*
This is the fact: you could be long dead before people appreciate your writing. It's happened plenty to writers of the first rank: jealousy, stupidity, war--in other words, plain old politics--obscured their talent and contributions. So, if fame and fortune are hard to find, just why are you writing?
From personal experience, RT can tell you that this is not a popular question at cocktail parties.
I mention The Rag Tree occasionally and send you its way. I love the author's intelligence and humour. The question he asks is one that has probably appeared before us all in one way or another. I like having the possibilities laid out for me to consider.
JulesPaige
10/05/2012 at 7:57 am
Interesting question to be considered with some depth…I suppose. But personally…for me writing is like breathing…if I couldn’t – I wouldn’t (be).
Be back to investigate others and perhaps add, but surely to finish reading The Rag Tree article. Full day of Son of Son starting an about an hour…
margo roby
10/05/2012 at 9:41 am
Good luck with your day, Jules.
Nah. No reason to consider it in depth, but wander around Eric’s site, if you haven’t before. He has diverse interests.
Misky
10/05/2012 at 9:24 am
That question ranks right up there on the annoying scale with being asked to explain why you’re staying home to raise children. On a good day, I’d be polite and answer properly. On a bad day, I’d say “I don’t know. Are you offering me a job?”
margo roby
10/05/2012 at 9:40 am
I agree, Misk. I am fascinated that people who don’t write don’t quite get people who do, yet have been surrounded by the products of writers all their lives.
Mr. Walker
10/05/2012 at 9:48 am
Margo, thanks for reblogging this. I liked it and I will be back to the Rag Tree. Personally, I like answer number 5: what I do matters.
Richard
margo roby
10/05/2012 at 9:51 am
Richard, I think number 5 is it for serious writers. I think over all the authors whose works I have taught and I know that is why they wrote [and because they felt compelled].
I think you will thoroughly enjoy Eric’s diverse collection of thinking. Check out his Dragons of Grammar. He is also translating Gilgamesh.
margo
JulesPaige
10/05/2012 at 6:26 pm
Yes, Richard I agree, what I do matters…even if it is just to one person. If only one person has enjoyed something I wrote – even if and I suppose especially if that one person wasn’t me – then it was worth the time to write it!
Music&Meaning
13/06/2012 at 1:39 pm
Margo: sorry for the tardy response to your repost…things continue to be intense here…but surely there is nothing better than this kind of affirmation…thx! Eric
Music&Meaning
13/06/2012 at 1:40 pm
& ps: i’ve posted about WG on my blog…by way of returning the compliment eric