If money and a contract weren't the ultimate payoff, would you still write?


No, really. Don't zip past that like one more obnoxious billboard on the writing journey. Stop and think about that question, especially if you're new to the writing game.


I've been writing novels for about 12 years now. In that time, I've seen a lot of rising stars crash and burn in spectacular flares of light. Why? Because after pounding their heads against the doors of agents, editors and publishers, they didn't sell one little word of the manuscript over which they labored. They took their ball and went home, never to be seen or heard from again. Perhaps if they'd pondered the question I propose today, they would've saved a lot of time and heartache.


Not that snagging a contract and/or moolah isn't a worthy goal. I'm just saying that if you're a true writer at heart, it won't be your only goal.


So why do writers write? If it's not for the bajillion dollar paycheck and instant fame, what exactly are the benefits of writing?


- It's a way to make sense of your world. Fiction is a safe environment to build a world and play the what-if game.


- It's a satisfying addiction. Some people are hooked on playing Settlers of Catan, others on crack cocaine. It's a compulsion. The act of writing gives writers a huge warm fuzzy.


- It's a never-ending education. There's always something new to learn about the craft. Because writing is subjective, it's continually evolving. 


- It's an expression of self. To deny that self causes huge amounts of frustration and invalidation...which makes for a very cranky person.


If none of these reasons resonate with you, then disregard my first question and move on to the next square. Writing may not be the game for you.