and like what I hae to say without earnestly wresting with it, is my work at all worth it?” This. Exactly this. Thanks for the encouragement!
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You Should write for yourself, if it inspires you, surely it will then inspire others?
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I think that’s true and it’s one of the reasons I refuse to just write more “commercial” things. At the end of the day it matters so much more that I believe in what I’ve produced than that it was popular. Like you said, I think people are inspired by other people who are inspired, so that’s what artists should focus on.
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Well said. I wish you good fortune….figuratively and financially lol
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Come on. I gave you the 864 th like. Your writing was read by an eighteen year old sitting in India! What is more magnificent than reaching out to people like that! It is hardly surprising that you wanted to be a writer since childhood, because your writing is lovely. Mark my words, you have it in you to make your work go viral. Just like this article. So stop the shrill, defeatist thoughts in your head from bothering you and go, write something interesting !
Let me know when your book releases. I will be the first one to buy it 😀
Much love 🙂
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Wow. That’s so cool! Thank you. 🙂 And thanks for the sweet words. I have been so overwhelmed by the response from people since getting Freshly Pressed. I am so humbled and grateful.
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What makes something go viral is an interesting question. I think whether it could lead to a break in terms of paid work could be a just a matter of luck, at the time of reading were some of the readers looking for someone with your skills and perspective? It’s going to be hit or a miss I guess. But I think most important is to take it as an encouraging sign that there is a big potential readership for your work.
I’m also embarking on an attempt to make money doing something I love, but with photography. I’m under no illusion that the big challenge that will make the difference is the business side. I’ll have to network, sell, be a pleasure to work with and many other things not connected to photography.
My view is, if you want to do something you love, you have to work hard and passionately for it and do the things your not comfortable with. Good work starting with Twitter.
Honestly my biggest advice is try to work on your inner perspective and build a positive view of the things you don’t like, it’ll make it easier.
Wish you luck.
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I have several friends who are professional photographers and have seen them work hard for years to finally build enough of a business that they are able to do that full-time. It is not an easy world to break into. I really appreciate your perspective about creating a positive attitude towards things I may not love doing. Good luck with your photography. I wish you all the best!
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Write for yourself and don’t try to fight the fear, it is natural to be afraid of the unknown, but if no one ever went out there, we’d all live under a rock. Write on!
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Thank you! Here’s to being brave!
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Love this article. It is exactly how I feel!
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Reblogged this on Rogue Robin and commented:
The process of writing….not an overnight story.
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Glad you could relate and thanks for the reblog!
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Hi there. Thanks for sharing so candidly. I agree with so many of your points and find that we share so many similarities. Have read your “About” page- and yes, I’m still searching too and I’m way older than you. 😛
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Maybe we never really stop searching and the idea that we do is a lie. 🙂 Thanks for reading and for your encouragement!
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I really respect this post, because as a new blogger who also has always wanted to write, I too feel like the whole networking thing feels a bit too contrived to me. The whole self promotion thing feels a little dishonest. So, I get it. So for now, I’m just enjoying the process of creating something I’m proud of, and believe in. And wherever that road may lead… Well, I’m on board. Good luck to you. You’re much further ahead than I am!
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Thanks for your support and for your words of encouragement. Good luck with your writing. I hope you continue to enjoy the process!
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Reblogged this on elegantasshole.
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Thanks for the reblog!
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Yeah, sure!
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Came across this post and have now started to follow your blog. I feel your pain of seeing popular blogs and just wanting to cover the screen in red pen marks! Keep up the good work, there are many of us reading and looking for inspiration or a common ground! Thank you!
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Hahaha. Yes. It can be so frustrating. Thanks for your encouragement and for following. Glad to have you here. 🙂
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I’m an aspiring writer and found this really helpful. It can be discouraging to feel like you’re not advancing but it’s so awesome what you seen to take out of it. Sometimes I forget to fall back on my faith, but I’ll try to remember. Anyway, great work.
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I think faith is crucial to a writing life. It reminds us that there is something more than ourselves and our words – both keeps us humble and holds us up. I’m glad you enjoyed this piece. Good luck with your writing!
