Do you have a healthy writer's ego?

[Novelist in Paradise]

From an online interview with TC Boyle (http://www.registerguard.com/news/2006/07/30/bk.boyle.0730.p1.php?section=oregonlife)


Question: Would you say you have a healthy ego?
Answer: I think you have to in order to produce art. Maybe I'm a little more vocal about it, but every writer's ego is just as big or bigger. You're always uncertain, and you're always putting yourself out on the line. ... Just the act of declaring yourself an artist of any kind is a monumental act of the ego. And of course you're always asking for attention. You need attention. You need an audience, you need to communicate to somebody.

*****

What say you about your ego? Me, about mine: I always knew I was going to be a writer, and after trying to avoid that fate, I've surrendered myself to the fact that I'm most happy when unhappily writing.

To be honest, I would much rather be a world class mathematician (I'm not joking).

.

[KTC]

bullstuff. I don't have an ego and I'm the greatest living artist I know.

Just kidding.

I don't think though, that you have to have a high ego to declare yourself an artist. I think you have to have a passion for seeing beauty. Period. This makes you strive to create beauty.

[Cassiopeia]

I have always kept my writing hidden. For many years I abandoned it. I call that my dark age. I was into be a successful business person, President, Ceo...if there was a title I was glad to work at it and own it.

I allowed myself to start writing again after I sold my half of my company, divorced my husband and started traveling abroad and playing with my three kids that had to come to work with me only to be ignored most of the time.

The only ego I have is attached to those accomplishments and as the years pass that fades too.

I think I must agree with KTC, to be a writer you have to see beauty. I will add to say that you need to be able to see pain and suffering as well and learn that within all of life's experiences there is something to be spoken, written of and to be shared.

~Casi~

[KTC]

I would lump pain and suffering in with beauty. All things distill to create beauty. There is beauty in suffering and tears. Real beauty.

[bubblegirl]

I always loved reading and had a talent for English essays and fiction writing. Then I considered it a side issue while going to university etc. When I got sick and housebound, writing became my primary interest. No longer was I considering writing as a long-term goal, to be achieved slowly over the next fifty years. Life is now about writing and getting out there all I can (figuratively speaking!). Hearing from people I inspire is the best payment of all. I've heard from people as far as the Netherlands!

I have achieved many things for a chick who never leaves her bubble and I am proud of myself for that. Yet, I remain humble because I still do all my own cleaning, accept rejections as deserved and still get bullied by my cat. lol

Feedback shapes my opinion of myself. My "fans" say that I "rock," so I am happy with my image and what I am achieving. Past that, I would never compare myself to the literary masters. (I'm only 25 and have a LOOOONNNGG way to go before I match half of Stephen King, V. C. Andrews or Wilkie Collins. )

Several agents and publishers have congratulated me on a good attitude towards my disability, with sound writing skills, and for that I am truly proud. I've said before that I rather have people think good of me and say "she can write half-decent," than be thought a great writer with the manner of a buffalo. However, being congratulated for both writing and attitude would be ultimate :)

[Cassiopeia]

I would lump pain and suffering in with beauty. All things distill to create beauty. There is beauty in suffering and tears. Real beauty.thank you for stating that so well.

[Mark Lazer]

I think I have to agree. For me, I don't care about money and fame really, it's getting the stories out, and "enlighten" people with them. So, yes, I guess I crave attention...

[Cassiopeia]

I think I have to agree. For me, I don't care about money and fame really, it's getting the stories out, and "enlighten" people with them. So, yes, I guess I crave attention...Or...do you just want to make a difference?

[Jamesaritchie]

I certainly have a healthy ego, I think such is necessary, but at the same time, I try to take a more intellectual approach to anything new, including writing.

I've always had the attitude that whatever anyone else can do, I can at least try. And if I study how the experts do it, and have done it over the decades and centuries, and apply myself, I stand a good chance of doing it successfully.

Sometimes I succeed in new areas, sometimes I fail, but I always try.

[NeuroFizz]

There is a fine line between confidence and arrogance, and ego straddles that line. One can have extreme confidence, without arrogance, and still have a healthy ego. On the other hand, an arrogant person is almost always viewed as having a huge ego (considered a negative thing). Confidence comes from experience and from accomplishment, and pride of experience and accomplishment is not necessarily arrogance, but it does produce that healthy ego.

