Understanding Fiction Writing

Motivations for Being a Fiction Writer

About 1 min read

SCSchool for Champions LLC

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

See side menu for more Fiction Writing topics

Improve your skills

Resources

The following resources provide information on this subject:

Websites

Fiction Resources

Mini-quiz to check your understanding

QUIZ

Self-check your understanding

Is it possible to only be motivated by making money as a writer?
Yes, because money is what it is all aboutGood try, but not right. Select another answer. No one is sure what motivates writersSorry, not correct. Try another button. No, because you really need to love writing to be truly successful at itThat is correct. You are going to be a Fiction Champion.
Do any writers work for free, just to see their name as the author?
Yes, especially beginning writers of short stories published in magazinesCorrect. You are doing great. Many writers actually prefer not to have their name listed as authors, because they are shySorry, not correct. Try another button. No writer will accept publication without financial compensationOops! Wrong answer. Re-read the question and try again.
What does it indicate once you get paid for your writing?
That you have sold out to the "man"Oops! Wrong answer. Re-read the question and try again. It is a sign that you are on your wayThat is correct. You are going to be a Fiction Champion. It indicates that you didn't get enoughGood try, but not right. Select another answer.

Pick an answer to see instant feedback. Re-read the lesson if you miss one.

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.

What do you think?

Do you have any questions, comments, or opinions on this subject? If so, send an email with your feedback. We will try to get back to you as soon as possible.

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