Writers, What is your End Game?
Do you know why you write? What do you hope to accomplish with your work? A writer’s first reaction to this question is to share their deep unquestionable love in the act of putting pen to paper. If recognition results because of this, then it is an added benefit. This is not true for some. Respect from peers takes second fiddle to money, infamy and world domination for quite a few authors. A little honest reflection is required to decipher your end game.
Do you fall under any of the following categories?
1. You hope to have your work presented in every bookstore window and front aisle display in North America.
2. Mass popularity is not for you; instead you seek critical acclaim from book reviewers who help shape the literary world.
3. You want to be rich, not the able-to-afford-the-most-expensive-house-in-my-neighborhood rich, but rather the I-now-own-the-largest-villa-in-Cannes kind of rich.
4. You write because the voices in your head tell you so, and your end game is simply to quell the mass of noise that deafens you.
5. You hope that one person (not related to you) reads your work and loves it.
6. You wish to become the most revered author of all time. Yes, it may be considered by some to be a tad discreditable and narcissistic, but at least you know what you want.
7. Your ability to string a group of words together to create profound insight sets you apart from many. You write because you love the craft. Your end game, well you do not have one. Writing brings you a sense of fulfillment and peace, and who would want to put an end to that.
Honesty is important here. Once you evaluate the intent of all the time spent at your computer or in writing in your notebook, and you realise the form that you hope your success will take, the likelihood of that dream of success becoming a reality tips in your favour.
What is your End Game? We all have different versions of what success means to us personally, please share yours in the comments below.
Giselle Maclean is Managing Editor of BreakFree, a blog that passionately charts her personal challenges as a wife, mother and friend; while managing a career within the financial services industry.
My end game is to inspire someone as writers such as Tolkien etc inspired me. I want someone, if only one person, to read my work and think “wow, I could do this”.
Making a living from my passion would be nice too of course, but it’s not the end of the world if have to hold onto the 9 to 5.
The ability to inspire someone to take on the challenge and the reward of writing is an exceptional end game. Thank you for your comments Kirsty.
I want to write a work that inspires someone to do good in the world. And while being popular and rich is not a set goal, not having to work in retail certainly is. Since I absolutely hate retail work.
Plus, I’d love to see my book in a book store shelf, that would be great too.
Knowing that your work inspired a person to commit to making a difference for the better in our world is a commendable end game. I appreciate your comments Seth. I hope to see your work on a book shelf in the future. Thank you.
My end game is to make a full-time living from my writing so I can take my work anywhere. I want to travel and have a few houses throughout the world, so working for myself is necessary.
I have to admit, that type of freedom is priceless. The idea of not being tied down to a 9-5 job day in and day out does sound rather cool. I hope your end game starts to take shape soon. Thanks for the comment Jennifer.
I’m in it for the money. Well, sort of. I mean, so far writing has paid a couple of bills. But seriously, I’m in it for the money. Filling up the page is gratifying. Telling a touching tale–one that might change a life or two–is gratifying. Hearing from peers and readers that the work is good is also gratifying. Most importantly though, I want to make a living doing what I love. So yes, I suppose that I’m really in it for the money.
Well said Logan. The idea of the starving artist, really does not cut in our day and time. We need to eat, pay bills and hopefully have a life. I believe it is very possible to earn a healthy income from doing what you love. So good on you!
Good point and great question. I guess I’m pretty much in the #7 camp. I write because I love writing so much; it fulfills me and gives me a sense of well-being. I write full-time and get by (just barely). I have received external rewards, kudos, and money from writing, and I do hope that by sharing it (e.g. through publication and my performances) that my writing changes hearts, minds, and lives. But no, I don’t really have an end game. I don’t ever want to stop writing.
Even though it’s already been said, my end game is to inspire. I want to connect with people, have them trust me to take them on a journey, help them escape, make them think, make them laugh, and make them cry. I want to leave them on their own, and meet them on the other side with a grin on my face.
I also want to do this full time.
Thanks for making me think about this. I read this yesterday and really gave it some thought.
I’m not afraid to admit that it’s a combination of 3 and 4. I write because the voices tell me to, but being also addicted to shopping and coffee, I decided to turn it into my alternative income :) The voices agreed.
I think i belong in that one category that you have listed. I am hoping that someone out there is interested and find time to read my books. One person who supports me is enough for me to continue my work as a writer. It is really good when you inspire somebody. I hope i can do better in writing because writing is one my passion.