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Reblogged this on Trazblog.
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Thanks for the reblog!
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Good! That you’re going to keep FIGHTING! You’re a talented, gifted writer and I sincerely hope you stick with it long enough to get published…Sometimes, Sweetheart, “success doesn’t come in the way or means that we want it to”; “sometimes it comes s l o w l y (and not so obviously) in a different form”…..I wish you peace within yourself and a success that brings you true heart-felt joy! Namaste! Lucie 🙂
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Thanks for your good wishes and encouragement, Lucie! I really appreciate your support.
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I had a piece go viral awhile ago. It was picked up by Huffington Post, even. It was an excellent feeling, but you’re right, it didn’t change anything.
It was especially frustrating because what I wrote about in that piece was so different from what I usually do. Humorous and hyperbolic. It didn’t touch on the real things I like to discuss. The whole thing felt empty. Like all these people read what I wrote, but none of them actually saw me.
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Ah, yes! The piece I wrote was about sex. It was literally the first time in years of writing that I had written about it. And suddenly the only attention I was getting was people who wanted me to write more about sex. And it was frustrating because I didn’t want to be whiny about my success, but I don’t really want to write about sex. It’s not actually my passion, haha. So I totally understand this. Also, the magazine that published my article is one I don’t especially enjoy reading – which I guess was my fault for submitting there in the first place. At the time I was just hoping to get a few things published to help build my portfolio. Oh well. Congrats on your Huff Po piece! Even if it didn’t lead to fame and glory, it’s still something you should be really proud of!
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Reblogged this on Xkluziv Magazine.
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Thanks for the reblog!
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I agree. I am in the same boat. I don’t mind the hard work if I can get the recognition. But at the same time I don’t like grubbing for the spotlight. Like my work? Awesome! Thank you! Please read more! But I cannot go knocking door to door to pedal my wares. It’s all rather disheartening. Thank you for letting me know I’m not the only one still holding to the tatters of my dream.
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We’ve gotta hold on! How can we change this broken system where the packaging counts for more than the contents if we just give up? Keep going. 🙂
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Great post! Totally spot on with the frustrations of writing. It’s encouraging to know that there are others out here that struggle with this. Keep it up! You’ll get there.
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Thank you. Knowing that other people feel this tension too at least helps me know it’s not just because something is fundamentally wrong with me. 🙂 Thanks for reading!
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Also, it might help you to know that it’s much the same in the world of graphical art. Everyone I’ve ever shown my work to loves it, but I’ve never made a dollar on it. I’ve sold a few pieces here and there over the years, but I’ll never break even, much less make a profit. I’ve resigned myself to that. So I just do what I can when I can afford to and try my best to just enjoy the act of creation itself. It’s all we can do really.
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Reblogged this on Gens Simples-The Simple People and commented:
All right, I don’t think it would matter much to a lot of people as to what I feel, because I am pretty new in this space, learning to write, and don’t have an impressive number of followers but I just strongly feel the need to share this.
I think this is one of the finest & purest piece of writing I have come across in a long time. In fact, I relate so much to each and every word said here, that it’s kind of scary.
Very often in life, an honest attempt don’t get paid for and a slight strive gets recognized. At that point of time, you feel cheated and you don’t want to be consoled, sympathized or motivated because you know this is your own battle, your own fight and your own journey.
I only wish Lily finds an answer. And I guess whenever that would happen; I would be one of the happiest person in the world. Not because I know her personally or it would make any difference to my life, but because I believe that one should get what he/she deserves. And she does deserve to get what she is looking for.
@ Lily: You are a brilliant writer and I am eagerly waiting to buy a copy of your first book. (because I am sure it will happen some day)
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Thank you so much for your sweet words. This is such an encouragement to me. And thanks for sharing!
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OK, let’s be honest here. You have less than 200 followers because you state that your blog is “Christ-centered.” Good for you but that limits the number of followers you will ever acquire.
You received over 1 million hits on your blog post because it contained the word “sex.”
