I Went to Sleep an Unknown Writer and Woke Up …

Summary

An unknown writer reflects on the personal and financial rewards of writing, emphasizing the intrinsic motivations and the possibility of eventual recognition.

Abstract

The author, an unknown writer, candidly discusses the realities of pursuing a writing career, highlighting the minimal financial gain ($283.17 over five months) and the unlikelihood of fame. Despite this, the writer finds value in the joy of self-expression, the sense of community among fellow writers, and the satisfaction derived from reader reactions. The piece also touches on the author's experimentation with different writing styles, moving beyond their comfort zone in medical prose to explore poetry, politics, humor, and satire. While acknowledging the slim chances of becoming an "overnight sensation," the author encourages others to write, suggesting that the intangible rewards of writing can be more valuable than financial success.

Opinions

The author views writing as a passion rather than a lucrative career choice, akin to aspiring to be a rock star or an NBA MVP.
There is a wistful acknowledgment that the allure of fame and recognition in writing is as elusive as winning big at gambling.
The writer believes that the true rewards of writing lie in the joy it brings, the community it creates, and the opportunity for self-expression.
The author values reader reactions and the sense of belonging within the writing community as key motivators for continuing to write.
Despite the financial challenges, the author is committed to writing and even finds pleasure in the growth that comes from experimenting with different writing genres.
The piece conveys a hopeful outlook that persistence in writing could eventually lead to recognition, though this is not the primary focus of the author's writing endeavors.

Learn from my experience

I remember when I was a complete unknown, a nobody. I remember it like it was yesterday.

Maybe that’s because it was yesterday. Today as well. And probably tomorrow too.

Funny how the differential reward of gambling can keep you at a slot machine or the roulette wheel for hours or even days. You keep hoping that the next spin will be the winning one, because eventually it will be. You probably won’t be there when that happens though.

True as well for writing. Minus the winning spin.

Sure we all love doing it, writing that is, or are at least drawn to it, but deep within most of us is a longing for the big hit, the thrill of being discovered, of going viral, of fame, notoriety, recognition.

But, as a back up plan for your successful writer career you might as well list “rock star” and “NBA finals MVP.” Each of those three is just about as likely.

I’ve written elsewhere about my three drivers for writing — reader reaction, community and joy.

In short, I like when others read and react to my material. I enjoy the sense of community fostered by being in the virtual company of other creative individuals. And, writing brings me joy.

It has also brought me $283.17 … in the last five months. That’s $1.85 a day. Some days I find more money than that!

But still I write. Why?

My “reader reaction, community, joy” mantra still holds. And to that mantra I’ve added a couple of other reasons to write. Both discovered as I’ve continued writing.

Self expression — After 65 years on the planet I feel like I have something worth saying occasionally, so occasionally I say it.

Experimentation — I’ve moved away from my personal tried and true, medical prose, and have played with poetry (of all things), politics, humor and satire. Not always successfully, but I feel myself growing. My plan is to continue dabbling.

There will probably be other discoveries as I write more. I’m not looking for them, but when they present themselves I’ll be happy.

And who knows, after laboring in obscurity for years, I may one day become an overnight sensation. Doubtful but possible. Meanwhile I’ll continue writing.

I would encourage you to do the same.

Tabulate your reasons for writing. They may be more precious than gold.

Falling Asleep an Unknown Writer and Waking Up … Just Exactly as Unknown

Learn from my experience

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