The Writer’s Dilemma
Today, my role as writer was largely overshadowed by my responsibilities as a publisher. At least, the first part of the day. I dealt with some contracts. I did some Karthador cover mockups. I spoke with my distributor several times, as we ironed out details for fulfillment of KS stuff. And I got the opportunity to chat with my academic friend, KW, for awhile about some nonsensical stuff. I then got to spend the afternoon writing, while the evening was comprised of chatting with some of the Blurry Ones about cover tweaks for Karthador.
As I mentioned, I did get a word or two in edgewise. All in all, a productive day, but I haven’t even addressed The Writer’s Dilemma (which is deserving of the capitals), and that is writing what you want and writing what you must. This wasn’t even what I intended to write about this evening. I generally don’t know what I’m going to write about on here until the fingers hit the keys, and I’m pretty much okay with being unencumbered with any sort of an agenda. (Yes, if you pay attention, I sometimes promote things, but this is a company store, and it’s part and parcel of the publishing game.)
And that, my friends, brings me to the throbbing heart of what’s what. Anyone can write. Sure. But to call it a profession requires some sort of renumeration. And while the fortunate ones write the words they want to write. There is still a segment who are commissioned to work on other’s projects. Now, I can hear you saying I should likely just shut up and count my blessings about how lucky I am to write and shut up again if I didn’t hear it over my nonsense words to begin with, and that I’m lucky. I don’t know about luck. I’ve dealt with lots of obstacles, and have had ups and downs, and there have been times when I’ve written stuff I’ve needed to, and done with less than I’ve liked because of stuff. But complaining does no good, and perseverance is the watchword of the day. There is a degree of making one’s own luck and a smidgen of random chance thrown in which keeps life interesting. And I love what I do. And it sure beats digging ditches. And, yes, writing is what I’ve always wanted to do. And I’m not alone.
I still hope to write some straight-up fiction in the future. At least that’s the plan, but I gotta get those day words out there in the meantime. It’s not a bad thing. I totally dig what I’m working on. And, as always, hope you do too. (And, just maybe, I jot down some notes and fiddle with outlines in the darkest of hours.)
For other writers who are working on other people’s projects, I get it. Still, you are writing. You are getting paid to string one word after another, and I gotta say that makes you pretty lucky too. And, yes, I should shut up, but maybe, just maybe, you need to sneak in a slice of time each day to work on your own thing. Guilt is a waste of energy. (I know from experience.) And, as long as you hit your deadlines, you’re perfecting your craft when you work on some of your own stuff, and you’re energizing yourself. No one can eat the same ice cream for twelve hours a day. Humans crave variety (as my unplayed game backlog would readily attest).
Go write your words. And think your thoughts. And do good things. Until next time, I bid you, dear reader, adieu!
