My Writing Aspirations
A friend recently asked me what I hope to achieve by writing books. I told him my goal had changed from making an incredible profit to breaking even with my editing costs. Yet, there must be more to it. Do I desire fame, recognition, and respect, or do I want to put something on my resume? I noodled this for a day and thought it would be interesting to share my bonkers thoughts.
I did not start writing to become famous. I want the opposite. People running up to me asking for an autograph would freak me out. I am a normal guy who does normal things and prefer that my work speaks for me. For example, I designed many electrical products that are still being used by thousands of people. That success is my quiet reward, and I hope my books fall into this category.
As much as I hate to admit this to myself, I already know I will not be a mega-author. My books have had enough exposure that buzz should have been created. And I am good with this fact.
Instead, I anticipate my success will be a slow burn, meaning that more readers will discover me over time. Hopefully, they will leave some good reviews, and I might sell enough to at least come close to breaking even.
What about something to put on my resume? I have resume entries for my books, but I am not looking for a fiction writing job. Raw creativity is complex, and writing every day can be very stressful. So, why the entry? Hey, anything to put me ahead of the competition?
What about my legacy? I do not think authors do not leave much of a legacy unless they are in the top 0.001%. In their day, they get mildly noticed while they keep publishing. There is less interest when they pass, and their books end up in landfills. I strongly suspect I will end up in this category.
Still, it thrills me when I see my books for sale or read a good review. I take pride in my creations, and it is comforting to know that I have achieved my goal of publishing.
My answer is that I enjoy writing and continue because of this enjoyment. But what if my books took off? Then, my worst fears would come true. I would not be able to haggle at the swap meet. “How much do you want for this rusty wrench?” “Hey, you are that famous author. $100.” “Dang!”
You’re the best -Bill
March 05, 2025
I did not start writing to become famous. I want the opposite. People running up to me asking for an autograph would freak me out. I am a normal guy who does normal things and prefer that my work speaks for me. For example, I designed many electrical products that are still being used by thousands of people. That success is my quiet reward, and I hope my books fall into this category.
As much as I hate to admit this to myself, I already know I will not be a mega-author. My books have had enough exposure that buzz should have been created. And I am good with this fact.
Instead, I anticipate my success will be a slow burn, meaning that more readers will discover me over time. Hopefully, they will leave some good reviews, and I might sell enough to at least come close to breaking even.
What about something to put on my resume? I have resume entries for my books, but I am not looking for a fiction writing job. Raw creativity is complex, and writing every day can be very stressful. So, why the entry? Hey, anything to put me ahead of the competition?
What about my legacy? I do not think authors do not leave much of a legacy unless they are in the top 0.001%. In their day, they get mildly noticed while they keep publishing. There is less interest when they pass, and their books end up in landfills. I strongly suspect I will end up in this category.
Still, it thrills me when I see my books for sale or read a good review. I take pride in my creations, and it is comforting to know that I have achieved my goal of publishing.
My answer is that I enjoy writing and continue because of this enjoyment. But what if my books took off? Then, my worst fears would come true. I would not be able to haggle at the swap meet. “How much do you want for this rusty wrench?” “Hey, you are that famous author. $100.” “Dang!”
You’re the best -Bill
March 05, 2025
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