tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058478111996476699.post5158657513476102905..comments2024-03-28T23:49:23.325-06:00Comments on Author Elana Johnson: The Worth of WritingElana Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877856005992028912noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058478111996476699.post-77735902257097657002009-07-30T22:05:09.891-06:002009-07-30T22:05:09.891-06:00I know I am probably going to repeat what everyone...I know I am probably going to repeat what everyone else has said but we all go through that "crazy" part. I feel as though I am going crazy almost every day doing exactly what you mentioned - writing, researching, ect.<br /><br />I almost had a panic attack the day I finally told everyone I had decided to start writing. I was worried about what people would think of my dream, how they would react when what I have written finally somehow gets out there, and what they would think of the writing in general.<br /><br />But a good friend of mine pointed out that our job as writers is to share what is on our hearts with everyone and then go from there - and what follows will just be icing on the cake;) <br /><br />(Course I still want to find an agent and publisher and get my writing published, but sometimes it helps to look at the entire process in a completely different way!)Jessica L. Brooks (coffeelvnmom)https://www.blogger.com/profile/17524862571932528710noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058478111996476699.post-41429602408484316302009-07-30T21:55:12.810-06:002009-07-30T21:55:12.810-06:00I think about it all the time.
I don't know if...I think about it all the time.<br />I don't know if I can explain further than to say "but it's my dream!" Holding a book with my name on the cover and on the spine makes it worth it!Sarah Wyliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13576639307836794270noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058478111996476699.post-54377264706837051892009-07-30T20:58:11.922-06:002009-07-30T20:58:11.922-06:00I've been thinking about doing a post on this ...I've been thinking about doing a post on this recently. Lol. I believe that writing is worth it, and that publishing is worth it, but not in the normal sense I guess you could say. I believe that writing is a journey, every story I write, edit, send out, and get a rejection on is part of that journey. In the journey, getting published isn't the destination, achieving the personal goals I set for myself aren't the destination, and as I see it now, there isn't a destination. I just want to enjoy the journey, that's all. If publishing is a part of that journey than I'll see it when the time comes. Other than that I'll just keep on walking...er writing. <br /><br />Word verification: lessne: seems to me that we all need to learn somethingRyan S. Kinsgrovehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11709819500632207934noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058478111996476699.post-56548086695785342032009-07-30T19:20:21.852-06:002009-07-30T19:20:21.852-06:00Is it worth it?
When I learn something new about ...Is it worth it?<br /><br />When I learn something new about myself, grow a little through my writing, that's when I know it's worth it. No one ever said learning and growing would be easy, writing's proof that it isn't.Eileen Astels Watsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11098531184044931737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058478111996476699.post-32240093313489917432009-07-30T18:14:39.292-06:002009-07-30T18:14:39.292-06:00Is it worth it?
Yes. Yes, a thousand times, yes! ...<em> Is it worth it?</em><br /><br />Yes. Yes, a thousand times, yes! Whether or not my words are in print, whether or not my name graces a spine, whether or not I earn the title "author"--yes, yes, a thousand times, YES. <br /><br />I have never found greater peace, joy, and soulful happiness than I do in the written word. Crafting it is only that much more beautiful than reading it. Should I touch one person with my words--it will be enough.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058478111996476699.post-74955277546904846202009-07-30T16:29:25.477-06:002009-07-30T16:29:25.477-06:00Sometimes when I'm writing I'll think &quo...Sometimes when I'm writing I'll think "Why am I spending my summer doing this? Is this worth it? When all the work is done, am I going to have anything to show for it?" <br /><br />Yes, it is worth it. Because I don't know what I'd do if I couldn't write. Writing is my passion. When I'm having a bad day, writing 1k makes it all better. Without writing, I'd go insane. (More insane than I already am, of course.)Rachaelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11918987890132222901noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058478111996476699.post-77659390402705688452009-07-30T15:54:41.800-06:002009-07-30T15:54:41.800-06:00Every moment of our lives are worth it even the ba...Every moment of our lives are worth it even the bad ones...because when you add all those moments together you get "You" and that is something to be proud of. Yes, we are crazy for trying to publish and make the big times as an author but to be an author you have to be crazy. Lets look at it, we never sleeep, we cut ourshelves off from the world and lock ourshelves in dimly lit rooms. Our only companion is the computer and we laugh hysterically, cry mournfully, smile proudly as our characters evolves "all of this done in a room alone". Plus I am sure we talk to ourshelves. "Hello." Yes to be a writer we are crazy.Sherry Dale Rogershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18183375798495124922noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058478111996476699.post-23317147137606081522009-07-30T15:42:21.946-06:002009-07-30T15:42:21.946-06:00Aww... *wipes the tears* Isn't my DH great??Aww... *wipes the tears* Isn't my DH great??Elana Johnsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05877856005992028912noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058478111996476699.post-47973374782013486962009-07-30T15:26:47.162-06:002009-07-30T15:26:47.162-06:00I think it's worth it because you love it. My...I think it's worth it because you love it. My wife is aspiring to be a writer right and it feels as if we have had a major set back this week. When I got married I knew I was marrying the most beautiful woman in the world, but I didn't realize how talented, thoughtful, and courageous she was. There are a lot of things she does that drive me nuts from time to time. This is not one of them; because, through this process I have learned things about her I could not have learned otherwise. I'm thankful for that. My heart ached today as I thought about the pain she must go through as rejections come, requests come, hope builds, and more rejections come. Yet, in the end you can only be joyful being what you are and what you should be. I pray that my wife finds joy in this someday.Adam Johnsonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058478111996476699.post-40958764537624500262009-07-30T14:43:51.659-06:002009-07-30T14:43:51.659-06:00I'm gonna answer this in two parts.
