As writers, there is a lot of pressure to publish our work. Certainly, many of us want to get our writing out there (and, dare we say, even get paid for it?), but should publication be the ultimate goal for a writer?
Not a Destination
Here at Plume, we say no. There is nothing wrong with wanting to publish your work or for pursuing various avenues through which to do so (check out our previous posts on places to submit your work and querying agents). However, I like to think of writing as more of a journey than a destination. We could all try to churn out soulless bestsellers that we don’t believe in (I once saw a bad movie based on an even worse book, and was convinced I could write something just as terrible that everyone would love. I think I got about 70 pages in before losing interest and hating myself). But writing is so much more than that.
A Lifestyle
Once you’ve gotten over the hurdle of calling yourself a writer, it’s time to embrace that identity. There’s no one way to be a writer (e.g. Write every day! Type 2000 words a week! Finish a manuscript in six months!), so it’s up to you how to best integrate this identity into the rest of your life. Maybe it does mean carving out regular writing time if you’re able to, or setting up a cozy room or corner in your house where you can let your imagination run wild. Whatever those things are that you need to do in order to weave writing into the fabric of your life, do so, and take the time to nurture both yourself and your craft.
Self-Care for the Creative Soul™
Danielle Steel has written 179 books and is worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Does that make her any more of a writer than you or me? Nope, sorry. Writing 20 hours a day definitely means she’s dedicated to her work, but you need to be a writer in a way that fits into your own life (You know, taking time to sleep sounds good, but maybe that’s just me). When I sit down to write, I try to clear all delusions of grandeur from my headspace, at least while I’m in the creative zone. I’ll make myself a cup of tea, put on my writing playlist, and maybe light a candle. I am someone who often has trouble being present, but when I make time to write, I try my hardest to shut out all the noise, including the notion of what all this writing might “get me.”
Greener Grass
Being published can be great, but there are plenty of “well-published” writers out there who still struggle financially, emotionally, and creatively. Sometimes, it seems like published writers struggle the most to follow up their beloved books. What I mean to say is, if having your work published in literary journals and/or in book form is your be-all, end-all goal, you will probably end up feeling disappointed even if you achieve this feat. I like to think of it this way: Writing is like a big, moist chocolate cake. You love it, and you return to it again and again because it’s so good. Getting published is like spreading some decadent buttercream frosting on that cake. It’s even sweeter, though not necessary to enjoying the cake itself.
So do your best not to pin all your hopes on writing a breakaway hit. Sure, we all do sometimes, but try to remember how much you love the act of writing as an integral part of your life.
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