For the Love of Writing

In a world where the educated populace worldwide is at an all time high, where fabulous incomes are reaped by successful authors, while the appeal of writing concepts and styles changes almost daily, it's easy to buy into standard definitions of "what works" in specific genres. I support knowing what works. I encourage every writer to develop a familiarity with their genre of choice. But, don't write for fame, money or to prove your worth. Write for the love of writing!

The best writing comes from the heart, not the brain. Although mental acuity shapes and refines our writing, the soul of every written work is engendered in the heart. So, don't write for the awards. If your writing is good awards will come, naturally. Don't write for acclaim. If your message is universal acclaim will arrive easily, on the wings the message you impart. Especially don't write to prove your worth, either as a person or an artist. That is a dangerous path to walk and one on which comparison becomes a yardstick for your value, a very vulnerable place to be. Instead, write from love, for love and to share love.

Writing from love requires you to know yourself. You must be honest about your motives and desires. To write authentically, you can't blame anyone else for your feelings or situation. You must value yourself with your failings, seeing them clearly and without condemnation. In short, you heart must be true for your writing to be true.

So, base your writing on love. When you do, others respond with joy, enthusiasm and loyalty, all-powerful characteristics of an expanding and supportive fan base.