Writing What You Want: An Essay on the Writer's Craft

The chief rule for any writer should be to write what they want, and to never ignore the muse. There are two sides to this issue. First, there are advantages to write what others what: Usually there is more money in it. Second, writing for yourself can be more fulfilling.

There shouldn't be an assumption that just writing what you want will lead to less sales. Take for example Associated Content: Writing what you want on the leading news magazine can lead to more sales. Or perhaps writing a fantasy novel the way you envision it should be done: New ideas are what make this field great.

There is also the thought that writing what you want can lead to more productivity. If you have to research a popular topic-one your not familiar with-then it could take more time than if you know everything about the latest Spider Man movie. Writing a review of a new book is good, but the one you loved reading countless times before may be the best option.

The debate is a good one for writers because it is all about publishing their work. If the writer intends to make a living, perhaps writing the occasional article they don't want to write can be fulfilling. A writer, whether they be a freelancer or a novelist, should always strive to challenge themselves whenever possible. This leads to successful careers for many.

Listening to the experts-call them the publishing gods-often doesn't make a piece sellable .The writer will be more inclined to continue submitting a piece they believe in than one that there not even sure is good. Confidence in material is important in achieving publication at any form.

Another example would be writing articles for Associated Content that were "Article Calls," being they pay more (usually $8 to $10) but the subject is different than what one particular writer wants to write on. Here is the decision, work on the $8 article or on one that would fetch $5 or even less. If you write a lot for AC, then you should be able to do both.

The bills do have to be paid, but the general thesis here would be to occasionally challenge yourself, but not so much where the writing becomes a chore. Freelance writing isn't about writing just on topics that are popular; instead it's about finding an interest and seeking out those with a similar one.

In the end, the writer should write what they want almost every time they type something out.