My Response to a LinkedIn Post…
I’m not exactly sure which forum works for this, but I thought I’d post my response here. Today, a lady named Marilyn McLeod, who calls herself a “Thought Leadership Coach,” wrote a piece about writing a book, and why…
Oh, dear…well, if you see the link, one of the commenters talked about creating a new “income stream.”
STOP THE FUCKING PRESSES!
Here is my response:
“There is so much I could tell you, but first and foremost, a "stream of income" is a pipe dream unless you have a top publisher, a PR team, and someone to promote you. Either this is given to you by the publisher (who takes the cost out of your royalties), or you are spending thousands of dollars out of pocket to promote your literary creations.
Why do I say this? I am an independent author. I've written all my life, but for 20 years I have worked to create works of fiction that are compelling, different, and show the world I want to see.
I write for me, and I'm unashamed to say it. I create relatable worlds you would recognize, but they are the world I want to see, not the one you are told to see.
No matter what you write, do it because you love doing it. You enjoy the process, even the hard parts when things are not coming. This is the best use of your free time, and you are testing yourself--your command of the language, grammar, and the storyline. No one just does it, you do it because it is a learning experience.
Don't do this for ego; do this because you want to do it, and when done, you have a right to take pride in the work you put in.”
I appreciate that Marilyn responded in a positive manner. Some of the other comments appear to be self-promoting as well, and that is par for the course.
My point to make was why I write, and why we should. Not always in every case are we the same; there are reasons, artistic ones first, but there can be a business angle.
I just don’t care to hear about the “Win Friends and Influence People” or the “How to Please a Woman Every Time” mentality. That whole thing is why we have so many self-help books…but as George Carlin said, if you did it yourself, you don’t need self-help!
After my 5th gear was lost while traveling I-81 in Kutztown on Saturday, I was reminded that you may not even reach the place to talk to people about your book. Probably a message, not only that I need a new transmission (getting it), but that I need to think another way through.
But yes, I write for ME. If you like it, and I hope you do, great; if not, that’s fine too.
Peace, Out.