The best confidence boost is to work really hard at something, and see it through to fruition. How one handles that success defines which side of the line one sets up his/her ego.

[Novelist in Paradise]

There is a fine line between confidence and arrogance, and ego straddles that line. One can have extreme confidence, without arrogance, and still have a healthy ego. .

Important distinction, thanks for making it.

[SC Harrison]

My ego and my humility have been locked in a struggle to the death for as long as I can remember, and I'm not going to do anything to upset the status quo.

[UrsulaV]

The best description I've heard of the "standard" artistic (and I'll lump writers in with that) ego is "a towering island of arrogance in the middle of a vast sea of insecurity."

You almost gotta think well of yourself to create anything--you have to believe that what you'll create is worth doing!--but now and again a wave of insecurity comes along and swamps the island and you find yourself going "Oh, god, this is the worst tripe ever produced by mortal hands! Who am I fooling?!"

Then eventually the waters recede and you get back to work.


Whether this counts as "healthy" I've got no idea, but it seems to work, which is the important thing.

[Can't Catch A Break]

The best description I've heard of the "standard" artistic (and I'll lump writers in with that) ego is "a towering island of arrogance in the middle of a vast sea of insecurity."

You almost gotta think well of yourself to create anything--you have to believe that what you'll create is worth doing!--but now and again a wave of insecurity comes along and swamps the island and you find yourself going "Oh, god, this is the worst tripe ever produced by mortal hands! Who am I fooling?!"

Then eventually the waters recede and you get back to work.


Whether this counts as "healthy" I've got no idea, but it seems to work, which is the important thing.

That's where I am. My writing gives me ego gratification but then I get slapped down to reality when I read another author's command of language.

[L M Ashton]

Nope, no huge ego here. Mostly a bundle of insecurity. If it weren't for that teacher in high school and the university professors who told me I had talent and whatnot, I probably wouldn't believe that I had a hope in Hades of writing well enough to get published.

[bubblegirl]

Neuro said: The best confidence boost is to work really hard at something, and see it through to fruition. How one handles that success defines which side of the line one sets up his/her ego.

I agree with that. Well said!

[Manxom Vroom]

I think the key to having a healthy ego is to have a healthy sense of self-esteem, which I suspect a great many writers lack (god knows I do). The arrogance / raging ego is an attempt to overcompensate for the lack of self-esteem, I think.

[Jamesaritchie]

There is a fine line between confidence and arrogance, and ego straddles that line. One can have extreme confidence, without arrogance, and still have a healthy ego. On the other hand, an arrogant person is almost always viewed as having a huge ego (considered a negative thing). Confidence comes from experience and from accomplishment, and pride of experience and accomplishment is not necessarily arrogance, but it does produce that healthy ego.

The best confidence boost is to work really hard at something, and see it through to fruition. How one handles that success defines which side of the line one sets up his/her ego.

Goods post. I'd only add that it's also equally important to be able to handle failure without falling apart and becoming afraid to try something else.

A person who doesn't fail is a person who hasn't tried enough things or taken enough chances. You need to be able to say, "Well, that didn't work. What can I try next?"

[MidnightMuse]

I wanted to develope an Ego, but my Id killed it before it got big enough.

[ChaosTitan]

Nope, no huge ego here. Mostly a bundle of insecurity. If it weren't for that teacher in high school and the university professors who told me I had talent and whatnot, I probably wouldn't believe that I had a hope in Hades of writing well enough to get published.

You took the words right off my keyboard, quid. My ego is hiding until publication day.

Whenever that might be....

[RG570]

I'm ego deficient when it comes to writing. I frequently think back to everything I've written and become truly embarrassed about it. Until someone tells me otherwise (read: buys a story from me), I don't see how this will change.

[nevada]

Of course we have an ego. We expect, no, we absolutely positively know, that people will want to read our stuff. That their life will not be the same once they read it. That not only will they plunk down $30 bucks to read our book, but they'll be happy doing it and they'll come back to do it for the next one.

Oh we have an ego.

