Blogging for Blogging's Sake, Rather Than for Money
I've noticed something about myself recently. As much as I'd love to make a sustaining income from blogging, it isn't really my primary motivation for writing.
As the title suggests, if I never made a plugged nickel from blogging, I wouldn't be terribly disappointed. Well, no, who do I think I'm kidding? I certainly would be disappointed. After all, everything I write is literary gold, is it not?
While I have a (probably unduly) high opinion of my writing skills, I'm also a realist. Granted, like many writers who actually enjoy the act of writing, I'm not quite right in the head. So, I guess that makes me an eccentric.
No, that's not right, either. "Eccentrics" are invariably well enough off financially to not give a damn what the rest of the world thinks of them. We working-class eccentrics are simply known by the non-writing masses as "screwballs."
But I digress.
Okay, what was I talking about? Oh, yeah. Since I'm now 60 years old and my body is slowly falling apart, working as a menial production worker won't be viable for too many more years.
So, it would be positively fabulous if I could make a living at writing. But, as I pointed out toward the beginning of this little screed, I'm not just a screwball, I'm also a realist.
The world is not fair. Never has been. Never will be. So, despite my (probably unduly) high opinion of my writing skills, there is no guarantee that the blog-reading public will beat a path to my landing page, demanding more, more, ever more of the same literary gold.
Words made of sunshine, which advertisers would pay through the nose for their banner ads to bask in their warm, conversion-driving glow.
Would be nice. I'll keep plugging away at that dream. But I won't hold my breath.
So, if my motivation to write isn't monetary in nature... Why do I write?
Simple. I like it. It keeps me sane.
Hmm, wait a sec...
Recent Comments
11
This is the best. I have similar feelings as far as the writing aspect of this whole thing goes. I mean I am glad to do keyword research and find the low hanging fruit but the passion that drives me is sometimes much grander than all of that. I am about to start a post for my website to celebrate my upcoming 45th birthday and to honor some pretty awesome things I have come to learn here in my middle age. Whether it ever draws any attention or not makes no difference to me lol.
I here ya, Charlotte!
Actually, I find the keyword research to be the most dreary aspect of this training. A necessary evil if we want to make money, I suppose. But I just wanna write!
A never ending font of pretty words to you!
I love this! i can't stress that enough. Reading your post just now had me feeling as if I was reading the introduction to a very good book and I actually want to read more.
Have you every thought of writing a novel?
Your way of writing, the humor behind the sarcasm as well as the realism would serve well in the writing community.
Besides, you love to write, right?
I think a lot of us writers feel the same as you do, insane... i may say. I know I often feel as if I fell off my rocker.
But then again, at 4'11, I'm standing quite tall. And do you really have to have money to be an eccentric? Maybe not.
Thanks for sharing this, you just put a smile on my face!
This is awesome.
Hi Jeanette!
I'm glad you liked it. From your lips to advertisers' ears, I say!
I gave novel writing a try about 25 years ago, give or take. But I gave up before I even finished a chapter. At the time, I didn't have the self-discipline to keep at it.
May have to take another crack at it someday!
Oh, and I'm 6'3", so the floor is a bit too far away for me to be falling off of anything. My knees would never forgive me.
Keep pluggin', kiddo!
Joe
Definitely give it try. Honestly, you rock and I've read some crap that's being published right now.
Or at least... Eventually you could publish your blog into a book. Just don't stop writing. You're way to good at it. 😊
I can totally relate. I make some money blogging, and sometimes it's a fair bit but not life changing yet. Still, as my bio states, there is therapy found in expression by the written word. It has helped me make leaps and bounds in my recovery from a nervous breakdown and dealing with Bipolar and Social Anxiety issues.
God bless the unsung writer looking for their break for we know not success but still keep plodding along.
Andy Zeus Anderson
Affiliate 3 Percent
Hi Andy,
I won't get into which particular screws are loose in my head, but I hear ya. Writing has definitely been cathartic for me. Now, to figure out the money angle!
Joe
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Well written, Joe and I'm sure many of us can relate!
I personally did not come here specifically for an income but rather to engage with like-minded people who appreciate the fine art of writing...blogging...reviewing...WAIT! What is it we do here, again?
I'm here to have fun :)
Yeah, that is one of the cooler aspects of WA. It's so hard to find like-minded people these days. And fun is fun, too!