Writing from the heart, or writing to sell?

A long, long time ago when I was in Art School, I learned there were two kinds of artists, each with equal passion. One was the artist who painted from the heart, caring little if the work ever sold, but knowing they had produced something of at least personal value. On rare occasions this artist sold well enough to make a living, but often did not (hence the starving artist) Another kind of artist studied trends, perfected techniques and produced work with unequaled zeal and marketed excellently. This artist became wealthy and famous.

I see the same thing in the world of fiction writing. Some writers produce work from the heart which, in today's fast paced world, falls short of success.

Other authors know the trends, know how to pick a cover that entices, a price and number of pages that's just right, and a topic that produces a 6 figure income.

In critiquing writing as in painting, the idea is not to judge whether one kind of artist or writer is better than the other kind.

Each can learn from the other and tweak what they are doing accordingly, if they desire.
We all try. Our goals are not the same, but they are equally lofty. Let's lift each other up to the heights instead of pulling each other into the pit of self-doubt.

Have a nice week. Mary R. Woldering