[maestrowork]

I definitely have an ego, but it's tamer now. I can take criticism much better -- partly because I know better about my ability and the confidence, ironically, reduces my ego. Go figure. I guess in a way I don't feel as desperately to prove myself as I did before. Or that I am the best writer in the world -- oh please, I am not. But I also know I am pretty darn good, so that tames my ego.

Ego is not my problem. Jealousy is. I am insanely jealousy/envious of writers with enormous talent and success! Worse, writers with no talent but success. Argh, injustice!

:)

[Papa'sLiver]

I think every act of creation in art takes a fair amount of ego. I know people that want to paint or write, and they never do because they just can't believe in themselves. Their ego is just too small. You have to have SOME ego, and I sorta feel the more you have (to a point, certainly) the better off you'll be. It lends you confidence to continue on, or even just to get you started on the road.

[byElizabeth]

I just try not to sound self-centered about it...writing is an art, so yes, we're artists. Other people expect it's some glamours lifestyle filled with emotion, inspiration, and perfect writing schedules...we know better. I like to downplay it a little b/c I hate appearing egocentric. Deep down inside though...I'm pretty proud of where I am at right now and can't wait to have a published novel out on those shelves!

[Jamesaritchie]

Of course we have an ego. We expect, no, we absolutely positively know, that people will want to read our stuff. That their life will not be the same once they read it. That not only will they plunk down $30 bucks to read our book, but they'll be happy doing it and they'll come back to do it for the next one.

Oh we have an ego.

It's funny, but I never expected anyone to like my writing, or for anyone to buy it. I didn't expect them not to, either. It simply wasn't part ofthe equation either way. For me, writing was simply something that sounded interesting and worth trying. I approached it like any other job. My attitude was, Maybe I can make some money at this, and maybe I can't, but I won't know until I try.

But I never expected or counted on anything. I still don't. That's not my department.

[IrishScribbler]

What say you about your ego? Me, about mine: I always knew I was going to be a writer, and after trying to avoid that fate, I've surrendered myself to the fact that I'm most happy when unhappily writing.


I would say my ego is healthy. I'm claiming myself as a writer these days, so that's a step in the right direction, I think, and a rather large step for me...my lower middle-class family has been supportive of my "hobby" as a writer, but I think when they realized I saw it as a calling more than something "for fun," their support dwindled. They're glad I'm working full time.

My fiance, thankfully, has been incredibly supportive. (He keeps telling me to quit my job and write full time so I can sell my book.) Without him, I don't think I'd have the guts to call myself a writer.

So if I get too big-headed, blame him.

[Cassiopeia]

I just try not to sound self-centered about it...writing is an art, so yes, we're artists. Other people expect it's some glamours lifestyle filled with emotion, inspiration, and perfect writing schedules...we know better. I like to downplay it a little b/c I hate appearing egocentric. Deep down inside though...I'm pretty proud of where I am at right now and can't wait to have a published novel out on those shelves!Isn't it amazing the stereo types we all have been cast in? It seems the opinions of writers can be so polarized from the glamorous, successful writer to the unstable excentric who can't get a page written without coffee and cigarettes.

The first thing people asked when I used to say I was a writer was, "Oh what books have you published?" And because of that I stopped telling people what I do. I guess my pride didn't like explaining that while I am a writer, I haven't been published. At least not in the way they would recognize. If I told them I was published 20 years ago in a High School literary club for the year's Creative Writing publication they would just smile and say, "oh how nice." Or the charitable contributions I made years ago would be noted as, "well that is kind of you but do you think you are good enough to get published?"

I tend to tip toe around the question of whether or not I have an ego let alone a healthy one. More times than not I am told I am arrogant when I display any confidence about anything.

~end rant~

[Novelist in Paradise]

My ego and my humility have been locked in a struggle to the death for as long as I can remember, and I'm not going to do anything to upset the status quo.

I have a personal antipathy for "lol" so I'll just say I laughed out loud.

[Shadow_Ferret]

I have a very small, very fragile ego. And the smallest rejection or insult can shatter it.

[DeborahM]

There is a fine line between confidence and arrogance, and ego straddles that line. One can have extreme confidence, without arrogance, and still have a healthy ego. On the other hand, an arrogant person is almost always viewed as having a huge ego (considered a negative thing). Confidence comes from experience and from accomplishment, and pride of experience and accomplishment is not necessarily arrogance, but it does produce that healthy ego.

