Embroiled in the inner conflict between what I want and what I need, writing can fall to the wayside. At times I force myself to ignore the desire to write out of necessity to focus my attention on more practical and wage-earning tasks. For as much as I love to write, it does not pay my bills even though I may wish it did.
The issue is a self-inflicted one because of the following questions:
- Could anyone love my books(s), play, or script ideas as much as I do?
- Are readers engaged with what I post?
- Do I spark discussion, contemplation, and introspection through my writings?
- Who would pay me to write short stories, poetry, novels, and other creative work?
It’s the constant battle over the ever-changing answers to the above questions which halts my progress towards changing writer from a self-professed title to a professional one. As a result, I doubt not my talent but its desirability in the employment marketplace.
I am a writer who crosses genres (YA, New Adult, Motivational Non-Fiction) and enjoys drafting a stage play as much as a novel. I am a writer because there are stories (fictional and non) deep within that annoy me to no end if I don’t write them down. I am a writer who wants and needs to write regardless of whether I receive financial compensation for my craft, though I’d much prefer the compensation.
*Have you struggled with similar questions? How do you maintain your passion for writing in the midst of everyday responsibilities?*
All the best,
Kelly
Kelly Deeny 
So far, I’ve kept myself going by trying not to question myself, no “whys” or “what-ifs.” I get disillusioned sometimes, but I just keep going, and I make plans for new things to try. I’m not published yet. I haven’t even queried a novel yet but, like Dory, I just keep swimming.
This mindset is bound to help you as you journey towards publication. Your determination motivates me to keep moving forward even when the ink runs dry.