BWFoster78
Myth Weaver
It just baffles me that you're upset about being discouraged by a forum post, as you say, while you're so thoroughly discouraging others. The point I was originally trying to make is that this kind of rhetoric cuts both ways.
Look, I'm two years out of college; I don't have the resources to invest in self-publishing without knowing that I'll earn it back, nor the desire to crank out a book every three months, turning my writing time into a second job. It's just not a possibility for everyone, or even what they want to do.
A lot of people here are younger, writing as a hobby, maybe working on their first big project. Is it really that helpful to go around telling people to stop dreaming, how are you going to make this into a livelihood? It's the entire tone of your reaction; who is this meant to help, really?
Here's the message that I've gotten:
1. Making a living at writing is freaking tough.
2. In order to make a living, you have to work hard and work smart.
3. People are, however, living their dream, and they're doing it the way that Greg listed.
I have no idea why you're finding that message discouraging. I find it enormously encouraging. If I'm willing to work hard enough and learn to write smart enough, I can find success.
Prior to this message, all I heard was, "The only way to succeed in writing is to get lucky."
At least I can now see a path forward that doesn't involve luck.
The truth is that you and valliant12 and TAS and me can all succeed. But it's not easy or guaranteed.
Why is it discouraging to talk about the reality of the market? If you really want to succeed, you need to be thinking, "What is the path most likely to get me there?"
If success isn't your primary goal, however, then isn't it best to be realistic about it now?
I would much rather go into a situation with my eyes wide open. Give me the facts and let me make the decision that is best for me. As far as I can tell, the facts of the market reflect what I've been saying. Following Greg's advice is the best way to gain some measure of success but that you have some small chance of success by following other paths.
Look, I'm an engineer. Buying lotto tickets is about as mathematically stupid a thing as one can possibly do, but I still buy them because I like to dream about the what if. I'd still rather know going in, however, that I wasn't very likely to hit the numbers.
EDIT: Note that I'm thoroughly confused by this last post. I thought you were irritated that I spoke out against "artsy" writing so vehemently. Now, you seem upset that I'm saying something discouraging?
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