I really loved van goghs example! I used to think that way once too, especially as capitalism has become an engine that spouts what is already known to succeed instead of pushing new and unique ideas to challenge audiences. While it could be argued that it just likes to cater to what audiences like, we have seen the publishing industry set itself on fire in terms of the literature newer generations are being exposed to. I’d like to sell my craft as well, and it would obviously add motivation to be able to be paid for what I write — but I fear giving into the conformity needed to make it big. I don’t trust myself to have that strong will, when I know I’m not in a financially secure place to be able to stay rooted to my own voice. It’s an interesting conversation to start, and I’d love to find a way to use the system against itself, but until then I feel like I’d keep the writing I cherish most for the day I am able to earn its worth.
Exactly! I was the same way, and then I gradually came to think, what makes writing less "legitimate" than other career pursuits? How sad is it that it's simply accepted that writers won't be able to make a living wage? Of course, it's one thing if I'm just not a good writer, but I've had enough feedback over the years from people who have said my writing touched them in some way, that I don't think it's so far-fetched to believe it is valuable.
I think the fear of compromising who I am and what I write might be the biggest hurdle when it comes to accepting payment for writing, like you said.
I really like what you said about the publishing industry, because it's something I've definitely thought about too. It's why I appreciate platforms like Substack, where readers can contribute financially to voices they truly want to hear from, rather than be told by big publishing houses what they SHOULD be reading.
I get it, I really do. But there are so many writers that I want to read that are behind a paywall. Not just Substack either. What I would like to see is Substack provide writers a method to have a free tier that expires after a certain amount of time - 30 days, 60 days, 3 days, whatever. That way I can better evaluate who I want to spend my money on. Retirees like me have a very limited budget; not to mention the havoc being wrecked with inflation. Food prices are ridiculous aren't they?
That's fair, and I think that would be a nice option. A lot of writers turn on the week-long trial option for their paid subscriptions. You could try that? And many that I read also offer to comp a paid subscription if you experiencing financial difficulties. I offer that as well.
I just finished the remains of the day last week and this whole book last night - I tried to read it slowly but it's too addicting! Couldn't help finishing the whole book after reading Miss Lucy’s talk in this part but I regretted finishing it so quickly right away. I realized that I will need some time to sit on this to get over it emotionally. Ugh🥲
I really loved van goghs example! I used to think that way once too, especially as capitalism has become an engine that spouts what is already known to succeed instead of pushing new and unique ideas to challenge audiences. While it could be argued that it just likes to cater to what audiences like, we have seen the publishing industry set itself on fire in terms of the literature newer generations are being exposed to. I’d like to sell my craft as well, and it would obviously add motivation to be able to be paid for what I write — but I fear giving into the conformity needed to make it big. I don’t trust myself to have that strong will, when I know I’m not in a financially secure place to be able to stay rooted to my own voice. It’s an interesting conversation to start, and I’d love to find a way to use the system against itself, but until then I feel like I’d keep the writing I cherish most for the day I am able to earn its worth.
Exactly! I was the same way, and then I gradually came to think, what makes writing less "legitimate" than other career pursuits? How sad is it that it's simply accepted that writers won't be able to make a living wage? Of course, it's one thing if I'm just not a good writer, but I've had enough feedback over the years from people who have said my writing touched them in some way, that I don't think it's so far-fetched to believe it is valuable.
I think the fear of compromising who I am and what I write might be the biggest hurdle when it comes to accepting payment for writing, like you said.
I really like what you said about the publishing industry, because it's something I've definitely thought about too. It's why I appreciate platforms like Substack, where readers can contribute financially to voices they truly want to hear from, rather than be told by big publishing houses what they SHOULD be reading.
I get it, I really do. But there are so many writers that I want to read that are behind a paywall. Not just Substack either. What I would like to see is Substack provide writers a method to have a free tier that expires after a certain amount of time - 30 days, 60 days, 3 days, whatever. That way I can better evaluate who I want to spend my money on. Retirees like me have a very limited budget; not to mention the havoc being wrecked with inflation. Food prices are ridiculous aren't they?
That's fair, and I think that would be a nice option. A lot of writers turn on the week-long trial option for their paid subscriptions. You could try that? And many that I read also offer to comp a paid subscription if you experiencing financial difficulties. I offer that as well.
I just finished the remains of the day last week and this whole book last night - I tried to read it slowly but it's too addicting! Couldn't help finishing the whole book after reading Miss Lucy’s talk in this part but I regretted finishing it so quickly right away. I realized that I will need some time to sit on this to get over it emotionally. Ugh🥲
It's so good, isn't it?? Haha I know though; it's hard to resist reading faster, especially once you start understanding what's going on.