A famous musician (I can’t remember who) was asked if songwriting was hard. They said “Writing songs is easy. Writing great (hit) songs is hard.” I think this applies to “writing” also. Most seven-year-olds can write a story. But it probably isn’t up to publisher standards.
With practice, anyone can write a quality story. But that is the easy part. Writing one that resonates with readers, then finding those readers is the hard part. There is infinite competition (because writing is easy) and the traditional publishing route is narrow and fickle. Self-publishing overcomes some obstacles, but creates more. The odds of fame, wealth, or even a livable income are not good either way. So writing is easy and hard. 🤣
I am talking about creative writing, not non-fiction or journalism, which are entirely different types of writing and markets.
I am similar to you. If I am not in a good mindset, I can’t write well. Nor do I have any desire to. I don’t journal and writing is not therapy for me. It is simply a creative outlet I enjoy.
I agree! For me, I only write when there is a story within me whose characters are begging to be shared with the world. A story so fun I simply have to tell it. Otherwise, there’s nothing to tell, really. It’s kind of like the saying, “you can’t pour from an empty cup.” I need to live and learn and grow before I’m ready to add anything of value to the world of written adventures.
"You can't pour from an empty cup." Oooh, I love it! Thanks for sharing, Alexa. If I'm not mistaken in a few weeks you'll be pouring from a full cup, a serialized piece 👍
This is a great perspective, Mark. Resonating with readers is also a double-edged sword. It's not going to happen every time, and even if it did, that leads to some of those readers eventually feeling alienated by an author who doesn't take some chances. There is no winning formula per se, but we can definitely improve as writers. Thanks for reading and commenting!
I am not convinced most readers want writers to take chances. They usually want more of the same. But it is necessary to take chances and mix things up to grow and not bore yourself. If you are fortunate, you will find readers willing to go along for the ride. 🤓
Agreed. But I think most readers want their favorite writers to stick to one genre or what they are popular for. If Stephen King suddenly switched to writing romance novels, it would probably not go over well with his fans.
That said. I rarely stick to one genre. In fact, I like to blend them. But my readers know that. Which may be why I have a small readership. 🤣 But I love variety and I would go mad writing the same genre all the time.
Which is why I love Substack. I can write what I want, not what a publisher wants.
That's definitely true of most established writers, but when an author gets to be too formulaic there does seem to be attrition from a fanbase that wants it mixed up a little. Probably not the majority.
I think I agree with you. Generally, the act of writing isn't hard. It's everything that comes after that is hard. Being willing to be dismissed is definitely a big part of that! I've found that for me everything about writing got easier when I decided to post it online for anyone to see. Now the hardest part is trying to keep a schedule 😂
I definitely understand the schedule part and all the other things surrounding writing that could be considered hard. Our goal, I think, is to not let those get in the way of the act of writing. You're doing a great job, Claire, and I really enjoy your stories 👍
It takes being dismissed a few times to get used to the idea, but it's liberating when we realize how much freedom it gives us to dare to try something different.
Also, the dismissal occurs at every level of the game. I've had a great career but there are reviews of my books, in large national and international publications, that still HURT.
I’m with you, Brian. I agree that writing isn’t hard. Maintaining good health (both mental and physical) is hard. When I’m not in the best frame of mind, writing simply doesn’t happen. I’ve learned to just avoid writing on those days!
Hi Brian, your background is similar to mine, though rather than a journalism degree, I got a music degree back in the Mesozoic period. I don't find writing to be "hard" either and I think it has everything to do with perspective. If you've made your living as a writer for most of your life it probably does feel hard. If you've been grinding it out at a day job you don't love for most of your life, writing feels like taking leg weights off. Since I started to release my novel as a serial two months back, I've been doing so much more experimental writing in different forms and mediums. Thanks for sharing your journey. I hope to do the same. https://www.catchrelease.net
Thanks, Ben! We definitely share a similar journey reading your About page. I'm only a couple years behind, but we both found our legs around the dot-com boom days. That's awesome you already have a novel under your belt! I plan to work through mine this year, although I won't be serializing on Substack. I keep that for short stories and for sharing my publication rejections and acceptances. Glad to have you aboard!
I think you should do what makes you feel good. If you push yourself to write I think the stories would not be genuine and profundity. Get better Brian.
Glad to hear you're on the mend, Brian. Writing IS tough and being sick sure doesn't help. When I had COVID, I managed to squeek out an episode of one of my Kindle Vella stories and to be honest, it was one of the hardest things I've ever done, writing-wise. Not something I would recommend.
I'm definitely feeling the lack of inspiration when it comes to writing, but it's always nice to know I'm not alone. Best wishes!
A famous musician (I can’t remember who) was asked if songwriting was hard. They said “Writing songs is easy. Writing great (hit) songs is hard.” I think this applies to “writing” also. Most seven-year-olds can write a story. But it probably isn’t up to publisher standards.
With practice, anyone can write a quality story. But that is the easy part. Writing one that resonates with readers, then finding those readers is the hard part. There is infinite competition (because writing is easy) and the traditional publishing route is narrow and fickle. Self-publishing overcomes some obstacles, but creates more. The odds of fame, wealth, or even a livable income are not good either way. So writing is easy and hard. 🤣
I am talking about creative writing, not non-fiction or journalism, which are entirely different types of writing and markets.
