Just over a year ago we bought a fixer-upper. It had been ravaged by at least three renters and you had to be able to envision its potential to want to buy it. Fortunately, most of the work has been cosmetic but we have invested a lot of sweat equity to begin bringing it back to its former glory.
Every wall needed to be painted. Every wall. We began slowly, a room at a time - you know, the old 'you can eat a whole elephant one bite at a time' proverb. But then it came time to do the two story entrance and staircases (one going down to the basement). Frankly, I thought this might be a job for the professionals but my husband insisted that we could do it and that it would probably save us several thousand dollars.
I've decided there is a reason the word painting begins with 'pain'. P.A.I.N. The only thing that has kept me going is the fact that the money we are saving will pay for my writer's conference registration fee and an educational cruise I want to go on. That's the kind of incentive I need at this point.
It made me reflect. What are the incentives for writers in the 21st century? Unless you are fortunate enough to be a New York Times bestseller, the likes of Brandon Mull or J.K. Rowling, it's probably not money. For most novelists there is not much money in writing. So what is it? The satisfaction of going to your local bookstore or library and seeing your book on the shelf? (That is one of mine.) Perhaps it is finishing something you started? Or maybe a check on your bucket list? Having friends and strangers tell you they loved your book? (Another one of mine.) Whatever it is that motivates you to write, keep it front and center on those days where you just don't feel like writing.
I know I am going to love my house when it is all painted and looks fresh and new. And I'm pretty sure the day your book goes live on Amazon you are going to be pretty jazzed too.
Every wall needed to be painted. Every wall. We began slowly, a room at a time - you know, the old 'you can eat a whole elephant one bite at a time' proverb. But then it came time to do the two story entrance and staircases (one going down to the basement). Frankly, I thought this might be a job for the professionals but my husband insisted that we could do it and that it would probably save us several thousand dollars.
I've decided there is a reason the word painting begins with 'pain'. P.A.I.N. The only thing that has kept me going is the fact that the money we are saving will pay for my writer's conference registration fee and an educational cruise I want to go on. That's the kind of incentive I need at this point.
It made me reflect. What are the incentives for writers in the 21st century? Unless you are fortunate enough to be a New York Times bestseller, the likes of Brandon Mull or J.K. Rowling, it's probably not money. For most novelists there is not much money in writing. So what is it? The satisfaction of going to your local bookstore or library and seeing your book on the shelf? (That is one of mine.) Perhaps it is finishing something you started? Or maybe a check on your bucket list? Having friends and strangers tell you they loved your book? (Another one of mine.) Whatever it is that motivates you to write, keep it front and center on those days where you just don't feel like writing.
I know I am going to love my house when it is all painted and looks fresh and new. And I'm pretty sure the day your book goes live on Amazon you are going to be pretty jazzed too.
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