Writing Articles

Article #15
Brass Tacks

There's an old cliché that states: "Let's get down to brass tacks." The expression was thought to come from English Cockney in the late nineteenth century. It means, in effect you've got to be honest with not only yourself, but also in getting down to hard facts, the nitty-gritty. No more waffling around but rather straight, hard facts must be the order of the day in determining the motivation for wanting to write a book.

So many new writers are really afraid to admit their true motive for wanting to write a book. While I have touched upon this subject in previous articles, I figured now was the time for me to discuss the subject matter from a frontal approach.

Writers have different reasons for wanting to produce a manuscript that could eventually be considered by some publisher. Every such writer will have spent hundreds of hours drafting the original manuscript and then dozens of hours more in significant rewrites. They may all seek different goals for their hard work. Plain and simple, some may seek to become very rich; or famous; or even have an important message to impart to readers; maybe to share with humanity a new philosophy or medical secret. Each of these goals is laudatory, in and of itself, and should not cause a writer any embarrassment. Maybe a writer wants to help others with some particular information. There are numerous writers that have dual motives, like commenting on a portion of history but making some extra money as well. College professors are well known for earning supplemental income by writing books that are frequently used by their students. Whatever the reason, a writer should be clear in his/her motive for writing a book before they actually sit down at the computer/typewriter or write in long hand to begin the arduous task. Motive can frequently change the direction of the book.

Let's talk about the different options. Dan Poyntes & Mindy Bingham in, "Is there a Book Inside You?" discuss these options and do a fine job in explaining the various reasons for writing a manuscript.

To Become Rich? It's important to realize that most writers don't get rich according to the Columbia University Study of American Authors. Only 5% of the 2200 plus writers surveyed earned over $80,000 and only 10% over $45,000. These figures might be hard for a new writer to comprehend, but at least they'll be starting their writing career in a totally realistic manner and won't be disappointed when "all the returns are in."

The one good thing is that after you're published, if you are that fortunate, you could be getting royalties while doing other things. Most authors have other sources of income, like real estate, the stock market and being part of the educational profession. In the same Columbia study, 46% of the authors surveyed had other full time jobs. There are many writers that find writing is a form of enjoyment, different than their regular job, almost therapeutic.

To Become Famous. There are writers among us that love to travel and enjoy nothing more than a book tour to different cities signing autographs or being on a television talk show. It's a source of real enjoyment to be interviewed by the media, attend talk shows and have book signings at Barnes & Noble or other bookstores. It's not work to them but rather a source of pleasure. Fame means that you can be immediately recognized in your own community, asked to attend charitable functions and even act as a main speaker from time to time at Book Club meetings, etc.

All this suggests that you will be taking time away from your leisure activities but more important, your family. But if that's what you want, it's all available to the successful writer. You better have a definite understanding with the family, however, before you change your usual routine.

To Share Knowledge. Sometimes a writer has particular knowledge of a subject matter that could possibly benefit mankind. There are all sorts of possibilities if this is a writer's motivation, because basically the intent is to help others i.e. medicine, educational, engineering, accounting, diet, "self-help books, etc. Maybe the writer can influence, adjust or even change the social mores of the community. This has been done successfully on dozens of occasions, two of the most prominent were "Women's Rights" (voting, employment, etc.) and Prohibition (the Volstead Act of 1920 and its repeal in 1932.)

During the past, numerous changes in the function of society at large has come about through books, magazines and newspapers.

Whatever the reason, a writer has for starting a manuscript, the motivation should be "loud and clear."

Robert L. Fenton
31800 Northwestern Hwy, Ste 204, Farmington Hills, MI 48334
E-mail: fenent@msn.com
Tel. 248-855-8780 Fax: 248-855-3302