Simple as that. That number of hits were an anomaly; your actually market is small. People read it and moved on.
I know nationally-recognized novelists who have to “grub for the spotlight.” It’s called Marketing and that is the way the wold works, especially in the era of social networking.
If you want to limit the scope of your audience by writing about what you believe, good for you. But be prepared for small numbers.
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I have to say, your point generally makes sense, but in what world are you living? There are HOW many Christians in America, not to mention the rest of the world, and you’re saying that’s a “small” audience? I’m not Christian myself, but, really, think about that a minute. It’s definitely a niche market, but it’s one of the biggest niche markets in existence. I might remind you that the Bible is the best-selling book in the world.
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Haha. That’s more or less what I was going to say to. That you’re absolutely right, Kate, that what I write isn’t going to appeal to everyone, but the Christian niche market is actually quite large. My favorite Christian bloggers and writers have books on the NY Times bestseller lists and have literally millions of followers. So, of course, like with anything else, my writing is not going to appeal to everyone equally and that’s ok. But there is quite a large niche market for what I’m doing. And honestly, I have quite a few readers who aren’t Christians too. All that to say, you’re absolutely right that I can’t expect my writing to be universally appealing, but I don’t think it’s ridiculous to want to be heard within my own niche. 🙂
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I live in the real world.
There are a lot of caucasians in the world, but they don’t all think alike. It’s the same with people who identify themselves as Christians. The reason there are so many denominations is that there are so many differences.
Some think that the book of Genesis is a literal retelling of how the world was created; others think it is a metaphor. Some Christians go to church several times a week; some never go. Some are contemplative; others are in-your-face vocal about their faith. Some are Pro Life; others are Pro Choice.
So yes, a narrow focus appeals to a narrow audience.
As for the Bible, I’m well aware of its sales figures. Even with everyone reading the same text, you still end up with countless interpretations.
My original response was about marketing and targeting to an audience, not religion. An author may be preaching to the choir in a blog, but how large is the choir?
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It’s true, Kate: Marketing is what gets an author recognition. Even traditional publishers want to know what an author will provide in the way of marketing because they will only do so much promotion. And no one will know about a book without proper promotion, simply because thousands of books are published every year.
Most of a book’s revenue will provide a livelihood for the publisher’s staff. That’s business. More of the revenue will accrue to an author with POD. But you do have to put yourself out there; success won’t fall on your head like manna in the desert.
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Agreed. Marketing is the key.
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For some reason I can’t reply to your reply so I guess I’ll do this. Sorry! x.x In any event, I see what you’re saying, but I don’t see how that matters. A piece of writing can be Christian without being denominational or otherwise more specifically limited in focus. I’m not familiar enough with this particular blog to say whether it is or not, but even though those people all differ on specific points, they still all belong to the same larger group and will often still be attracted to very similar things. By the same token, I write cannabis strain reviews, specifically. If I wrote about all things cannabis, I would have as a potential audience anyone with any interest in the subject, whereas my choice to limit my blog to strain reviews limits my potential audience only to people with particular interest in specific strains I’ve written about. But I didn’t -have- to limit myself that much. It could have just been a cannabis blog. And thus when I said what I said I was picturing a blog which was, simply, a Christian blog. Not a Baptist immersionist blog, or whatnot. That WOULD limit the audience to a much smaller group.
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I have no idea what you’re talking about.
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You defended your original remark by saying that while the world community of Christians may be large, they don’t all agree on everything, and therefore a “Christian” blog will still have a more limited audience. My point was that “Christian” isn’t the same as “sectarian”. It is possible for a person to write in a way that is relevant to most members of a given group regardless of whatever subdivisions might exist within the group. Thus, the potential audience of a not-otherwise-specified “Christian” blog is anyone who identifies themself as Christian and reads blogs. Which is definitely a smaller group than ‘all Christians’, but still a large enough group to invalidate your original comment in my view. If you disagree, fine, but I wanted to clarify what I was trying to say. (I enjoy debate, but I realize most people do not, so I’m not replying again. However I felt obligated to explain my last comment.)
