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Better to write for yourself and have no public, than to write for the public and have no self.
- Cyril Connolly
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A couple of my close writing buddies have done very well for themselves writing Erotica. There's a huge market for it, and they've sold many short stories and novels. I really gave this a lot of thought as a way to break into the industry. I even tried my hand at writing an erotica short. My conclusion? Writing for a sale isn't really why I write. I write to share a story--usually a long, complex story with characters who have lost much and are about to lose more. Erotica just doesn't seem to fulfill my muse's quest.
I believe writers must write what inspires them--not just whatever is the hot seller right now. I've heard that advice from published authors again and again (well, that and "don't give up"). I think it's a very important thing to love what you write. Because if you love it, then chances are a lot of other people are going to love it, too.
So I'm going to stick to my guns and continue to kick out the kinds of novels that I'd love to read. It may be a longer, steeper, tougher road to travel, but when I reach my destination, I know I will have enjoyed every minute of the journey.
You're right, Laurie. I think it's impossible to write in genres in which you have no interest. But I had no interest in erotic romance until I read one story on critique circle that changed my mind. I thought - I could do that and I did! The sex is integral to my stories but the story and characters are all important. If I lost the sex - the story would stand. But it's not easy coming up with fresh ways to describe sex and some things I couldn't tackle - eg woman on woman - I tired and I just couldn't write it. It sounded terrible and I felt uncomfortable - probably why it sounded terrible - so I DO know where you are coming from here.
ReplyDeleteThe chances of success in the writing world are not high. Better to enjoy what you do and accept that it's a steep hill. Remember - you won't get to the top if you don't keep walking.
Sounds like you're on the right path.
ReplyDeleteBTW, I was stumbling and I found this and thought of you. I don't know if you've seen it or not, but I thought it was pretty cool!
www.wikisky.org
Thanks for your comments, Flick and Angela.
ReplyDeleteYes, I've learned not to fight my muse when it comes to the style and content of my work. When I fight it, every word is a struggle. When I go with my instincts, the words flow and I think the energy shows in the prose. A good analogy is the difference between swimming upstream compared to moving with the current.
Angela, thanks for that link. What a great site! I'm going to do a separate post to announce I'm adding it to my Sci Fi 101 side bar. :)
You're welcome!
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