While venting about my work in progress last week, hubby asked me to explain the reason I had willingly taken on the frustrating and laborious task of writing a novel. He could not understand what drove me to stick with the process for more than a year.
I could have given some cookie cutter answer like, “It’s in my blood, I love the English language, or it is a way to get rid of all the stories floating around in my head.” Yet, in truth, that would have been a load of crap. None of these reasons could have motivated me to suffer through the pride swallowing, painstaking process of writing a novel. After all, there is no guarantee my work will ever be published, so I wondered, am I a masochist? Could I be the type of person who invites and enjoys misery just to be admired for forbearance? Naw, that wasn't it.
I decided the reward is not the writing itself, that part sucks. What comes after sends the endorphins rushing through my veins. I take pride in my creation, a world filled with peculiar characters and compelling events which never existed before I put pen to paper. There is something so empowering about the end result, that nothing holds a candle to it.
This said, since no two people are alike, it would be interesting to know what drives and motivates other aspiring novelists to see their works-in-progress through to the end. I look forward to reading your thoughts on this. Until next time, happy writing.
I could have given some cookie cutter answer like, “It’s in my blood, I love the English language, or it is a way to get rid of all the stories floating around in my head.” Yet, in truth, that would have been a load of crap. None of these reasons could have motivated me to suffer through the pride swallowing, painstaking process of writing a novel. After all, there is no guarantee my work will ever be published, so I wondered, am I a masochist? Could I be the type of person who invites and enjoys misery just to be admired for forbearance? Naw, that wasn't it.
I decided the reward is not the writing itself, that part sucks. What comes after sends the endorphins rushing through my veins. I take pride in my creation, a world filled with peculiar characters and compelling events which never existed before I put pen to paper. There is something so empowering about the end result, that nothing holds a candle to it.
This said, since no two people are alike, it would be interesting to know what drives and motivates other aspiring novelists to see their works-in-progress through to the end. I look forward to reading your thoughts on this. Until next time, happy writing.
Good question! It is SO DANG HARD! But then, what isn't? We choose what hard things we want to do, and leave the rest. I'd rather write a novel than open a restaurant for example. Or write a novel than work in a restaurant lol.
ReplyDeleteSo True KarenG, but at least we get compensated for owning or working in a restaurant. We choose the life of novelist without any guarantees of making a living at it. I guess we really love it.
ReplyDeleteGood question, yes! I'm not sure why I do it, I just do. It's not a need to express, but I enjoy it. I like being frustrated, and the joy of finishing a story is like nothing else:)
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments Alexandra. I wouldn't know about the joy that comes with finishing my story yet, but I'm hoping to feel it soon(:
ReplyDeleteThis is a question I often ask myself (I’m nearing the end of the first draft of my first novel) but have never tried to answer properly, until now. Like most profound emotions, the drive to write can’t be easily summed up, but in my case contributory factors include:
ReplyDelete• I’m stubborn – it’s the ‘I’ve started so I’ll finish’ principle. I’d feel I’ve let myself down and wasted so much effort if I stop now, however hard it is.
• The incredible feeling I get from creating stories, people, communities which wouldn’t exist without me (god complex?).
• I’ve learnt that with application I can get past blocks, fix plot challenges and shape words into a form which pleases me.
• The belief (I’ll tell you in a couple of years if it’s misplaced) that my writing will be good enough to stand up in the marketplace I’ve chosen (crime fiction).
• Seeing those debut authors on the stage at the Harrogate Crime Writing Festival every July and wishing I was up there with them.
Despite its frustrations, there’s absolutely nothing I’d rather do. You obviously feel the same way.
So true Janet, we do seem to share the same writing philosophy. One thing I can say with certainty, what I lack in intellect and talent I make up for in tenacity.(: Hopefully, this will be enough to someday propel me to "published author" status. Best of luck.
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