The best confidence boost is to work really hard at something, and see it through to fruition. How one handles that success defines which side of the line one sets up his/her ego.

Good explaination!!

I wanted to develope an Ego, but my Id killed it before it got big enough.

Wish I'd said that! :D

[aruna]

There's no such thing as a healthy ego. It's either whining because it doesn't people don't recognise how brilliant it is, or worrying it's not good enough, or complaining about lack of sales, or jealous of some authors with more success or or or.... you get it. Good writing comes in the gap when the ego stops throwing whatever tantrum it's in, up, down, or whatever. In the space between two thoughts.

[byElizabeth]

Isn't it amazing the stereo types we all have been cast in? It seems the opinions of writers can be so polarized from the glamorous, successful writer to the unstable excentric who can't get a page written without coffee and cigarettes.

The first thing people asked when I used to say I was a writer was, "Oh what books have you published?" And because of that I stopped telling people what I do. I guess my pride didn't like explaining that while I am a writer, I haven't been published. At least not in the way they would recognize. If I told them I was published 20 years ago in a High School literary club for the year's Creative Writing publication they would just smile and say, "oh how nice." Or the charitable contributions I made years ago would be noted as, "well that is kind of you but do you think you are good enough to get published?"

I tend to tip toe around the question of whether or not I have an ego let alone a healthy one. More times than not I am told I am arrogant when I display any confidence about anything.

~end rant~

You're so right...I just got myself caught in that this week on an airplane. A woman asked me what I did and without thinking before I spoke (should've listened to my mother) I said, "Oh, I'm a writer." The woman was so impressed...until I quickly added..."but not really published yet...but I'm working on it." Then she asked me more and more while I'm wondering if the lavatory is open so I can sneak away. I then was pushed into admitting that I had a small book of poetry published at the age of 15...I also ahd a photography article published last year, which I'm not ashamed of but it has nothing to do with fiction... Oh well...somehow the poor woman and the cocky-pilot who was sitting next to her were still impressed...hehehehe So unintentional though!

[maestrowork]

I have a very small, very fragile ego. And the smallest rejection or insult can shatter it.

That's just silly.

<waiting for sound of shatters>

[Shadow_Ferret]

:cry:

*curls up into a fetal position and sucks his thumb*

[ChaosTitan]

:cry:

*curls up into a fetal position and sucks his thumb*

It'll be okay, Shadow. Here, have a cookie.

[scribbler1382]

I've always thought writers, by nature, all had huge egos. I mean, if you presume that anyone wants to hear what you have to say, that's pretty vain. Juxtaposed to this, most writers I've met have tiny "in-person" egos. When asked to sign things, they seem more embarrassed than flattered (I'm in this group, myself.). Of course, I've also met Harlan Ellison, so there are special cases. :)

[RedMolly]

I don't know how much of a writerly ego I have... it's more like I figured out at an early age (8 or so) that writing's the only thing I'm any good at doing, so I better do it.

It's embarrassing, though, to be cornered by people who want to know all about being a writer. They seem to think there's some sort of money/fame/public adulation associated with it somehow. Nope... lots of snarling at my computer and wasting time on the Internet, though. Also lots of complete failure to engage in conversations 'cause I'm thinking through a sticky plot point instead.

(I'm a full-time freelance writer/editor, so I've published nonfiction but never even tried to publish any fiction yet.)

[Cassiopeia]