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Good for you.
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hey man, this was very insightful.
I’ve just started blogging more seriously and I’m going to try to market myself via Instagram and Twitter as well and see how self-promotion goes.
I’m not huge on self-promotion as I’ve been fairly successful with my hard work and skill in many aspects that I never thought I’d have to self-promote but I believe that it’s actually beneficial if you want to move up in life and gain exposure.
I had a conversation with my cousin about how he was reaching out to department managers at work asking about jobs and qualifications and they often came back with advice and help for him to reach those qualifications. That’s something I never tried, thinking if I just work hard that I’ll get the recognition, but now I realize that’s not the only thing.
Best of luck to you and hope that we both find the success that we desire!
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I do think these days it no longer works to do just do good work and expect to get recognized, unfortunately. I just think people who get recognized should ALSO do good work and not the crappy work that so often is successful. Here’s to hoping that we can both find a way to do good work and still work within the system to help up reach our goals!
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I hear ya… True satisfaction in writing seems to stem from being able to connect with one’s inner core in such a way that what surfaces from there is the essence of one’s authenticity. I find that at parts pretty scary to approach, yet I always end up smiling when I managed to reach that space within me that connects me to the world outside of me. It seems all about that linking-up knots, like sailor’s work on a ship in high wind. Will the masts stand the storms? Being out to sea is amazing, despite all the fears that may creep up. That keeps me writing, and that keeps me being interested what others have to say.
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Comparing writing to being out to sea is such a cool image. It is both terrifying and wonderful, you’re right. Thanks for your perspective and for your encouragement!
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Reblogged this on Mixic.
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Thanks for the reblog!
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First and foremost… Write for yourself. You will then attract the right kind of audience that way.
I just want to say… I adore your words.
Keep on writing. You are an inspiration to many.
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Thank you so much for your kind words and for your support! You are appreciated!
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Cats meow and dogs bark because they can’t do anything else. When you find that you write for no other reason than you can’t do otherwise, then you’ll know you are a writer. You will have discovered what you were born to do. Whether or not it pays the bills is irrelevant. Does anyone even know or care what the Mona Lisa sold for the day after it was painted, or whether it was sold at all? Would it matter?
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When I was younger and I heard adults talk about how to choose a major or a career path they always said, “Choose something you love. You should spend your time doing something you’re passionate about.” Nowadays when I try to make a career out of something I love I hear a lot of, “You should do that because you love it, not because you want to make a career out of it.” And I just don’t know where that leaves me. I’m 27 and I don’t really have a career per se. I have things I do for a little while until it’s time to do something else. I’ve written since I was a child and I don’t think I’ll ever stop writing, but I’m also tired of trying to figure out what else to do with my life when this is the thing I feel most skilled at. Even if I should give up on trying to make writing into something I can do as a career, that still leaves me trying to figure out what in the world else to do. I have a job for 8 more months and after that I have no idea. I would love for writing to be what I do after that, not because I need to make money for me to feel successful as a writer, but because I need to make money to live and writing is the only thing I really feel good at. Anyway, sorry for rambling. Just wrestling with these questions lately. Thanks for reading and for your perspective.
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Reblogged this on Dark Choc for Soul and commented:
Nice one
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Thanks for the reblog!
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Thank you.
In photography is the same.
So, at the end, you can only be you.
And God is who care about your career.
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Thanks, Leo. Good luck with your photography!
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Thank you, and please keep writing. This is my first visit here and your words echoed my sentiments as a writer. Fewer than 200 followers? You have 450 comments here…I have 85 followers and like 5 comments on my entire blog! I wish I had more interaction, but I’ll just keep writing. It’s what we must do.
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Thanks, Gene. I really appreciate the encouragement and support. I also think that what you do (fiction) is much harder than what I do (whine about myself) and 85 followers is commendable. Thanks for reading and good luck to you in your writing!
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Oh, I do a lot of whining myself! Good luck to you too 🙂
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Reblogged this on Coy Skeleton Cowboy.
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Thanks for the reblog!
