Art for Art's Sake

For every Picasso, there are millions of unsuccessful painters. A few musicians become rich and famous, but most of us sing in the shower. It is possible to get on a national TV show and talk about your latest novel, but realistically it's not going to happen. So why write? Why not take up Bartelby's line and say, "I'd rather not"? In my opinion, authors write for one main reason--because we love it. Yes, everyone hopes for a best seller. Still, we are thrilled when Aunt Maude and Uncle Claude ask when another book will be available. If a musician sings alone in the woods, is there a sound? You betcha. As the paint stains the canvas, or the words stream onto the screen, the satisfaction comes from within. If an audience enjoys my output, that's wonderfully satisfying. If not, the pen scratches on nevertheless.