You're so right...I just got myself caught in that this week on an airplane. A woman asked me what I did and without thinking before I spoke (should've listened to my mother) I said, "Oh, I'm a writer." The woman was so impressed...until I quickly added..."but not really published yet...but I'm working on it." Then she asked me more and more while I'm wondering if the lavatory is open so I can sneak away. I then was pushed into admitting that I had a small book of poetry published at the age of 15...I also ahd a photography article published last year, which I'm not ashamed of but it has nothing to do with fiction... Oh well...somehow the poor woman and the cocky-pilot who was sitting next to her were still impressed...hehehehe So unintentional though!I used to write on the long flights between Miami and Cape Town, South Africa. I had nothing else to do for 14 hours as I don't sleep much. And it was real hell considering the fact that it was just the third leg of a long 24 hour journey. This one time, I was really getting into my story and this man sitting next to me was leaning over slightly trying not to be obvious but was reading what I was writing. I looked up at him, and actually I was quite annoyed but I am a polite person so I just smiled. He took this as an opportunity to ask me some questions. *dang it, I should never have smiled*
"What are you writing?" He asks.
"A novel." I reply.
"What kind of novel?" He asks.
"A murder mystery." I reply.
"Have you any books that have been published?" He asks.
"No." I reply.
*now I am getting really annoyed because I was anticipating the usual next question of, do you think you are any good but he suprises me.
"Is it a true story?" He asks.
"Not until they find my ex-husband's dead body." I reply.
His eyes open wide obviously not catching my humor, must have been hidden behind my obvious impatience with him interupting me.
"Your not a very nice person are you? He asks.
I just laughed and he looked out the window and left me alone for the rest of the flight.

[Jamesaritchie]

I used to write on the long flights between Miami and Cape Town, South Africa. I had nothing else to do for 14 hours as I don't sleep much. And it was real hell considering the fact that it was just the third leg of a long 24 hour journey. This one time, I was really getting into my story and this man sitting next to me was leaning over slightly trying not to be obvious but was reading what I was writing. I looked up at him, and actually I was quite annoyed but I am a polite person so I just smiled. He took this as an opportunity to ask me some questions. *dang it, I should never have smiled*
"What are you writing?" He asks.
"A novel." I reply.
"What kind of novel?" He asks.
"A murder mystery." I reply.
"Have you any books that have been published?" He asks.
"No." I reply.
*now I am getting really annoyed because I was anticipating the usual next question of, do you think you are any good but he suprises me.
"Is it a true story?" He asks.
"Not until they find my ex-husband's dead body." I reply.
His eyes open wide obviously not catching my humor, must have been hidden behind my obvious impatience with him interupting me.
"Your not a very nice person are you? He asks.
I just laughed and he looked out the window and left me alone for the rest of the flight.

Now that's funny.

[Shadow_Ferret]

I've always thought writers, by nature, all had huge egos. I mean, if you presume that anyone wants to hear what you have to say, that's pretty vain. Juxtaposed to this, most writers I've met have tiny "in-person" egos. When asked to sign things, they seem more embarrassed than flattered (I'm in this group, myself.). Of course, I've also met Harlan Ellison, so there are special cases. :)
Well, we are all individuals, so to say we all have huge egos is a generalization. I don't presume that anyone wants to read my writing, I hope they might. I hope that it's good enough to entertain, but I don't presume that they should nor do I even expect them to want to read it. To be honest, I'm downright surprised when people speak well of something I wrote.

In fact, most rejections I take as par for the course. I am not surprised at rejection, I expect it. It's when I get accepted and published that I'm stunned. Oddly enough, it's when I'm accepted that I crawl into a shell and stop writing fearing that I can't duplicate the success of that piece.

Probably explains why I'm not very successful overall in my writing career.

[L M Ashton]

Okay, Casiopea, I love your story. Love love love love love it. :D I'll have to remember that if I'm ever in a similar situation. Of course, mine'll have to be murder by transporter malfunction or plasma gun, but still... :)

[danielmc]

Until i'm paid for my writing, I won't consider myself a writer.
Hence, I have no ego ;-)

Or it could be that I have a small, quiet, writers ego. I must have. I shaped and completely overhauled my life in order to do this (lonely, solitary) thing of getting home after a 12 hour day and chaining myself in front of a screen for 2 to 3 hours just so I can write something I think people would want to read. There has to be some kind of ego wrapped in all that.

I don't think I've ever had a "oh I can do better than this," moment when reading a novel, nor have I ever been jealous of anybody's success. After following this path for the best part of 2 years, my respect for those who are published, no matter what they publish, just grows and grows. The more new writers I see on the shelf, the more old writers with new books I see on the shelf, really does make me smile. And this from a man who, 7 years ago, read The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail, outlined a story about the descendent of Jesus living in France and whom some bad guys would really like not to live and all that malarkey. Jealousy is not a positive thing!

