Lifestyle

Yesterday I wrote about why I want to write a novel. One reason has always been the appeal of the writing lifestyle. I’ve always pictured the typical novelist living in a lovely home in a beautiful rustic location. He or she “works” in a room lined with books, by a window with an inspiring view of the lake/mountains/ocean. He or she has plenty of free time (and cash) for hobbies and travel. He or she lives a low-stress, independent, creatively fulfilling life. Who wouldn’t want that?

I’ve learned that success as a novelist is a lot harder than I originally imagined—even for those talented and lucky enough to be published. I honestly don’t expect fame or fortune. I don’t particularly want to be famous, although a little fortune would be nice. If I ever have a novel published, I expect to continue at my current full-time job while working on the next novel and promoting myself and my work. That would be very challenging, especially compared to my fantasy.

For me, writing is a hobby with the potential to be a career. I would love to make enough money to support myself with my writing. I know it’s unlikely, but the possibility does provide some motivation. In the meantime, I’ll enjoy the writing process and all the steps of my journey as a writer. My life is already pretty good, so I won’t mind if writing a novel doesn’t lead to an extreme life makeover.

It’s nice to have a hobby with the hope of a little success, and the dream of a fantasy lifestyle.

Wannabe

Many people feel that they have a novel in them, but relatively few actually write one. There is a gap between the desire to do something and the doing of it. I have the desire to do many extraordinary things—too many to ever expect to accomplish. Writing a novel is one of the few dreams I consider important enough to put time and effort into accomplishing. Choosing to invest time in writing a novel (and a blog) means passing up on other possibilities. It’s a decision that I must remake daily--not a casual undertaking.

Why do I want to write a novel? In my second post I mentioned two reasons: my love of books and the lure of the writing lifestyle as I have imagined it.

I fell in love with books as a child and reading has always been one of my favorite past-times. When I read a good book, I become completely engaged in the story. I feel like I know the characters; like I am living in the world created by the author. I have felt acute sadness finishing favorite books, realizing I could not continue to live in that world. These are the books I reread because I can never quite leave them behind. They stay with me.

I don’t mean to imply that I live in a fantasy world—I do have a firm grasp on reality despite wanting to be an author! I’m not writing a novel as a way to escape my real life. But the ability to create and share a fictional world is a wonderful gift. I want to have that ability, and I believe I have the potential to develop that ability. I have to try.

Tomorrow I will write about the myth of the writing lifestyle.