I just finished writing some of the best writing I've ever done. Oh, it ain't this column. Not even close. Sorry. And I have no idea what venue to push it into. It's not just that, already, so many people write and distribute their writing for free, it's that-- as always-- being a writer is not the same as finding readers. I have energy to write or to do paying work, I lack the inherent gumption to actually force my writing on the wider world.

In short, I am a hobby writer. Sad but true. Being a part-time writing is like being a part-time hooker. You don't get much money and you lose even the respect of those thinking "at least it's a living". I am not besmirching those who deliver saleable prose regularly and earn their livelihood, for they are saints. Nor do I decry those who hone out a lone piece or two that stands the test of the ages, for they are artists.

No, I'm mostly disparging the myth that good writing will somehow yield fame, fortune, recognition, and sexual favors from random writing groupies. Oh, such an unjust world that my part-time efforts do not reward me with instant benefits via internet media magic!

The best RPG work I've done has sold perhaps 2,000 copies. Then they stopped printing it, because, hey, a 2K run earned back their money! My technical writing on satellites has done well, about 200 copies/month sell over the past four years. Or, put negatively, I only sell a mere 200 copies/month. What an unfair system! I should rage, rage against the world that dares to not call me a writing hero!

Look at the bleak economic equity! Why, the time I spend writing is, well, okay, it's maybe 3/365th the time I spend on my primary career. But surely my few magic efforts should yield... hmmm.. 3/365th the revenue... let's see... carry the 2... oh, rats, I'm getting what I deserve.

Meanwhile, talented professionals and amateurs toil at their craft and earn accoldates and cash through kickstarter, ordinary channels, awards, small societies, and, well, basically effort.

It seems you can be a successful writer if you devote a lot of effort to not just writing, but pursuing the career aspects of being a writer. Who knew?

Until next month,
Sandy sandy@rpg.net