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June 12th, 2013

12/6/2013

4 Comments

 
Picture
It’s been too long since my last blog, hasn’t it?
Yeah, I can hear the millions of you out there shouting:
          “Where’ve you been? We’ve been waiting…”


I must admit not having comments from readers of my blog has been a little disheartening, but as one who has to swallow and digest rejections and ‘criticisms’ of her work on a regular basis, I think I’m woman enough to take it on the chin. So, I’m plodding on regardless.

Since my last blog entry, I've been thinking, reading and contemplating and have returned to this question which I have raised on more than occasion on my blog: What is a writer?

This subject was one aptly addressed by Anne Goodwin in her blog,
‘4 definitions of a writer,’ posted on her site on 16.5.13.

A few weeks ago, when reading Anne’s blog entry, I was still of the opinion that a ‘real’ writer is one who is able to earn an income from their writing. Perhaps that was my fantasy, because as pointed out to me by a friend, this definition would surely suggest that writers such as myself are not ‘real’ writers, because I have not as yet earned anything from my writing.


To confuse me even further, someone suggested to me that my definition fitted into that of a ‘professional’ writer. That is, a writer who writes for a living. This would include professional bloggers, journalists and other creative writers who are fortunate enough to be able to live off the sales of their novels and other creative works. In this one might include writers such as the late Ian Banks, Stephen King or J.K. Rowlings.

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In addition to this, last week I read with interest, the results of a survey undertaken by Mslexia entitled,
‘The big question: Do you write for love or money?’

Out of the 2500 women writers taking part in their survey 63% had received some payment for their writing at some point in their career. This amount, however, hardly covered their expenses for paper and ink cartridges. Half of the women earned nothing from their writing last year and a quarter earned under £500.00. 

I’m not quite sure what the situation is for men, but those stats are not very encouraging for those of us (like myself) who hope at some point, to be able to acquire some monetary compensation in recognition of all the hard work, time and energy spent creating even a small piece of writing.

All things considered, I have come to the conclusion that there really are different types of writers, some just happen to be more ‘accomplished’ than others. Suffice to say that all writers write (and read, hopefully) and as Anne states in her blog, we edit our work, know the rules of writing, have readers etc.

Needless to say, I am in agreement with the 40% of the participants of the Mslexia survey, who felt that ‘writers should be paid for what they do…’

However, like a lot of the women in the survey I will, of course, continue writing even without monetary rewards because ultimately it’s not about the money. Writing a piece for me is like creating a new recipe, using old and new ingredients and each time aiming and hoping to create something tasty enough to stir or tickle the pallet of everyone who samples it.  That is satisfaction in itself.


4 Comments
Audley Stewart
14/6/2013 04:02:27 am

I can fully appreciate the hours of work that goes into producing even a small piece of writing, and you've made many valid points, however your question applies to all in the creative field.

The art college graduate who struggles and ends up exhibiting their work from pavements and railings outside railway stations, is this person an artist?

Likewise the person who embarks on a piece requiring many hours of physical work and high skill in the hope that others will see and appreciate his/her vision and be prepared to buy it. Is this person a sculptor?

Obviously being paid for your work validates it and you'd feel justified in saying, "yes I am the writer" when asked. This of course applies to many creative people and unless being commissioned/paid, be it salary, advance, sales etc. then ones status will always be questionable.

Although the term "writer" for me encompasses all who put pen to paper/finger to keyboard in the hope of remuneration and accolades, the examples of Banks, King and Rowlings would be better defined as novelists.

Lastly, we must not underestimate the element of luck, the right work, the right person, the right place, the right time!!

Reply
Esmena Stewart
16/6/2013 03:41:57 am

Okay, I read your Blog and your comments are interesting.
Personally I know for a fact, Artist very rarely get financial rewards for their work.
Surely it's not about the money, isn't it the love of it?
So you're a writer, (you've done all the courses, degree etc, etc) writing is your job that's all you do, are you any good? Have you got the financial means to plod on because you've got faith and it's a matter of time before your Novel's published.
Dwelling on the money is a waste of time, its luck, luck and more luck, if time is on your side.

If you want to achieve your goal you put things in place, you do your very best and keep that positive thinking. Don't dwell on money. The money will come because you have planted the seed and it's being nourished.

Reply
Annecdotist link
27/6/2013 08:52:17 pm

Hi, Steff, thanks so much for linking to my blog. I was interested in the comments on the similarities with other art forms. I'm in a choir singing a new composition this weekend and can't stop thinking about how exciting and terrifying it must be for the young composer – if we think sending a short story out into the world is exposing ... On which point I wouldn't mind your point of view on my recent Flash publication (the link is on my blog post). And I agree, lack of comments can be disheartening: I've posted quite a lot recently but had zero comments since the big excitement of four definitions of the writer, but the stats do show that people are coming to look, so that's something. Anyway, I'm hooked now and can't stop!

Reply
Richmond Gay Cruising link
19/5/2025 04:16:35 pm

I agree that writers deserve compensation for their hard work and dedication.

Reply



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    Editing
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    A Cupboard Full Of Coats
    African Writer
    Americanah
    Andrea `Levy
    Arts
    Beauty
    Beverley East
    Black Women
    Blossoms
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    Calabash Literary Festival
    Caribbean
    Cats
    Chimamanda Adichie
    Chris Abani
    Cocks Crowing
    Commonwealth Short Story Competition Winner 2016
    Creatures
    Crime
    Crowning Glory
    Cuts
    Darker Times Publishing
    Debbie Flint
    Debut Novel
    Dub Poet
    Editing
    Emma Darwin
    Exhibit B
    Features
    Flooded
    Freedom
    Gatekeepers
    Goldsmith's University
    Hair
    Heat Wave
    Hedgehog
    Historical Fiction
    Holding On
    I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings
    Jacob Ross
    Jamaica
    Joy Francis
    Kadija (George) Sesay
    Kendal Train Crash
    Kindle
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    Linton Kewesi `Johnson
    Literary Editor
    London
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    MA Black British Writing
    Maya Angelou
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    SABLE LitMag
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    Steve Pope
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    Sunrise Pic
    The Bump
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