Consider Both When You’re Writing for Fun
Whether you’re writing for fun or writing for profit, following the same simple principles helps you go further in your literary endeavors. All writing should be designed to be read. It doesn’t matter whether you’re:
- Writing for profit, hoping to get more work from freelance efforts
- Already on staff as a professional writer
- Just writing for fun because you enjoy the process
Writing that isn’t read is like a painting kept in an attic or a new dress left on its hangar – what’s the point? Just as a goal without a plan is just a wish, so writing that isn’t read is lost seed on infertile ground.
Writing for Fun vs. Writing for Personal Use
To be clear, writing for fun doesn’t include journals or diaries. First of all, those kinds of musings typically aren’t written to be read by anyone else. Instead, personal writing meant for your eyes only is a therapeutic process, best left to yourself or your therapist.
Letter writing – designed to be read by only one other person, including love letters, letters of apology and notes serving as reminders – may be called writing for fun if you get a kick out of doing it. It’s kind of a lost art today, but if you write to your recipient on a regular basis, maybe that’s a fun exercise for you. But again, that’s not the kind of writing for fun this article addresses.
Don’t Look Now!
The best kind of writing for fun is the kind that too many writers believe is not suited for others’ eyes. For example, if you’ve jotted down a short story in your spare time, but are worried what friends, family or even strangers may think of you – in other words, if you’re afraid of criticism – then you should reveal it immediately. Announce its existence and don’t hold back!
Just as the journalist braves the insensitive red pen of the editor and the novelist cringes when her editor calls, you must learn to accept constructive criticism with a fearless heart and an optimistic grin. It’s not just the best way to grow your talent, it’s the only way. By allowing others to read their work, professionals become better writers. You will too.
You may tell yourself you’re just writing for fun, but writing truly is a serious business. You need some skill, certainly, but becoming a writer, even if for fun, takes work. Some would even go so far as to say that a writer who doesn’t share her talent is no better than a person who can’t write at all. Don’t let that describe you.
Writing for Profit Isn’t Always Fun
Professional writers often express extreme envy and outrage at the thought of writers writing just for fun. Real writers, they believe, write. Every day. And they post or publish their writing; they don’t keep it to themselves. Professional writers have to meet their boss’ expectations, even if they’re writing:
- Blog posts
- Website pages
- Novels
- Magazine articles
- Newspaper stories
- Press releases
- Marketing brochures
“What I wouldn’t give to be able to write what I want to write and be damned if anyone bothers to pay for it!” That’s a common lament among those who write for profit. Yes, even novelists have publishers and a public to please. It’s often enough to take all the fun out of the job.
Marry Writing for Fun with Writing for Profit
The best of both worlds involves taking bits and pieces from each and creating a writer’s life few ever get the chance to enjoy. Perhaps when talented writers overcome the fear of rejection or ridicule and relegate their inner critic to a back room with the door locked, more great writing will be published. Don’t let those voices in your head stop you. Write to be read!
On the other hand, talent may emerge from professional writers who spent a lifetime writing for profit. When those writers retire, the skills learned from writing for profit get turned into writing for fun. Or maybe even someone like you will finally allow the world to see your writing. Once you stop kidding yourself that you’re only writing for fun, put it – and your talent – to the test. Submit your work. Encourage people to read it. Embrace your inner writer.
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