Why We Write -- Revisited
Everyone asks it and there are many many blogs about it. Why do writers do what they do?
I've been thinking about this question and thinking about the effect of the internet on writers. It used to be a solitary job, but now it can be much more public. Actually, it behooves one to stay in the public eye as much as possible as it does appear to influence sales.
How many writers are hooked on the twitter/chat/group interaction, though? I only wonder because I can imagine how gratifying the attention could be to an individual accustomed to working in solitary. I work in public and squeeze in writing time, so I'm not quite as starved for feedback, but during a brief period when I had no work I got addicted to the internet.
It made me want to write faster so I could get a book out there. And is that messed up or what?
Because that is NOT why I write. I'm a storyteller. I make up people and events and wrap them around each other. I'd do it if no one ever read a single book of mine. And I worry that I might be more particular if publication were a distant foggy dream, not practically immediate upon finishing the first draft.
How does the instantaneous internet interaction affect the quality and subject matter of our books? I'm just wondering...
I've been thinking about this question and thinking about the effect of the internet on writers. It used to be a solitary job, but now it can be much more public. Actually, it behooves one to stay in the public eye as much as possible as it does appear to influence sales.
How many writers are hooked on the twitter/chat/group interaction, though? I only wonder because I can imagine how gratifying the attention could be to an individual accustomed to working in solitary. I work in public and squeeze in writing time, so I'm not quite as starved for feedback, but during a brief period when I had no work I got addicted to the internet.
It made me want to write faster so I could get a book out there. And is that messed up or what?
Because that is NOT why I write. I'm a storyteller. I make up people and events and wrap them around each other. I'd do it if no one ever read a single book of mine. And I worry that I might be more particular if publication were a distant foggy dream, not practically immediate upon finishing the first draft.
How does the instantaneous internet interaction affect the quality and subject matter of our books? I'm just wondering...
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The social network thang is changing all of the arts because it's changing our culture. There's no point in worrying about it. But I do think it's something to beware of. Like we used to hear cautionary tales about alcohol or absinthe abuse?
But, seriously, does it? At least, when I talk to myself I don't insult other people or pump myself up with hubris. Or, rather, when I do it doesn't hurt anyone. I don't start flame wars when I talk to myself or become obsessed with having more friends or followers than some other writer.
I love the internet. And I LOVE the blogs I read. And I guess I'm being a bit naive. Because writers and their fans have been tossing insults and arrogance back and forth for EVER, long before the internet.