Something I'd been thinking about is why I write? What keeps me writing? The only thing that keeps coming up is the concept that I have a Voice. Voice is interesting to talk about. It's that special something that distinguishes one artist from another. It's a point of view that only I have.
It's mine. I see the world in a particular way. I think it my Voice that has gotten me published thus far. It's what has gotten me any kind of attention. I'm grateful for it and want to cultivate it more. Unfortunately, it doesn't yield a lot of money. I do have those debates of Voice versus Commerce. I used to date someone who said that if I want commercial success, I need to write something for the masses. We're no longer dating.
It's something I wonder about as I get older. Then, I remember why I started writing. I promised myself that I would not be a whore if I ever got published. You see, I was this actor that seemed to cave when it came to making money. Can you please audition for a demeaning stereotype to get work? Sure. I felt like such a cheap whore.
When I wrote, I swore to keep it pure. I'm still trying to hold onto that. At times, my grip seems to be slipping. Well, grip tighter, I guess.
About Me
- the last noel
- Actor, Los Angeles Times Beststelling Author, Buddhist Pastor
4 comments:
There's nothing wrong with being a whore, if that's what makes you happy. I know. I was a whore for twenty years. I learned a lot from it!
Thank you, thank you, thank you. The long-time editor in me thinks perhaps the word "not" is missing from the the third paragraph. But having just re-read it, how could I know? Writers write because they need to write. I haven't had nearly the success you've had (frankly, I'm envious), and grateful as well. I hope you'll never give it up.
Prince, you suck, that's why I love you.
Dann, to each his own.
tfcinnyc, thanks for the catch...I hope it wasn't freudian.
It's a tough, ongoing issue. I don't get published a lot, but boy do I have my integrity. I guess it's worth more to me that way when I do break through with something. Thanks for working your voice here on the blog, where we can hear it.
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