[Siddow]

I saw Dustin Hoffman on "Inside the Actor's Studio" a while back, and although he spoke about acting, most of what he said applied to artists of all kinds, especially writers. There was this one thing he said that really hit me, I can't remember what actor it was about, but when asked why he performed, his answer was: "Lookatme, lookatme, lookatme, lookatme..."

I know I have lookatme syndrome, I always have. I'm an attention whore. That takes a pretty big ego. Odd thing is, my ego doesn't demand that I be admired. Just noticed. Lookatme.

[Cassiopeia]

Okay, Casiopea, I love your story. Love love love love love it. :D I'll have to remember that if I'm ever in a similar situation. Of course, mine'll have to be murder by transporter malfunction or plasma gun, but still... :)In all these years since that incident I have never come across anyone who didn't get that I was joking. But then maybe, just maybe, the reason for that was, I was REALLY annoyed with the guy for looking over my shoulder. So try to act as annoyed or menacing as possible. :D

[aruna]

I know I have lookatme syndrome, I always have. I'm an attention whore. That takes a pretty big ego. Odd thing is, my ego doesn't demand that I be admired. Just noticed. Lookatme.

There's truth in this, but if you loo a bit deeper, I believe that behind that is only the deep desire to be respected. And I think that's the fundamental and true need - the ego wants to be puffed up by being admired, but if true respect is there the result is actually humility.

Two years ago I went back to my home country, Guyana, where I'd been invited to launch my books. It was a bog event; the country has few writers, so I was hypes a lot and all the cultural leaders wree there. Now, I am very shy and hate public speaking, so I was dreading it. But then people spoke about me, praised me, praised my books. My former English teacher, who is now retired and used to be Headmistress of my school, showered me with praise and spoke of my writing talent even "back then" (even though I was very naughty!)

What I felt was not puffed-up ego at that moment, but deep gratitude and a sense of - I don't know, I can only decribe it as commitment, a feeling of having to live up to all this praise in future, not to take it for myself but that I was writing for all of us as well. It was a good feeling, as opposed to the "lookatme" syndrome which I think sooner or later is headed for a fall.

I once read an interview with Salman Rushdie I never forgot. he was talking about a friend of his who was a performer and who got to go on stage before thousands of people, the spotlight on him. Salman Rushide said he envied that and that is what every single
author wants. I wanted to shout out: not me, not me! I would HATE to be on stage!

[Shadow_Ferret]

I think there's a vast difference between actors and writers. Actors WANT to be onstage, NEED to be the center of attention. Writers, most often, hide behind their words. Yes, many of us want recognition, but it's not recognition for ourselves, its for our babies. We want people to read our stories and be moved, to feel some emotion.

I didn't become a writer for the limelight, or for name recognition. I simply like to tell stories and I hope that others might find my stories interesting or entertaining.

When asked who my favorite authors are I always say Edgar Rice Burroughs and Robert E. Howard. NOT because they are household names (which they probably aren't outside of writing circles) but because they created CHARACTERS that became larger than themselves.

I don't want to be famous, I don't want to be a household name, but I'd love to have one of my characters become part of the culture, become the next Tarzan or Conan.

Is that ego? Or am I just proud of my babies?

[bsolah]

I think what the question means is that you have to be confident in your writing to produce good stuff. At the moment, I'm not feeling particularly world-class, and so, I think my writing is suffering.

[LightShadow]

do I have an ego? Or pure determination? Perhaps the two feed off of each other.

[Siddow]

I think there's a vast difference between actors and writers.

I disagree. Perhaps we have different methods, but when I write, I AM in character. I have trouble stepping back and seperating myself from the characters in my novels.

Maybe I'm schizophrenic.

If I write a novel with only one POV character, I step into that head while I write. Four POVs? I'm all of them. Not me, as I am in life, but me, as I put on their clothes and step into their world. I become them. They become me. I can't write thinking, "I'm going to tell a story about so-and-so and what happened to them." Full immersion, I think, would be a good way to describe my method. Good actors do the same thing. They become the character.

