I recently had the opportunity to lead my local writers’ group in a discussion on this topic. It caused me to do a bit of soul-searching and honesty with myself. I happened upon an article by Michelle Barker on the topic, which helped define my interests.
She notes there are four main reasons motivating authors:
- Something important to say to the world…family…your audience.
- To prove something to naysayers (myself included!).
- In it for the money.
- For bragging rights
- You can’t imagine doing something else. (Five, there are five main reasons motivating writers.
I must say, No. 1 fits me well. My stories are meant to comment on society, poking fun in a satirical style while, hopefully, not offending too many readers. My favorite authors are Kurt Vonnegut, Rod Serling, and Douglas Adams. Each, in their own way, comments on the human condition and, to some extent, the silliness of it all.
As for proving something, I suppose it is mostly proving to myself that I can do this. My first self-published work, Dodging Butterflies, was a learning process. Many mistakes were made, and lessons were learned with that work. Too Late to Pray was much better written, although it could be improved upon. That’s why it’s taking so long with my current work—the need to get the craft right.
I’m certainly not in it for the money, although it is nice to sit back with a glass of wine and imagine life as an extremely successful author. Most writers have day jobs or, like me, are retired and making ends meet with Social Security and maybe a pension. I have met some who are making a nice added income with their writing. That’s something I can aspire to. Who knows? Maybe someday I will achieve bragging rights. Till then, I work on it when I can and enjoy the mental stimulation of a burst of creativity.
T.W. Lofgren 