Monday, August 16, 2010

Why we write



In a recent blog post, Chip MacGregor wrote, "I believe most new writers basically want to get published so that they’ll be famous."

If you were forced to write under a pseudonym and couldn't tell anyone except your spouse that you were a writer, would you still pursue publication? If this were the case, what would you do differently?

I'd love to hear what you think. I'll post my thoughts on the topic later in the week.

6 comments:

  1. I have to admit that fame has its appeal. However, I'm planning to write under a pseudonym, and even if I can never tell another person that I'm this or that writer, I will still write. Maybe I won't pursue publication quite as zealously, but I don't believe I will stop writing. :)

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  2. I think I still would. Though it's an interesting question. It would sure take the pressure off marketing if nobody could know who you were. :)

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  3. Absolutely! When I was younger, I might have thought about my name in lights, but much simpler things are more important to me now. The idea of fame would stop me from writing. I don't think I have to worry about it, though...

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  4. I would.

    I brought my maiden name back (and use it as part of my pen name) soon after my father passed away. For me it's become about carrying something on & being proud of the gift God gave me.

    Funny, one of the kids I'm teaching writing classes to asked if I was going to be famous today. I answered as honestly as possible. I told her I've handed it to God.

    So much mess comes with fame.
    ~ Wendy

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  5. Great question! Deep down, I think I'm excited to one day tell my friends and family my manuscript is getting published. But would I still write without that moment to look forward to? Heck yes!

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  6. I'm not saying I don't want to see my books on store shelves and be able to say "hey, I'm published," but I'm realistic. I don't ever see me becoming famous. I just love to read romances and find it exciting and challenging to write them.

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