I find it hard to believe that anyone who seeks publication ("Look at this! Love it! Pay me!") doesn't do it for recognition, pat on the back, attaboy, ego. For yourself, or your characters, doesn't really matter. I'm a proud parent, and it's sorta the same thing. When someone praises one of my kids, I puff up...I made that, I nurtured and shaped that person.

You love my character Annabelle? (Puff) I made that.

[bsolah]

Call it Method Writing maybe?

[CaroGirl]

I don't think I could afford an ego. And even if I could, I don't know how to go about purchasing one.

[Jamesaritchie]

I find it hard to believe that anyone who seeks publication ("Look at this! Love it! Pay me!") doesn't do it for recognition, pat on the back, attaboy, ego. For yourself, or your characters, doesn't really matter. .

Some do write for recognition. I don't, however, believe they're usually the most successful bunch of writers. And even many who think they'll love recognition get tired of it in about three and a half minutes.

[Shadow_Ferret]

I disagree. Perhaps we have different methods, but when I write, I AM in character. I have trouble stepping back and seperating myself from the characters in my novels.

Maybe I'm schizophrenic.

If I write a novel with only one POV character, I step into that head while I write. Four POVs? I'm all of them. Not me, as I am in life, but me, as I put on their clothes and step into their world. I become them. They become me. I can't write thinking, "I'm going to tell a story about so-and-so and what happened to them." Full immersion, I think, would be a good way to describe my method. Good actors do the same thing. They become the character.



The difference (and my point) is writers do it in seclusion, in their home, they don't do it in on stage in front of audiences like actors do.

I find it hard to believe that anyone who seeks publication ("Look at this! Love it! Pay me!") doesn't do it for recognition, pat on the back, attaboy, ego. For yourself, or your characters, doesn't really matter. I'm a proud parent, and it's sorta the same thing. When someone praises one of my kids, I puff up...I made that, I nurtured and shaped that person.

I think the difference does matter. Praising the character is not the same as direct praise of self. People loving Tarzan is not the same as people loving Edgar Rice Burroughs. Many people don't even know who he is but they know the character.

And when someone praises my son they are praising my son. It would never occur to me that they were praising me somehow.

[aruna]

I guess the determining question is: if you could get published, get read, become a bestselling author, get the money for it, but do it utterly anonymously, ie nobody in the world knew it was you, would you still write? My answer is absolutely yes.

[Bufty]

I think there is a big difference between actors and writers. One performs constantly in the limelight and under the eyes of others, and most actors eventually crave constant adulation and ego massaging.

Writing is a solitary occupation, and while recognition is welcome, I doubt most writers seek ego-polishing through recognition. It's self-confidence that perhaps needs sustenance through recognition.

[Siddow]

I guess the determining question is: if you could get published, get read, become a bestselling author, get the money for it, but do it utterly anonymously, ie nobody in the world knew it was you, would you still write? My answer is absolutely yes.

Good answer.

And ironic, coming from someone who has her photo posted, and a link to her books in her signature. (Gotcha!)

[Shadow_Ferret]

I guess the determining question is: if you could get published, get read, become a bestselling author, get the money for it, but do it utterly anonymously, ie nobody in the world knew it was you, would you still write? My answer is absolutely yes.

Yes. In fact, I'm thinking of using a psuedonym just for that very reason.

[aruna]

Good answer.

And ironic, coming from someone who has her photo posted, and a link to her books in her signature. (Gotcha!)

But is that for recognition? Is it to be acclaimed as a writer? No. When I first started posting on message boards I never told anyone I was an author. I had a nickname and I guareded my identity like a state treasure. That was on amazon's message board. I was almost paranoid about it. Then one day I told a message board friend; I had been corresponding withher for a long time and trusted her to keep the secret. I didn't know that this "friend" had a split personality or something sinister like that. She instigated the worst flame war I've ever seen, in the midst of which she "outed" me. It was horrible!

But then I realised that my paranoia about being "known" as a writer was unhealthy and I decided after that to go public. I have the opposite problem - I hide from people, so putting my photo up and linking to books is really a sort of therapy. I DO want (need!) to sell books, and I need to learn some marketing skills, which means coming out of my turtle shell.

[Nateskate]

If anything I'm too stubborn to give in to my low self-esteem. If I had instant success it probably would have gone to my head. If someone asks what I do, I feel good saying, "I write for..."

