This is, uh, interesting. In a prior post, I explored what it was that made writers write. In that piece, I suggested money wasn’t even close to being a key driver in the writing process. I mentioned a bunch of other stuff too, self-expression, for example, and writers wanting to grab their readers’ attention. Anyway, if you read the post, you know what I mean. To support my case, I also made reference to a podcast in which Seth Harwood describes his own experience with the numbers side of the writing business.
And this is where it gets interesting. Amusing too, if I stop to think about it. Because my post about grabbing attention ended up garnering the attention of none other than Mr. Jack Wakes Up himself. Here is Seth’s reply.
“Here’s the thing: deep down we all want to be successful at what we do. Writers especially. And the world tells us being successful means rich. Or making good money. We want a big TV, a nice vacation, you know, all that stuff.”
“Here’s the other thing: the happiest I am as a writer is when I know people are listening to my work and enjoying it. It’s true. I do love to be heard/read. Having an audience, that’s the best. But, I want to be a writer ONLY, I want to make money from writing. I admit it: I want that to be my career–writer. It’s true. Been a goal for over 12 years. Now, I’m reaching that and it’s not all wine and roses (or vacations) but that’s when my expectations get beyond just the writing. When I focus on just writing, I stay happy. I’m fulfilled. Truth is, it’s a battle–between just writing/working and wanting the financial and major-success appreciation.”
“Still, is that too much to ask? To sit back at the end of the day and know the world appreciates what you’ve done? Shit, I sit back at the end of the day and I do know that. Problem is I sometimes get stuck on what a few people pulling strings in NYC think or what a few numbers say.”
Now imagine my reaction when I saw that in my inbox. Think that didn’t grab my attention? Once I got over the serendipitous surprise of his message, I also noted that Seth’s comments touched on something that my post overlooked; writers love to write because it makes them happy. Which, by extension, translates into the indescribable joy that we all get by reading a great book.
And enjoyment is exactly what you’ll find if you you do me a favor. Buy Jack Wakes Up. Trust me on this one, it’s a great read. You’ll love it. No, don’t wait ’till later, don’t say you’ll do it after checking your emails, or grabbing another coffee. Just buy it, like right now. And here’s the other thing I’d like you to do. Buy it here or here or here (if you listened to Seth’s podcast you’ll know why).
Alright? Great. Well, thanks everyone, for, you know, visiting. See you later.