For me, ...I'm gonna answer this in two parts. <br /><br />For me, it's worth it. Even with the trials, good things have come out of this journey. <br /><br />I've learned tons. Not just about writing, but people, places, and things. :)<br /><br />I am more fulfilled. I've made great friends that "get me".<br /><br />Now, part two, Is it worth it for you to keep writing.<br /><br />YES!<br /><br />I've read much of your stuff, and hands down, you are still one of my favorite writers, published or not. You are talented beyond belief, and even though your books don't yet sit on my bookshelf, they will. I have faith in your work.<br />So please, do us all a favor and keep writing. It's worth it!Sarah Jensenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18385403676603047861noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058478111996476699.post-14143947946032271332009-07-30T13:19:45.479-06:002009-07-30T13:19:45.479-06:00Because I'm an artist and I have to create as ...Because I'm an artist and I have to create as surely as I have to breathe to live. <br /><br />And I don't always love it. Sometimes I'd rather stick a rusted fork in my eye than sit down with my WIP. But as a writer and slave to my muse I'm sure I'm not alone when I say I don't have a choice.Cole Gibsenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08384758019054580574noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058478111996476699.post-58360308159703069612009-07-30T13:14:47.304-06:002009-07-30T13:14:47.304-06:00This comment has been removed by the author.Cole Gibsenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08384758019054580574noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058478111996476699.post-30211002387866040282009-07-30T13:12:34.407-06:002009-07-30T13:12:34.407-06:00It's absolutely worth it. Just like Scott said...It's absolutely worth it. Just like Scott said: It's all about living vicariously. :-)Kathryn Hupp-Harrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03776391661543060879noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058478111996476699.post-55230043269905919202009-07-30T11:51:05.780-06:002009-07-30T11:51:05.780-06:00Where did you get the T-shirt? I want one!
And, ...Where did you get the T-shirt? I want one!<br /><br />And, yes, it's worth it :)Corey Schwartzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03883689227283545602noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058478111996476699.post-25609934969557917982009-07-30T11:31:22.163-06:002009-07-30T11:31:22.163-06:00It's worth it. I don't know anyone who wr...It's worth it. I don't know anyone who writes who doesn't think it's worth it, because anyone who writes actually loves doing it.<br /><br />It's more of an addictive thing, really. Even if it wasn't worth it, I would be writing anyway. So it's worth it. Does that even make sense?XiXihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05364953168828471897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058478111996476699.post-46870823294465242009-07-30T09:56:22.798-06:002009-07-30T09:56:22.798-06:00Interesting stuff here. See, sometimes I spend so ...Interesting stuff here. See, sometimes I spend so much time thinking about writing, writing, blogging, etc, that I lose sight of my real life. So that's when it's NOT worth it.<br /><br />But when I'm alone and it's late, and the moon is out, and the words are flowing...it's so worth it.<br /><br />Angie, the shirt is one of those crazy bunny ones. You totally need one. <br /><br />Sun Up, I so hear you on questioning whether anything is worth it during hard times. I've been there. *hugs*<br /><br />Aaron, dude, I'm so suing you. *wink* Great thoughts. I'm like you. Yes and no. Depends on the day. <br /><br />Suzanne, I've had times like that too. Like living is so hard. Writing can be that way too. <br /><br />Scott, I like your style. ;-)Elana Johnsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05877856005992028912noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058478111996476699.post-7025126063757313452009-07-30T09:48:34.739-06:002009-07-30T09:48:34.739-06:00SO worth it! I love to write and I want to see my ...SO worth it! I love to write and I want to see my books published someday and I won't give up until it happens. It's as simple as that.<br /><br />Oh and I have nothing else to do. Honestly I can't imagine what I'd do with my time if I wasn't writing. But I'd definitely be MORE crazy with out it.lisa and laurahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18144863275895761642noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058478111996476699.post-49019225654464427422009-07-30T09:31:24.811-06:002009-07-30T09:31:24.811-06:00I hear you Elana! Sometimes I feel crazy, hopeles...I hear you Elana! Sometimes I feel crazy, hopeless, helpless and silly! But even when I try to put a respectable time limit on writing and pursuing this crazy dream of becoming published, I find that I can't drag myself from the keyboard. It's not crazy if writing has that strong a hold. It's not hopeless if the stories keep coming. It's not helpless as long as