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Explanation of Motivations for Being a Fiction Writer - Strategies to Succeed in Fiction Writing. Also refer to published, reasons, passion, love, words, expression, story, recognition, by-line, print, money, riches, advance, Ron Kurtus, School for Champions. Copyright © Restrictions

Motivations for Being a Fiction Writer

by Ron Kurtus (17 August 2007)

You may have various motivations or reasons why you want to be a fiction writer. A major reason is because you love to write and express your thoughts in writing. You may also want to see your name and story in print. Finally, you may have a desire to sell your works and make some money from your writing.

Questions you may have include:

• How are writers motivated to express themselves?
• What role does recognition have?
• How much a motivation is money?

This lesson will answer those questions. There is a mini-quiz near the end of the lesson.

Expression

The number one motivation for writing is the drive to express yourself in the written word. Most writers have a passion for writing. Many consider themselves wordsmiths, since they love words.

You may also have a story you want to tell. You have something to say, and writing is your outlet.

Recognition

Seeing your work in print, along with your byline is a kick. It proves that you are a real writer. But also, having someone tell you that he had read your work is the type of recognition that drives many writers to spend the long hours writing and re-writing a story.

Money

You may see articles about novelists getting million dollar advances for their books or how author J. K. Rowling of Harry Potter is richer than the Queen of England. This may be inspiring, but in reality very, very few writers make that type of money. But still, getting paid for writing is a major goal of many writers. At the very least, it is verification of your value as a writer.

Summary

Reasons to become a published fiction writer include the fact that you love to write and express your thoughts in writing, you want to see your name and story in print, and you would like to make some money from your writing.

Answers to Readers' Questions

Improve your skills

Resources

The following resources provide information on this subject:

Websites

Fiction Resources

Books

Top-rated books on Fiction Writing

Top-rated books on Writing

Miscellaneous

Mini-quiz to check your understanding

1. Is it possible to only be motivated by making money as a writer?

2. Do any writers work for free, just to see their name as the author?

3. What does it indicate once you get paid for your writing?

If you got all three correct, you are on your way to becoming a Champion in Fiction Writing. If you had problems, you had better look over the material again.

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Motivations for Being a Fiction Writer