This might sound strange, coming from someone who spends a lot of time alone, writing, and maybe this is the inescapable truth about writers: we spend a lot of time alone, in quiet rooms, contemplating worlds that exist only in our heads, but I don’t feel lonely.
I am alone, but I don’t feel lonely anymore.
When I was younger I used to think that if someone would tell me that I could write a great novel, something people will still be reading a hundred years in the future, and all I had to do was live my life in obscurity, I’d accept. I thought great things require a sacrifice, and I wasn’t so sure what the most important thing about being a writer actually was.
It wasn’t until much, much later that I realized what writing was all about, and I’ve expressed this view many times here: we write because we want to reach out to others. We write with the hope that our words will mean something to someone else other than ourselves.
I am able to reach out to people, I am able to present the world with my ideas and dreams and stories, and for that I am grateful. In doing this, I don’t feel alone anymore. If even a single one of my posts or stories or essays made you feel something, or made you realize something about the world we live in, then that makes me happy.
There are a couple of simple rules when it comes to writing: never stop writing, and never be afraid to share your writing with the world. It doesn’t matter how, just do it. And out of all the billion people in the world, if just one loves your writing, that’s more than enough, more than you could ever ask for.
Last year I made myself a promise: that I would never give up on writing. No matter what. I didn’t quit when I sold two short stories during the entire month of May 2012, earning a total of 70 cents, I didn’t quit when it seemed that no one was interested in reading my blog posts, I didn’t quit when I figured out that I couldn’t possibly afford to launch an online magazine.
But at some point, sooner or later, I would have if it weren’t for the tremendous support you folks have provided. It’s you folks who kept the flame alive, who kept me fighting even when I felt like giving up. Because, believe me, we all have our moments, when we feel that the entire world is fighting back.
Thanks to you (and only to you, I might add), on Monday I’ll be ordering a new computer, which I badly need.
Why?
Maybe because right now (and it’s been so for quite some time), a computer is my only source of income. I write and sell books, I design books for other writers, and I get a bit of advertising revenue from this blog. It’s not much, but it’s enough so I can keep writing (being a starving, struggling writer is so last Summer.)
This also means that you can still support me buying a new computer until Monday, when, based on how much money I actually have, I’ll be able to decide on what exactly to buy.
Also, I’m going to work hard, trying to meet that 25th of March deadline for my upcoming novel, for which I need money to pay for editing and other promotional stuff.
I’m not going to lie. Sales have been below average these past months, and I’ve got to figure out what to do with this new release, how to better promote it, and so on.
And one more thing: My friend, Odessa Gillespie Black, wanted me to tell you about this cool offer: for every contribution of $20 or more, you’ll also receive an e-book copy of her debut novel, Souleaters.
If you’d like to help out, you can do so here.
Once again, thank you for your support,
Cristian Mihai
This is an amazing description of how writers feel. You put the words to prnt that remain as thoughts in my mind. Thanks
That's wonderful news! I tried to pay but I got an email saying it wasn't completed so I'm not sure if you got it or not. I bet you can't wait until Monday!
If you used the same e-mail to contribute as the one you used to comment here, then no, it didn't work.
In fact, if you tried to contribute a week ago (or something like that.) it probably didn't work (had some trouble with my PayPal account.) But now everything should work just fine.
And, yes, I can't wait until Monday. It's difficult to explain how this feels like, to be without a computer for this long, even though I did visit friends and used theirs once every two-three days, but I could only use it for a couple of hours at best. And even though I have a smartphone, with Internet and all the jazz, it's not the same thing. I can barely write a text on my cell, let alone a novel.
I do almost all social media on my phone. Very handy! I'll try again some time :)
Great piece-inspiring about why humans write…even though I write opinion articles mainly, the same principle applies. I hope to connect with my piece to others, to help them connect the issue I'm writing about as important to them.
I wrote an article like this not too long ago. Writing may be a solitary activity, but we writers aren't alone. The internet connects many of us, and because of that we are able to create networks of support and inspiration. It never ceases to amaze me and make me happy.
Drops of water make a mighty ocean.
The journey of a thousand miles starts from one.
Rome was not built in a day.
You have started well and you will inevitably arrive your destination as long as you keep going. Keep up the good work.
I cannot agree enough and I too seek to encourage others to delve into their lives and find what their life's passion is, to do it to the best of their ability and feel that perfect note within the heart of an artist working in their talented field. I've been reading 'Bird by Bird' by Anne Lamott and I find your article equally encouraging and supportive. Finally, do you have any good suggestions for finding suitable artwork for a book trailer?
Tough question. I'm not a big fan of book trailers. Depends on what exactly you want? Do you want something like a slideshow with audio and some text? Something like that? Then you can check out this link here, where you'll find some pretty cool online resources for images. Also, if you can afford it, you can search for some images and vectors and stuff on stock photography websites such as depositphotos or shutterstock.
You will come out of this shining, Cristian. ;) Just keep your head up.
I enjoyed this post very much.
Brilliant. Thank you for that wonderful post.
Will think of you Monday — Happy shopping!
Brilliant..a personal reflection with universal validity. Looking forward to your novel. :)
I often feel the same way and wonder if my posts make any difference at all. It's about the only place I can go to be me and share what's going on in my life, good or bad. :) Sometimes I just want to give up because it would be so easy to just retreat from the world and live in my own. When I get a like on a post it encourages me to on. Thanks for sharing! I enjoy reading your posts.
