Why I Continue to Write

Recently on some of the lists I follow, several mystery authors wrote about their dissatisfaction with writing, and that they were retiring--or at least stepping away from it for awhile.

Their reasons were despite all their hard work they weren't making enough money to make the effort worthwhile or they hadn't achieved the fame they'd expected.

If those are good reasons to quit, I should've done so long ago.

I've never made much money from my books. And it certainly isn't because I haven't worked at it. I've written the best I know how and done all the promoting that is expected today. I've certainly not become a name who everyone recognizes.

However, I don't plan on quitting any time soon. And here's why:

1. I write because I love to write.

2. I write mysteries because I like creating puzzles and figuring out how to solve them.

3. I write series because I really love my characters and want to know what is going to happen to them next--and the only way I can find out is to write the next book. Fortunately, there are some readers who follow my series and want to read the next book.

4. I love it when a reader writes to me or puts a review on Amazon and lets me know they really enjoyed my book. I am not only writing for me, but I'm writing for my readers.

5. I write because I don't know what else I'd do if I didn't write. Writing has been such a big part of my life, I can't imagine not writing.

6. When I write I'm in control of the world I've created. I have no control whatsoever over the world that I live in.

7. And to finish this off, I plan to write until I'm no longer able. I do hope that some of you will read and enjoy my books.

The latest in the Rocky Bluff P.D. series is Violent Departures.


The latest in the Deputy Tempe Crabtree series is River Spirits. A new one should be coming in August sometime.



Marilyn aka F. M. Meredith



Comments

Lorna Collins - said…
Please don't stop! I am a great fan and always look forward to the next one.
Billie Johnson said…
I'm with Lorna...I hope you don't stop.

I saw that article about writers quitting because the financial rewards were measly. WOW, imagine if publishers felt that way? Or maybe that is why so many have shuttered their doors.

One the main reasons i have been able to keep OTP rolling is that I have been determined to do it, regardless of whether there was a big payday....which is good, since there has never been a BIG payday. I am grateful when we have a modest payday...when our books are appreciated and our authors are spotlighted and even honored.

Money is only one yardstick...there are many ways, as you point out, to measure success and satisfaction.
Don't worry, writing ia like an addiction. Don't think I could stop.
Marja said…
Marilyn, This is actually one of the best posts I've read in a very long time, and I agree with every point you made. Maybe writing is a business, but it's also a lifestyle if it's what's right for the author. Personally, I hope I never decide to quit.
Marja McGraw
Hi, Marja, I knew you'd agree with me.

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