Recently, I've completed the publication of the final book in my trilogy, "The Crown of Palrad". It was a personal challenge that I set for myself to finish this story, and the emotion I experienced when I typed the last capital letters (''THE END OF THE TRILOGY'') was exhilarating. I had finally done it, completing a project that took me around five years to accomplish. This was something I had planned since childhood, inspired by my first viewing of "The Lord of the Rings" on screen. Now, it has finally reached its conclusion. But was it worth it?
First and foremost, let me clarify that the initial motivation for writing stems from the pure joy it brings. Each time I sat down to write—every well-dedicated Sunday afternoon spent crafting these words into coherent text—it felt akin to a therapy session. Though not readily apparent, the blank pages represent an immense freedom to express and shape thoughts, a stark contrast to the constraints of real life. This unique liberating sensation is only attainable through the act of creation.
Apart from these positive aspects, I often ponder over the downsides of such a time-intensive endeavor. As someone who tends to weigh all factors, there inevitably comes a moment when I look back and contemplate whether the time invested was truly well spent. Here's what being a writer has cost me:
1.A few instances of neck and back pain, alongside a 0.5 increase in myopia due to prolonged hours of writing while seated. The former, I can manage - I'm a physiotherapist. However, the latter is something I must simply accept and adapt to.
2. Complete abstinence from any kind of sexual activity. I'm not like Salvador Dali in that. However, many great people practiced abstinence both in the past (like Nikola Tesla) and in our days. Don't forget that there is a whole episode in Seinfield, talking about how abstinence makes a man smart, yet turns women stupid. Although it was just comedy, I think that it originates on true facts. The reason is simple: you can direct your mind with regards to where to spend your energy and imagination.
If one expends all their energy on sexual activities, there may be a deficiency when truly significant moments arise. This rationale is akin to the principle that athletes avoid such activities before a game. The Ancient Greeks recognized this concept as well. In the ancient Greek play 'Lysistrata', women withhold sexual relations from men in order to bring an end to the Peloponnesian War, which was among the bloodiest conflicts of its era. The same think happened in different times throughout history as well. Why did they do that? The reason is simple: you can do one of the two right, but not both. Sex messes with your mind, unless you write erotica, of course, in which case go nuts...
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3.Publishing might come without an economic cost, yet everything else associated with the process comes with expenses. Writing constitutes merely a fraction of the journey toward creating a written work. Significant time must be allocated to promotion, and this continues for an extended duration (thankfully there is chatGTP for editing). After all, writing proficiently loses its purpose if there is no audience to engage with the work.
This principle parallels the aversion people have towards conversing with someone who disregards them completely. In the present landscape characterized by consumerism and individualism, this phenomenon is customary. It aligns with the ultimate objective of extreme capitalism: prioritize personal contentment, disregarding external concerns. The prevalent ethos suggests embracing a state of blissful consumption. Personally, I find spending hours conversing with the vacant walls of an empty room unappealing. This endeavor appears bereft of significance.
4. It doesn't pay off. The financial returns are not substantial. Each sale yields a profit of around 0.60 cents, even if the selling price were higher, the profit margin wouldn't exceed 1 or 1.40 cents. I recently heard Jordan Peterson discussing that and it surprised me that even widely recognized writers like him face such modest earnings. Admittedly, he sells millions of copies, yet even so, receiving a mere 5-10% share of what one creates and sells fails to seem justifiable.
In this point, I shall repeat: I DON'T WRITE IN ORDER TO MAKE A PROFIT. I have my job for that. Writing is only a hobby. Still, I'm constantly seeking for sliver linings and something like a better return would add value to the time and effort invested in a work.
To sum up, when you're passionate about something, I always recommend giving it a shot and persevering. Don't abandon it prematurely. Effecting change in the wider world can be immensely challenging, yet ultimately, we are remembered for the endeavors we undertook to enact change. For me, that stands as the most important measure of success.
