Here’s an article I dug up that, while put out last year, still marks a supposed trend in the publishing industry. Apparently, by the year 2052, the number of Americans who write books will outnumber those who read them.
http://www.prweb.com/releases/20051520/6/prwebxml246822.php
This makes me wonder what the motivation is behind all those books. What’s my motivation, anyways? I want to use the gifts I’ve been given to the best of my ability. That’s one reason. Another is simply the fact that I love writing. It’s what I get up to do every day and there are few things as fulfilling than seeing a story get better with each revision. I long ago accepted that I wasn’t doing this for the money. No writer should have that reason as the focus, because it will only end up disappointing in the end. I’ll put up some links later on first-time advances that writers tend to get on book deals, plus advice on why six-figure advances on that first book may not be the best thing for your career.
So, are people writing this glut of books for money? Some are, sure. Are others pursuing that calling of, “Wow, I’ve always wanted to write a book. Let’s see if I can”? Maybe so. Everyone has their reasons. What are yours?
And yes, for any conspiracy theorists out there, we writers are going to take over the world. The entire economy is going to revolve around our book advances, and the stock market is going to fluctuate along with the New York Times bestseller list. So start digging your bomb bunkers and bookshelves now, because we’re coming for you!
I see that smile.