you have great friends to read and crit, and it's only silly if you want it to be!!!Amanda Bonillahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05983960181205765184noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058478111996476699.post-23074435424203527962009-07-30T09:23:28.713-06:002009-07-30T09:23:28.713-06:00Everyone else has such nice long comments. All I h...Everyone else has such nice long comments. All I have to say is that I want a T-shirt like that, and YES, it's worth it!Angiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01445455787485222068noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058478111996476699.post-60821022303483240242009-07-30T09:09:29.545-06:002009-07-30T09:09:29.545-06:00At times I feel I am absolutley crazy to spend so ...At times I feel I am absolutley crazy to spend so much time and energy for a hobby, but then I am reminded that I enjoy writing. It is my escape, and I need it.Katie Salidashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15159923761047042193noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058478111996476699.post-83551500444093340442009-07-30T09:07:03.232-06:002009-07-30T09:07:03.232-06:00some days it's worth it
some days it's no...some days it's worth it<br /><br />some days it's not<br /><br />just like the other stuff.<br /><br />i think - in the end - the joy and purpose it gives me far outweigh the cost.<br /><br />but it is a good question to ask ourselves.Tesshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10014195715998913268noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058478111996476699.post-16403049291405321462009-07-30T09:00:04.551-06:002009-07-30T09:00:04.551-06:00This post encompasses so much of what I would have...This post encompasses so much of what I would have written on Nathan’s comments (no time).<br /><br />I'm not afraid of crazy. It's apathy, boredom and not doing what I need to be doing that I fear.<br /><br />Writing: it's worth it.<br /><br />Great points!<br />~ WendyWendy Paine Millerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15136235074351188350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058478111996476699.post-48489361631118888492009-07-30T08:55:46.171-06:002009-07-30T08:55:46.171-06:00I think I am crazy, but I also think that it is to...I think I am crazy, but I also think that it is totally worth it! I try my best to balance things that need to be done and time with my family, but my writing is all about me. Some people go to the spa to relax and vent. I get onto the computer and write. And write and write and write. <br /><br />While the adventure to getting published does make me feel like I'm going crazy, at the same time, the writing has kept me more sane than anything else!Windyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07684298115679477705noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058478111996476699.post-25559937181950055002009-07-30T08:53:24.715-06:002009-07-30T08:53:24.715-06:00The writing - worth it, hands down, no contest. I ...The writing - worth it, hands down, no contest. I love it, I've always done it, and I always will do it.<br /><br />The quest for publication, to be an actual published author - sometimes I don't know. <br /><br />It isn't the writing that brings me stress. It's the querying, the submissions, the constant and never-ending edits and revisions, striving to get the ms as perfect as I can get it. THAT is what drives me to the ledge and leaves me hanging.<br /><br />And sometimes I don't know if it IS worth it or not. I could write for myself, share my stories with my family (who generally love my first draft material and are happy with whatever I give them.<br /><br />But the bottom line is....being a published author is my dream. Since I was little, I've wanted to see my name on my very own book on the shelves of every bookstore I walk in to. <br /><br />So, it must be worth it right? How can pursuing your dream be anything but worth it? When it starts feeling like it's not...I'll take a step back...I'll quit querying for a month or I'll focus on a new project. I do whatever I need to do until the stress goes away and it starts to feel worth it again :)<br /><br />It'll happen someday. But not if I don't try. ;-DMichelle McLeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08730366330276974943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058478111996476699.post-13884554135947872802009-07-30T08:49:57.459-06:002009-07-30T08:49:57.459-06:00I'm going to buck the trend and say no, just b...I'm going to buck the trend and say no, just because our culture tends to stamp "worth" on everything with a dollar sign. <br /><br />I'm not doing this for the pay off. If you break down the $/hour well, it's a worse pay rate than coaching at a public school--and that's saying a lot. <br /><br />But in my head--clotted with cobwebs, sure--writing is worth it, if only for the sense of balance and joy of creation. <br /><br />Cheesy...yes. But true. So I contradicted myself. Sue me.Aaron Polsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15173267932358617304noreply@blogger.com