“I Only Write For The Sex”

“Sex and the City’s” Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) was a New York City columnist who lived her version of the writer’s life to the hilt and shared her experiences with the world. Everyone was fair game; privacy existed for no one who crossed her path.

The series was autobiographical, as based on the book by Candace Bushnell.

I speak to filmmakers and writers around the country at festivals and conferences. I encourage them to write freely and from the gut, like Carrie. Public speaking has become part of my writing life, as has teaching classes, and I always begin my initial panels and interviews with the same quote:

“Here’s the real secret about making it as a writer. Ready? It’s all bullshit ‘till the check clears.”

Once the response passes, whatever that may be (usually laughs), I immediately follow with a legit question:

“So,” I ask, “what is your purpose as a writer?”

A Writer’s Purpose

For me, I write to make a difference. That’s my purpose. I don’t care how I look to my readers; I strive to present larger truths. Though I may indulge with my words sometimes more than I should, and expose pieces of myself in the process that maybe I should not, the end result is nonetheless an accurate expression of my intent.

I keep my purpose in mind regardless of whether I write fictional novels or screenplays, or those based on fact. Or, even articles such as this one. A thought that frequently comes to mind is no one knows anything and yet everyone knows everything. I’m no different. I have a mission. I live to provoke through my content and hopefully turn heads in the process.

Maybe your purpose is to titillate, or write for yourself for therapeutic reasons.

It not only works, it’s very, very cheap.

Or hell, maybe you just want to get laid.

“I only write for the sex,” an author friend told me.

Writers have groupies too, you know. I’ve been there. I never said “yes” but I don’t begrudge your decisions on the matter. Me, I’m a monogamous married guy. Was I shyly offered a threesome following one particularly eventful filmmaking panel? I was. When I had an office at Paramount Studios and the trades announced I was developing a new television version of “Tales from the Crypt,” was I suddenly very popular?

Forget about it. I was Brad Pitt, despite my four chins at the time and lack of a hairline.

Onward.

The following is a list of real life random answers to my question …

“I write to relax.”

“My purpose as a writer is to come off smarter than you are.”

“I want to make as much money as possible.”

“My writer’s purpose is to derive the truth at all costs.”

“My writer’s purpose is to raise my self-esteem.”

“I have no real friends. I write for acceptance.”

“Because I don’t know the difference between reality and fiction.”

“I want to change the world.”

“I want to impress my husband.”

“Revenge.”

There are, clearly, as many purposes as there are writers.

Expanding Your Writer’s Life

To help attain your purpose as a writer, the following points are advised to improve your odds, no matter if you are an author, a screenwriter, a journalist or a poet:

Formulate a brand. Outside of your writing, are you outspoken? Do you push buttons? Or, are you immensely imaginative? A visionary, maybe? Consider enhancing those qualities in your writing, and your marketing.

Once you have decided on a brand (that represents your reality), begin posting on social media to further that image.

Speak. Once you are comfortable with your brand, begin speaking in front of groups to a) build confidence, and b) spread your word. If you have no connections in this regard, choose a topic and visit your local library to schedule an engagement. Libraries are terrific places to begin your speaking career.

As time goes on, research speaking bureaus and schedule yourself in front of potentially larger groups while practicing your speaking craft.

Google “Media Training” and determine if practicing to speak for television is a prudent way to hone in on your message.

All the while, network everywhere. Leave your comfort zone in all instances. Join writers groups.

Write articles on platforms such as Vocal about your expanding writer’s life.

If diligent, word of mouth will soon carry your efforts and you may be paid to speak and consult.

Today, I speak around the country and sometimes get paid very well while doing little more than what I do in my solitude. The difference is I bring my words to life. I have received an offer or two to speak overseas, but have yet to engage that opportunity.

In Conclusion

If as a writer you have a purpose, create a strategy to meet it. Following the examples above is an effective way to begin. Use what works for you and discard what does not.

The idea behind expanding your writer’s life is simple: The more people who know you, the further your words, and your purpose, will carry.

Thank you for reading.

If you enjoyed this article, feel free to recommend, share and follow me here on Vocal, where I publish stories daily on a variety of topics.

If you would like links to new stories sent directly to your inbox, please email me at [email protected].