I'd like to take a moment to talk about books.
Yes, books. The beautifully bound hearts of trees! The trees who once gave us oxygen, but now transfer our thoughts, dreams, and inspirations across the globe free of voice.
Unfortunately, with the introduction of (gasp!) new technology, our favorite paperback novels are slowly becoming obsolete. However, while the feel of a good book in your hands is replaced with the tender glow of a screen, the stories written continue to captivate us wherever they can reach.
It is this captivation that inspires me to become a full-time author.
Now, the next question people usually ask me when I tell them this is, "Well, what else are you going to do to make money?", usually followed by my concession that I intend to be successful in other ways. Every time I give this answer, it makes my dream a little less bright in my mind, and the more the words begin to dull in my mouth. I felt guilty for wanting to branch out of the norm when I should be celebrating my creativity.
As I enter my senior year of high school, I'm finally asking myself: Why do I have to have another career besides being an author? Why can't I follow in the footsteps of J.K. Rowling, Stephanie Meyer, or James Patterson and make my living off of my creative works?
I understand that not every author becomes a bestseller, much less overnight, which means I will have to find a way to support myself other than writing for the time being. But, I am making the decision to be successful in my creative works as well as any other job I might take, no matter what other people say about it being 'impossible' or 'out of reach'.
I don't just want to prove others wrong, though. My goal as a writer is to keep writing, because that's simply what I love to do. If I can make money off of it, good for me; if I don't hit the mark every time, I'll be just fine. My ultimate goal is to inspire people, to make people feel powerful things with my words like so many great authors today. I want to make people laugh, cry, feel connections to the characters and settings I create.
As the great J.K. Rowling once wrote, "Words are our greatest source of magic." Taking her words in stride, I hope to capture the world with my work. Even if trees aren't the primary medium by the time I hit the bestsellers list, I'll make sure my passion shines bright on the computer screen.
Yes, books. The beautifully bound hearts of trees! The trees who once gave us oxygen, but now transfer our thoughts, dreams, and inspirations across the globe free of voice.
Unfortunately, with the introduction of (gasp!) new technology, our favorite paperback novels are slowly becoming obsolete. However, while the feel of a good book in your hands is replaced with the tender glow of a screen, the stories written continue to captivate us wherever they can reach.
It is this captivation that inspires me to become a full-time author.
Now, the next question people usually ask me when I tell them this is, "Well, what else are you going to do to make money?", usually followed by my concession that I intend to be successful in other ways. Every time I give this answer, it makes my dream a little less bright in my mind, and the more the words begin to dull in my mouth. I felt guilty for wanting to branch out of the norm when I should be celebrating my creativity.
As I enter my senior year of high school, I'm finally asking myself: Why do I have to have another career besides being an author? Why can't I follow in the footsteps of J.K. Rowling, Stephanie Meyer, or James Patterson and make my living off of my creative works?
I understand that not every author becomes a bestseller, much less overnight, which means I will have to find a way to support myself other than writing for the time being. But, I am making the decision to be successful in my creative works as well as any other job I might take, no matter what other people say about it being 'impossible' or 'out of reach'.
I don't just want to prove others wrong, though. My goal as a writer is to keep writing, because that's simply what I love to do. If I can make money off of it, good for me; if I don't hit the mark every time, I'll be just fine. My ultimate goal is to inspire people, to make people feel powerful things with my words like so many great authors today. I want to make people laugh, cry, feel connections to the characters and settings I create.
As the great J.K. Rowling once wrote, "Words are our greatest source of magic." Taking her words in stride, I hope to capture the world with my work. Even if trees aren't the primary medium by the time I hit the bestsellers list, I'll make sure my passion shines bright on the computer screen.
Sincerely,
Stasi
Stasi