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I gotta tell you, I don’t think professional writing was EVER about craft, talent, or art. The key word is ‘professional’. It’s ALWAYS been about making a buck, which means that the best artists have ALWAYS been marginalized in the market by inferior but better-selling workers. It’s very unhappy to think about but if you look at the history you’ll see what I mean. x.x The point is, don’t give up. Nothing’s really changed. Just because you aren’t able to pay the bills with your work doesn’t mean your work is worthless. You might be one of the many brilliant people who starved during their lifetime but becomes worshipped after death.
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Thanks for this! I think that’s a good point. Maybe it’s sort of a cop-out to say, “Things are so much harder these days…” You’re right that sales and profit have always been involved with art in some way. Thanks for the encouragement though. I do think it’s good to remember that just because someone else is more popular or more “successful,” it doesn’t necessarily mean that they are better than you.
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And no, that wasn’t meant to be comforting – I know it isn’t. But it’s the best I’ve got. x.x
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Reblogged this on Nevada State Personnel Watch.
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Thanks for the reblog!
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Reblogged this on Cosy Corner and commented:
I am starting a blog now. I am following you. Thanks for sharing.
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Thanks for the reblog and for following!
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Wow, this absolutely speaks to me. I am new to the world of blogging, but not to the world of writing. I myself have decided to write for myself and not so much to meet the expectations if others, because that will always produce disappointment and failure. I believe that you should write. I believe that you should write what you know is true and hold dear. The beauty in having others read your work and it go viral is really that it has connected with the reader. In some way, shape or form they have found a voice in your writing so they continue to read. One does not read what does not speak to them personally. Please continue to share. I believe that you have potential. It’s not an agent or manuscript that you need. It’s the self belief and confidence that even if you only have one follower, you have impacted a life and spoken a truth. It is our perception that becomes our reality. Change your mindset and I guarantee that your reality will follow your thoughts. Keep writing.
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Saying you are new to blogging but not to writing brings up such an important distinction. There really is a difference between writing and blogging and it feels like blogging is necessarily aimed at an audience because it is writing that you’ve chosen to make public and that affects your content in one way or another. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and encouragement and the challenge to build my confidence. Good luck with blogging and thanks for the reblog!
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Lilyellyn you are most welcome. Thank you for your inspiration
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Thank you lilyellyn, you were a great inspiration
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Reblogged this on darknight2light and commented:
This is really a truth and I am sure alot of us, as writers question our ability based on what our perception of the evidence of success is. But success is internal. I believe this writing is a success because it is a truth that has inspired me. The ability to inspire others is the ability to impact change. The ability to write is the ability to give voice to stories that can not be carried solely in the realm of the verbal, but require the stylist of an artistic writer who can capture their audience without sound. Write on…its healing.
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I started reading this and my heart fluttered. This is EXACTLY how I’ve been feeling lately. I’m in tears now, because finally, someone else understands this life – when all you want to do is write and have a successful career but it’s like you’re talking to the wall. I love Twitter. I use it all the time and I find it to be helpful to get the word out there about what I post, but at the same time I dislike how recruiters don’t pay attention to WHAT you write or the quality of your work, only how many followers you have. I feel like I’m putting my heart in to something that nobody cares about and it’ll get me nowhere.
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Exactly. Some days I write something I really pour myself into and I am so nervous to hit publish because it feels so raw and vulnerable, but also like something I had to say. And then ZERO people comment on it. That silence is the worst. Either they hate it, they thing you’re a freak, or nobody cares at all. In those moments I have to cling to comments like yours and moments when friends or strangers have reached out to say, “Hey, that post you wrote really impacted me.” I cling to those moments and try to remember that if it mattered to one person it was worth it. Good luck with your writing. Thanks for your encouragement and support!
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‘ A writer is someone who writes’ a comment from a writers magazine I read years ago stayed with me for the some of the same reasons you have mentioned here. If its about creating something uplifting, beautiful and memorable, something that stands the test of time and current trends you will always write.
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That’s such a simple and great definition. Thanks for reading and thanks for your encouragement!
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