Friday 29 May 2009

Why Do I Write?

I’ve been writing my novel since November 2008. 70,000 moments gathered by time and hidden where they may never see the light of day. And they say 99% of novels are rejected, so I wonder, sometimes, what could possibly make mine feature in the lucky 1%, other than a misplaced dream.

I hate days like this, where I question why I write. And I’ve tried to absorb what my tutor told me. He said, ‘don’t write to sell, write because you love to write.’

Without doubt, I love to write. And I know, even if I never sell another piece, I will continue to write for the rest of my life.

I shouldn't have days like this. I am a writer.

17 comments:

Suzanne Ross Jones said...

I remember reading somewhere that writers just are...

Or, my favourite saying: I write because I can't help it.

There's no doubt that you're going to sell lots more of your work. You're a terrific writer. Your blog posts are always entertaining and you deserve success.

:-)

HelenMWalters said...

You are. And if you're writing because you love it, then you've already cracked it x

Helen P said...

Amanda, I've just had a couple of days feeling exactly how you've described. Makes me wonder why we choose the path we're on? But I love your posts; entertaining and informative. As far as I'm concerned you are a writer.

Amanda said...

They are great sayings, Suzanne. And thank you for having such faith in me. x :-)

Yes, you are so right, Helen x

Hi Helen, I think these days are sent to try our commitment to writing. They do say, the answer is to never give up!! So neither of us will - deal! And thank you for your kind words. I must admit blogging friends really keep me going! x

Deborah Carr (Debs) said...

I recently had a few days feeling just like you are now, but it passed (those days always do) and I'm back tapping away and enjoying every minute.x

Lane Mathias said...

It'll pass. I think off days like this give us a bit of perspective.
Just keep at it:-) x

Amanda said...

I'm so glad you are back tapping away, Debs! Go you! :-)

I think you are right, Lane. It's so easy to sail into your own dream, believing it just could happen! I think it was making my website that made me take a step back and think wait a minute, how likely is it I will EVER sell my novel? About as unlikely as winning the lotto, me thinks!
Anyhoo, I'm not giving up! I'll keep trudging on - as we all do! x

Pat Posner said...

Trick is to try and turn 'those' days into R&R days.
Hmm, easier said than done, but a day off every now and then sometimes does us good.

xxPat

Amanda said...

You are right, Pat xx

Unknown said...

When you have days like that, the trick is to stop writing. Don't allow yourself to pen a single word for a few days. You'll soon realise that you write to stop yourself going insane. Simple, eh? ;o)

Karen said...

Loving what you do is half the battle, but we all have our moments of doubt.

Not me though - I have complete faith that you'll be published one day (in fact you already are, Missy :o))

Amanda said...

Great plan, Shirley :-))

Awh, thanks Karen x

Maria said...

Keep it up, you're doing great!

Anonymous said...

This happens sometimes... get over it!

Amanda said...

Hi Gaelikaa, thank you for visiting, and thanks for the vote of confidence! :-)

Yes I know, MelRox. And it's not just with writing, it happens in all areas of life! Fortunately, I am over it - for now at least
:-))

R.R.Jones said...

"I remember reading somewhere that writers just are..."

Yep, I agree with that one.


I get days like that too so I leave it for a while, until I feel like taking up the keys again.
I can't force it, I have to be refreshed and in the right frame of mind.
So I just bin the idea until I feel "hungry" again.

All the best, Reg :-)

Amanda said...

Thanks for dropping by Reg. I totally agree that writers just are ... and I'm glad I just am! :-)

And you are right, leaving it for a bit is good too!