Giving up is easy…true greatness comes from keepin on keepin on! You'll never know how many people care about you and what you have to say…I'm one of them ;)
Wow. Thanks for answering my question. :)
Alone – but not feeling lonely. The essence of the writer!
This struck with me because you are so right: even just one other mind inspired, infuriated, moved, encouraged by our writing makes it all worth it. I've been blogging for two years now and it's one of the most rewarding things I do, though it brings in no money. Thanks for this :)
Unfortunately, I have stopped writing (with the exception of my blog). I do feel lonelier now than I used. But I've always felt lonely, and usually the thought didn't depress me.
Trying to get back to the novel I was rewriting with NaNoWriMo, but it seems my passion for it is gone. You inspire me to keep trying.
I sometimes wish I had more time to be alone. Only when I want it of course!
Hey Cristian, I'm so glad things are working out. By the way, this post was tremendously inspiring. I've been feeling low about my writing lately, and this was what I needed to hear. :)
God bless!
This inspires me to never quit writing. Thank you.
You can only be truly lonely in a crowd.
You do sound happy. That makes me glad :)
It is possible to be in the world among others and to be an observer, which is what I think I do when I write. I observe, process, and then churn out my thoughts on paper. It is just one way that we express ourselves, and for writers, it is the preferred way. It never means that we are alone. On the contrary, we are the part of society that watches and responds.
The thing that fills most of my days is writing, and when I take a break I usually go for a long run, another notriously solitary activity. At some point you learn exactly what you are saying. We are not islands and there has to be human interaction, community, to refresh, then it's back to the keyboard and trails. My aunt, an Irish artist, recently said to me, "It only takes one."
I just recently started seriously writing, in my shack in Belize. I love it, alone, in my world. You have been an inspiration in that. Thank you.
Did you get my message asking about audiobook versions of your stuff?
Congratulations. This is great news.
Yes, and I think I replied. I told you about this thing from Audible, where you can find narrators and such for your books, and you don't have to pay them upfront, just give them a share of the proceeds.
Oh thanks. I actually meant do you have your books in Audibook form?
Before internet writers were alone, I guess. Still, people wrote diary. Some get published. I guess you're interested in reaching out to one another when you write a blog on internet.
I write to myself though. To find out what I'm all about. The others I reach is just a bonus. I guess it's just because I''m a newbie :)
"We write with the hope that our words will mean something to someone else other than ourselves." These words certainly do mean something for me – sitting at home as a twenty something on a Saturday night in London and your thoughts as my only company.
Question:
How do you persevere in writing novels or short stories?
I've always wanted to write one, but I always loose motivation and drive.
Well, I used to be like this. Start one thing, then lose motivation. I usually started working on something else. But now I just choose a launch date, and I tell everyone about it. That way, I just have to write, I have to edit, because if I don't meet my deadline, I'm going to disappoint some folks.
So the advice would be this: tell everyone you know you're writing a novel. That way, some of them will actually keep asking you about it. This might work as a motivation.
Hmmm… thanks. (:
Another great post from you. Thank you, Cristian.
And I offer a quote from one of my favorite authors and artists, SARK: "You are not a starving artist; you are a star-achieving artist."
Some great insights and points made, here. Sharing on FB. Thanks!
I love being alone and not lonely…I didn't realize until later in life that the two things are very different and very liberating! Thank you for the wonderful post Chris…keep your head up and good luck with your next novel..I'll be waiting for the announcement!
Thanks for sharing about how you feel as an author it really opened my eyes. I also hope you are able to sell and share your work with others as much as possible. Keep writing you're amazing from what I can glimpse in your blog.
Cristian, I found your post strangely encouraging. It's such a slog trying to make it as a writer. I love writing but I am doing it in addition to parenthood, work and managing a chronic illness. I have also taken up the violin, which has been quite inspirational for my writing and it's good to be able to write about something other than being a writer too…even though I appreciate what you write on the subject. It feel like I am not spending enough time alone to get my writing done at the moment, which is a bit frustrating but posts like yours and persistent friends get me back on track.
I love your writing.
This is very true, you expressed the thoughts of every writer perfectly! brilliant :)
Thank you, Cristian, great post.
It reminds me of one of my favourite quotes by Joseph Campbell:
"Follow your dreams and don't be afraid and doors will open where you never expected them".
I bought your book The Writer today! You are very intriguing and I like your constant effort you put into going after your dreams…
I so appreciate your writing style! And congratulations on your computer!
Uhm… not yet, but I will look into it.
People only feel lonely if they choose for loneliness. To be lonely, it is not lack of a human being beside you. But, it is how you give up of your dreams. You may have a life full of friends and family. Once, you give up of your dreams or give up attempting your dreams. Then, you will feel lonely. It doesn't matter if you are surrounded by people.
Yes, keep writing! Thanks for sharing your blog!
Oh thank you. That was sweet. /hug
Nice one here. This is exactly what writers feel.
i enjoyed this writing a lot.
good luck with your writing :)
wow! many thanks for that amazing posting. I really cherished it towards the main. Hope you retain publishing this kind of wonderful articles or blog posts