The Write Passion

On the whole as a species humans seek passion. Excitement. Thrills.

What makes us feel that excitement is a little different from person to person.

For example, I LOVE thrill rides! The rush of adrenaline when my brain tells me I’ve put myself in an insane amount of danger despite being in a heavily safety-conscious environment is something else. I have a work mate who gets her kicks from a good gym session. She feels a strong adrenaline rush dead lifting a weight most people couldn’t achieve on their best day!

I, on the other hand, haven’t set foot in a gym for about 20 years. I don’t even have one of those gym memberships purchased during a New Year’s madness that I will use maybe once or twice and then ignore until it’s cost me a house deposit, or I get the renewal notice 12 months on.

I know someone who gets embarrassingly excited about making a profitable share trade. Honestly, it feels awkward when he starts getting jiggy with a trade.

“Oh yeah! That’s the one baby! Give Daddy his just desserts!”

I feel like I’ve walked in on something cardinal!

I on the other hand get excited about spending money. Finding a bargain vintage shopping is my kind of thrill.

See below for my amazing find just today! I was so excited, I immediately messaged photos to all my friends.

How does this have any bearing on writing and being an Author?

Simple.

We don’t write for the money.

We would all love to make a living from our writing, of course, because then we could give up our day jobs and spend all that wasted time writing!

We write because it is what we feel passionate about.

Writing that perfect sentence that gives us goosebumps. Touching someone else’s soul with the written word sends a tingle down our spines. The thrill of a compliment paid. Feeling the love of an author for the main character we created and nurtured.

Writing is love, passion, excitement. Everything we are looking for in life.

It is so easy to lose ourselves in all of that passion and excitement. And just like any other pursuit (or calling, if you like), we can lose touch with practicality and reality.

I know, I’m a wet blanket. How dare I bring the real world into this.

I want to share the two best pieces of advice I have ever heard. I think they are very relevant to writers and authors.

1. It costs nothing to listen to advice. It doesn’t mean you have to take it.

Whether you are happy sharing your words and worlds with people on sites like Vocal Media or your ultimate goal is to publish and retail your writing, there is a plethora of well-meaning advice out there. Listen to it. Research if it is relevant to you and your goals. Discard the rest.

And don’t forget to use your manners! Saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ goes a long way, but costs nothing.

2. For the love of all that is good in the world, don’t quit your day job!

It is a romantic notion. You finish your epic works. It’s taken you hours, blood, sweat and tears. But it’s finished. It’s been accepted by a publishing company and become a worldwide best seller! Now a studio has picked it up and offered you millions for the rights to make the movie and the sequel. Netflix and Amazon are arguing over the rights to the TV series! You are a household name and all your dreams have come true.

It’s a nice fantasy. Given I can describe it, obviously one I have indulged. I’m not ashamed to say it.

But it’s a fantasy.

Reality is far more brutal.

I now have a good job that pays enough for me to have a mortgage on a single income. I’m not rich by any measure, but I have a roof over my head and food on the table.

I can tell you from first-hand experience, it is not romantic not to be able to afford a comfortable home and food. I have lived in a rat infested apartment because there was nothing more affordable. I have survived on nothing but a loaf of bread, tub of butter and a pack of instant soup for months on end.

Starving is not thrilling or exciting.

Why the Debbie-downer routine?

I have joined a large number of support groups on social media to educate myself on the industry. Make no mistake, writing is an industry. A very big one at that. And to avoid being eaten alive, the best protection is education.

In the last few months there have been a number of posts from new authors asking the same question. The following is paraphrased but gives an idea of what each of these posts say.

Hi! Thanks for the add! I'm so excited to be a part of this amazing community!

I have a serious question and am in need of advice.

My job/study is not what I really want to do/takes up too much time. I have so many amazing ideas!

Do I stay with my job/study? Or quit so I have more time to focus on my writing?

Thank you!

The resounding answer from those more experienced in the industry is:

- Stay with what is ultimately going to pay the bills.

Writing will always be there.

If it really is your passion, you will find time for your goals around the rest of your life. Take care of yourself first, then one day your passion will take care of you.

It is astronomically rare for it to work in the reverse.

One final note....

Point 1 does not, I repeat, DOES NOT apply to Point 2.

Don’t be disheartened.

It is absolutely possible to achieve the fantasy. It’s been done before; it will happen again. Daydream and create! Just don’t cut your nose off in spite of your face.

I’d prefer to read your newly published book 10 years from now than never because you starved for your Art!