When you sit down to Write you are working

Because if you don´t no-one else will, because today writing goes beyond the mere act of writing a novel and, if you are self-published, involves all aspects of the business. If you’re serious about pursuing a career in writing, it’s essential to acknowledge that when you sit down to write, you are indeed working. This might sound obvious to some, but for those who are just starting out and wrestling with inner insecurities, it’s a point worth emphasizing.

Welcome, Timmy! Today, let’s keep it casual and clear things up. Writing, when done with a serious purpose in mind, is work. I’m not saying this to anyone outside the realm of writing. As far as I’m concerned, they’re just bystanders. Their opinions hardly matter unless they offer constructive criticism (a rare gem in this day and age). We tend to place too much importance on external factors that are often beyond our control, and this can be quite unsettling. I have a hunch that this tendency contributes to our core instability, but that’s a topic for another day.

I’m addressing this to anyone engaged in the craft, Timmy, not just you. Look within yourself, find your inner motivation for writing, and your reasons for putting your thoughts on paper (yes, I’m old-fashioned). That’s what truly matters when you sit down to write.

Now, Timmy, what do you want? Success? You don’t want to be a starving artist? Well, neither do I. Personally, I don’t understand why the “starving artist” stereotype has any following, but that’s beside the point. Here’s where we need to tread carefully, very carefully, because this path is narrow. On one end, you have those who never budge, who cling to their preconceptions, and who refuse to learn beyond the romanticized notion of “art.” These are your starving artists. On the other end, you have those unfairly labeled as sell-outs. Not everyone can endure starvation gracefully; it’s not as black and white as it seems. But this isn’t the extreme we’re looking for. Now, the real extreme is where you’ll find the true sell-outs. These are the individuals who’ve abandoned their core values, and all that’s left is a relentless pursuit of profit. You know the type: corporate figures masquerading as writers, more interested in financial graphs than the act of writing itself. They’re the ones replacing real, flesh-and-blood human beings with the Golem, expecting to achieve the same results. Timmy, you must avoid falling into either extreme; you need to find your place in the middle.

What? You just want to write, Timmy? You don’t want to starve, either? Well, I can understand your dilemma, but it’s crucial to recognize that if writing is going to be your work, you must consider all the aspects surrounding it, not just the act of writing itself. You might think you can be one of those so-called “pantsers,” the writers who “fly by the seat of their pants.” But even they require some level of preparation and structure. You need answers to questions like, “What type of audience am I targeting? Is this a novel or a novella? How can I develop this idea?” The list goes on and on.

Feeling overwhelmed again? Relax, Timmy. I did promise a more laid-back discussion, but this is the reality. If you want to be more than just a writer who jots down thoughts aimlessly, you need to consider all aspects of your craft to achieve any form of success.

In the past, writing was a luxury, and success as a writer was often tied more to chance and connections than anything else. Today, it’s a different beast. You have the chance to be successful without compromising your core principles. I won’t demonize traditional publication; they still have their place. However, the opportunities for success have expanded beyond many middlemen. But if you’re going to succeed, you have to embrace the business side of things.

You need to put in the legwork not just in writing but also in research, exploration, marketing, and all those buzzwords that the corporate world seems to adore. What’s that, Timmy? You don’t like them? Well, neither do I, but they exist, and they are still the intermediaries in this field. You may not like them, but you must understand them, if for no other reason than because you need them and they don´t need you. Sure, the industry is always on the lookout for new products, but the line of people vying for attention has always been endless, and it will likely remain so as long as things continue this way. If you want to reach significant places in this world, you need to work for it. The first step is considering writing your job, because if you don’t take it seriously, the rest of the world won’t either.

Now, Timmy, stop right there. I know what’s on your mind, and it’s only because I’ve pondered those thoughts in the past. Keep your inner insecurities in check. Let them inform your actions, especially when it comes to caution and improvement, but don’t let them control you. They are just thoughts; they don’t hold the power to define you.

I’ll stop here before I launch into a tangent unrelated to the article’s title. So, for closing thoughts: if you want to be taken seriously, start by taking it seriously yourself. Not in a “I’ll hunt down the clown” kind of serious, but in the sense that this matters because it matters to you.

Either way, have a wonderful day!