All they have to do is follow up with question B- "How much do you make?" and my bubble's burst.

Now, I imagine if my book becomes a big seller, for a time I'll be that kid wanting mom to put the picture on the fridge. But honestly, at best I think I'd just be glad to feel I didn't waste so much time on the book. I'd have to make ALOT of money to recoup the actual hours I spent working on it.

[Cassiopeia]

But is that for recognition? Is it to be acclaimed as a writer? No. When I first started posting on message boards I never told anyone I was an author. I had a nickname and I guareded my identity like a state treasure. That was on amazon's message board. I was almost paranoid about it. Then one day I told a message board friend; I had been corresponding withher for a long time and trusted her to keep the secret. I didn't know that this "friend" had a split personality or something sinister like that. She instigated the worst flame war I've ever seen, in the midst of which she "outed" me. It was horrible!

But then I realised that my paranoia about being "known" as a writer was unhealthy and I decided after that to go public. I have the opposite problem - I hide from people, so putting my photo up and linking to books is really a sort of therapy. I DO want (need!) to sell books, and I need to learn some marketing skills, which means coming out of my turtle shell.Well, I think it's great. Congratulations on being published THREE times. I hope your sales are doing well. I hope one day to have a book published and while I love to write, I hope that it will be a viable source of income so I can be paid for what I love doing most. If however, that never happens, I will keep on writing. :)

[laurel29]

I don't think I have much of an ego. I write because I love to tell stories, not because I want people to look at me. I'm shy and I hate being the center of attention. I'd hate to be an actor, though I think acting is fun. I prefer to sit in the corner watching other people attract attention. People watching is so much fun :). I like the idea that even if I eventually become a published author, most people will have no idea who I am. I want them to recognize my name enough to buy a book but not know me :) That would be perfect.

[Mayor of Moronia]

I'm a realist. Most writing is like an abundance of kittens. Maybe your mom and sister will buy one, but you generally offer them for free and beg people to take them.

But if you do write something thats excellent the world will generally break your door down to get a copy. Or steal it and swear youre not the author.

[Cassiopeia]

Wow..such..erm...negativity :D

[bsolah]

I don't think readers would break my door down to get a copy. I'd kindly open it wide, for them to come in and read at their leisure :D

[aruna]

I prefer to sit in the corner watching other people attract attention. People watching is so much fun :). I like the idea that even if I eventually become a published author, most people will have no idea who I am. I want them to recognize my name enough to buy a book but not know me :) That would be perfect.

I think that's it: writers like to be observers, rather than participants. We like to watch, record, understand how people function, and translate that into stories. At least, that's the way I am. I too prefer to observe than be observed. Being the centre of attention embarasses me!

[Mayor of Moronia]

aruna

I beg to disagree. All the great writers I know of are or were gregarious participants in life. I have a ton of anecdotes derived from my interactions with people...like the woman who removed a guy's artificial leg during a brawl and beat him with it (true story). I was in the middle of the brawl, too.

The Rod McKuen introspective stuff was popular in 1969, but quickly evaporated. No one is interested in what an old bachelor (with a cat), who lives with his mom, has to say about his inner world. The reader wants to know what your character does about similar life problems and experiences.

[Mayor of Moronia]

bsolah

Write something excellent and they will break your door down! Guaranteed.

[aruna]

aruna


The Rod McKuen introspective stuff was popular in 1969, but quickly evaporated. No one is interested in what an old bachelor (with a cat), who lives with his mom, has to say about his inner world. The reader wants to know what your character does about similar life problems and experiences.

Perhaps the words "not participating" were wrongly chosen.
Being an observer doesn't mean you have a boring, withdrawn life! Quite the opposite! My own adventures could fill several autobiographies - and yet I am quiet, not drawing attention to myself but enjoying the show. It's a strange mixture, I guess. But I believe to be a good writer you must be an observer. You must love people and want to go out among them, trying to understand a wide variety of them. You must be able to distance yourself from life's goings on enough to see the grand picture and record it, translate it into fictional characters.
I personally don't know any great writers. But all the writers I know are busy looking at life, looking at what goes on around them, and trying to get a grasp on it. Just look at this forum for proof!:)