Do You Write For Money or For Love?

Or Both?

Have you ever silently wondered if it’s your passion for writing that keeps you going or because of the extra remuneration that comes with it?

This is a question which every writer must have pondered on at some point in time.

Whether we admit it or not, it is a dilemma which stares us in the face. Intentionally thought or not.

Even if you started writing without thinking about money, it’s one reality that may later confront you.

I love to write, I won’t deny. But in an era where content creation is frequently discussed, who doesn’t want to earn a few bucks with it?

Agreed, writers write because they love to express themselves in the most unique ways. They love to be heard, albeit silently through words.

However, should we then simply stop at having people just read our pieces? Does that truly give maximum satisfaction? Or do we go further and profit from our God-given talent?

Initially, I started writing because it was a good way to ease boredom and keep my brain busy. I got somewhere to drop the monologues I often had with myself. The many thoughts of my wandering mind found a place to stay. Along the line, writing became a home for me; like a fortress.

Since I always have something to say, my pen and paper became good companions.

Then came the realization that I could actually monetize writing! Was it a path I was willing to consider?

Now, here is a pertinent question:

At what point can a line be drawn between writing genuinely and not letting the love for money ruin our interest in writing?

Writing For love

Writers who take this stance believe that being a successful writer shouldn’t be measured by how much one makes from it.

In other words, write because you love to, and not because of any monetary gain that comes with it.

This is because once the love for money becomes so intense, the needs of the readers may not matter anymore to a writer who is consistently looking for ways to make money from his craft.

Hence, the argument here is that where money becomes the primary goal, passion takes a back seat.

The truth be said, once money becomes the only motivation to write, it could make you forget what being a writer feels like.

It may also affect your imagination to a point where all you think about is your stats and attention from readers. Sometimes it gets so serious that if a topic won’t earn you much, you don’t write it.

It could mean choosing something that’s trending over what you actually like writing.

At the end of the day, writing for the money may not even be a guarantee that you will be successful in it.

Writing For Money

According to this class of writers, if writing for money makes you happy, do it.

People have various things that motivate them to write. Money could top that list and it shouldn’t be a problem if it does. It is for this reason that there are so many articles online explaining how writers can make money through their craft. There are also many websites that won’t hesitate to pay writers to write!

Simply put, there is no point writing endlessly for yourself if you won’t get paid for it.

“There’s no shame in writing for money. If that’s what motivates you, then treat it like any other job. Keep regular hours. Write the things that make the most money. Don’t worry about fame or recognition unless it leads to a paycheck.” -Glen Robinson

Striking a Balance

It is very possible for writers to combine their love for money and writing at the same time. On synthesizing both, Austin Hackney, a writer and storyteller opines:

“You can write for both. It’s just a case of getting the order right. Choose projects you can write for love. Write them from the heart. At least make it something you can support without ethical conflict. Never compromise your integrity. Writing is about communication and sharing. Share honestly, communicate clearly.”

Being motivated by both money and love for writing isn’t unusual because genuine creatives usually try to strike a balance between both.

There is nothing wrong if something you love doing brings you money.

If you find success following your passion, it is likely a happy accident. - Kristen Oliphant

Now, think about these:

1. Will your passion for writing change simply because you decided to monetize it?
2. Does your writing get better or worse the moment you start seeing it as a selling point?
3. As a writer, will you continue writing, even in the absence of any financial gain(s)? For instance, would you still be an active writer on medium if there was no paid partner program?
4. Is it truly possible to write without ever thinking about money?

Eventually, it’s all about what works best for you and the choice is yours to make.