"Do I keep writing or do I give up? If I give it up, what should I do instead?"
Those are questions I ask myself almost daily, too. I know that I like you I feel compelled to write, but also get tired of how much mental and emotional effort it takes to write something that pleases my [sometimes still] perfectionistic self. About 1 out of 3 things I write gets published.
I've resisted establishing myself in any one blogging niche, instead leaning into variety and randomness. There is a cost that comes with being a free spirit, but I accept it. Great insights here that I'd suggest cross many bloggers' minds but they're reluctant to think about.
If it wasn't for social media, I wouldn't have sold any books to readers other than my family. I have to begrudgingly admit I have become a [sigh] content creator. I am first an author, and I use social media to gain exposure for my books, but it is also to offer entertainment to my readers, as it is added value to my publications.
I can't post incessantly. I tread lightly and try to create a balance between "You should buy my books" and "Hey, wanna heard something funny?"
One can get too obsessive with gaining popularity, and while it would be nice to make a living with my writing, if a reader tells me they have enjoyed any of my creations, that makes what I do worth it.
I appreciate this comment because I see what you create with social media and I know how much time it takes to create quality content. Although I admit to enjoying creating the social media content, I do find it a bit of a slog at times, much more so than writing. I rarely get tired of writing...
Keep doing your things, Leon, and thank you for reading and commenting.
Thanks for sharing! I will get Gabino Iglesia's novels. I am not so much into vampires either but you have piqued my interest. I totally understand your point. It will be hard for me to depend solely on my income as a writer. And yet, even if it yielded less than it does, I couldn't stop writing. It is a blessing or a curse, I don't know, but it is part of who I am. Not too sure about the role of social media as I am not too engaged in it. I love reading other people's blogs, but I only write in me when I feel like it. I have felt "like it" quite strongly for the last two weeks, yet only to share personal stuff, not about my books. Anyway, I appreciate your blog. And you are a wonderful writer!
I too will (eventually) read some of Gabino Inglesias' novels... :)
Not everyone uses social media, and I know you don't, and yet, there is a pull, a lure, for some of us who enjoy the creativity aspect behind it. It can all get a bit much sometimes though... you probably waste much less time than I do simply by not being on social media. I get sidetracked sometimes...
As always happy to see you reading and engaging with my content, Te.
"Do I keep writing or do I give up? If I give it up, what should I do instead?"
Those are questions I ask myself almost daily, too. I know that I like you I feel compelled to write, but also get tired of how much mental and emotional effort it takes to write something that pleases my [sometimes still] perfectionistic self. About 1 out of 3 things I write gets published.
I've resisted establishing myself in any one blogging niche, instead leaning into variety and randomness. There is a cost that comes with being a free spirit, but I accept it. Great insights here that I'd suggest cross many bloggers' minds but they're reluctant to think about.
That's a lot of thoughts, and I agree.
If it wasn't for social media, I wouldn't have sold any books to readers other than my family. I have to begrudgingly admit I have become a [sigh] content creator. I am first an author, and I use social media to gain exposure for my books, but it is also to offer entertainment to my readers, as it is added value to my publications.
I can't post incessantly. I tread lightly and try to create a balance between "You should buy my books" and "Hey, wanna heard something funny?"
One can get too obsessive with gaining popularity, and while it would be nice to make a living with my writing, if a reader tells me they have enjoyed any of my creations, that makes what I do worth it.
I appreciate this comment because I see what you create with social media and I know how much time it takes to create quality content. Although I admit to enjoying creating the social media content, I do find it a bit of a slog at times, much more so than writing. I rarely get tired of writing...
Keep doing your things, Leon, and thank you for reading and commenting.
Thanks for sharing! I will get Gabino Iglesia's novels. I am not so much into vampires either but you have piqued my interest. I totally understand your point. It will be hard for me to depend solely on my income as a writer. And yet, even if it yielded less than it does, I couldn't stop writing. It is a blessing or a curse, I don't know, but it is part of who I am. Not too sure about the role of social media as I am not too engaged in it. I love reading other people's blogs, but I only write in me when I feel like it. I have felt "like it" quite strongly for the last two weeks, yet only to share personal stuff, not about my books. Anyway, I appreciate your blog. And you are a wonderful writer!
I too will (eventually) read some of Gabino Inglesias' novels... :)
Not everyone uses social media, and I know you don't, and yet, there is a pull, a lure, for some of us who enjoy the creativity aspect behind it. It can all get a bit much sometimes though... you probably waste much less time than I do simply by not being on social media. I get sidetracked sometimes...
As always happy to see you reading and engaging with my content, Te.