I am similar to you. If I am not in a good mindset, I can’t write well. Nor do I have any desire to. I don’t journal and writing is not therapy for me. It is simply a creative outlet I enjoy.
I agree! For me, I only write when there is a story within me whose characters are begging to be shared with the world. A story so fun I simply have to tell it. Otherwise, there’s nothing to tell, really. It’s kind of like the saying, “you can’t pour from an empty cup.” I need to live and learn and grow before I’m ready to add anything of value to the world of written adventures.
"You can't pour from an empty cup." Oooh, I love it! Thanks for sharing, Alexa. If I'm not mistaken in a few weeks you'll be pouring from a full cup, a serialized piece 👍
Yes! This Thursday I’m releasing the prologue to “Over the Top Secret” along with the audio version 🙌💃🏻🎉 !
This is a great perspective, Mark. Resonating with readers is also a double-edged sword. It's not going to happen every time, and even if it did, that leads to some of those readers eventually feeling alienated by an author who doesn't take some chances. There is no winning formula per se, but we can definitely improve as writers. Thanks for reading and commenting!
I am not convinced most readers want writers to take chances. They usually want more of the same. But it is necessary to take chances and mix things up to grow and not bore yourself. If you are fortunate, you will find readers willing to go along for the ride. 🤓
Audiences are constantly seeking more of the same feeling, but from a consistent stream of new and exciting circumstances!
Agreed. But I think most readers want their favorite writers to stick to one genre or what they are popular for. If Stephen King suddenly switched to writing romance novels, it would probably not go over well with his fans.
That said. I rarely stick to one genre. In fact, I like to blend them. But my readers know that. Which may be why I have a small readership. 🤣 But I love variety and I would go mad writing the same genre all the time.
Which is why I love Substack. I can write what I want, not what a publisher wants.
Yes! I am a fan now, wherever you decide to venture 🤓
Thank you. That is sweet. And I am looking forward to reading Over The Top Secret.
That's definitely true of most established writers, but when an author gets to be too formulaic there does seem to be attrition from a fanbase that wants it mixed up a little. Probably not the majority.
I think I agree with you. Generally, the act of writing isn't hard. It's everything that comes after that is hard. Being willing to be dismissed is definitely a big part of that! I've found that for me everything about writing got easier when I decided to post it online for anyone to see. Now the hardest part is trying to keep a schedule 😂
I definitely understand the schedule part and all the other things surrounding writing that could be considered hard. Our goal, I think, is to not let those get in the way of the act of writing. You're doing a great job, Claire, and I really enjoy your stories 👍
"...the freedom to be dismissed..." Yup!
It takes being dismissed a few times to get used to the idea, but it's liberating when we realize how much freedom it gives us to dare to try something different.
Also, the dismissal occurs at every level of the game. I've had a great career but there are reviews of my books, in large national and international publications, that still HURT.
Between you and Mark Starlin, I think you’ve said it pretty damned well.
I’m with you, Brian. I agree that writing isn’t hard. Maintaining good health (both mental and physical) is hard. When I’m not in the best frame of mind, writing simply doesn’t happen. I’ve learned to just avoid writing on those days!
Thanks, Justin, I'm sure glad I'm not the only one! Now we all just have to stay perfectly healthy for the rest of our lives 🤣
Hahaha! 🤣 Hope you feel better soon, Brian.
Writing’s not hard! What’s hard is foregoing everything else. What news was just tweeted? Why is my son crying? What’s for dinner?
So true, Wil... as I wait for dinner 🤣
Hi Brian, your background is similar to mine, though rather than a journalism degree, I got a music degree back in the Mesozoic period. I don't find writing to be "hard" either and I think it has everything to do with perspective. If you've made your living as a writer for most of your life it probably does feel hard. If you've been grinding it out at a day job you don't love for most of your life, writing feels like taking leg weights off. Since I started to release my novel as a serial two months back, I've been doing so much more experimental writing in different forms and mediums. Thanks for sharing your journey. I hope to do the same. https://www.catchrelease.net
Thanks, Ben! We definitely share a similar journey reading your About page. I'm only a couple years behind, but we both found our legs around the dot-com boom days. That's awesome you already have a novel under your belt! I plan to work through mine this year, although I won't be serializing on Substack. I keep that for short stories and for sharing my publication rejections and acceptances. Glad to have you aboard!
I think you should do what makes you feel good. If you push yourself to write I think the stories would not be genuine and profundity. Get better Brian.
I'm glad you're on the mend and hopefully back to full strength soon. (Enjoying the stories in the book very much.)
Thank you, Edward!
Glad to hear you're on the mend, Brian. Writing IS tough and being sick sure doesn't help. When I had COVID, I managed to squeek out an episode of one of my Kindle Vella stories and to be honest, it was one of the hardest things I've ever done, writing-wise. Not something I would recommend.
I'm definitely feeling the lack of inspiration when it comes to writing, but it's always nice to know I'm not alone. Best wishes!