It Was Good Enough For Shakespeare
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Writing Speaking -> subcategory Other.
It Was Good Enough For Shakespeare
Title:
It Was Good Enough For Shakespeare!
Summary:
Creative artists often face a tug-of-war between art and commerce. An artist needs to earn a living from their craft, yet balancing commercial work with personal passion is challenging.
Article Body:
At the heart of every creative artist's journey is the struggle between art and commerce. Artists, including writers, want to earn a living through their craft. However, the reality is that balancing a full-time job with creative pursuits can be daunting, often leading some to give up. On the flip side, working on diverse projects can hone valuable skills and offer insights into the publishing world.
I've met writers toiling on projects that drained their spirit. One writer I knew even labeled himself as a "freelance hack and literary mechanic." Sadly, he succumbed to alcoholism within a year, a cautionary tale of burnout.
So, how can one avoid such pitfalls? In my own career, while writing the books I genuinely cared about, I also took on projects like Batman comics, a Star Trek novel, and a Star Wars tie-in. I even wrote episodes for shows like "Outer Limits," "The Twilight Zone," and, surprisingly, "Baywatch."
Did I feel like I was selling out? Never. Let's be clear: Shakespeare wrote for money. One can balance financial needs with artistic integrity.
Here's my approach: imagine two circles. One represents everything I want to write, and the other signifies what others will pay for. Where these circles overlap, that's my sweet spot. Sure, there are passion projects I can't get paid for, and jobs that don't resonate with me. I've learned to pass on those that don't touch my heart.
But sometimes, an opportunity arises that sits between the circles?"financially viable but not initially appealing. What then? Ask yourself if it's something you could be proud of. Would you respect someone who enjoyed the work?
For instance, when approached to write for "Baywatch," I watched a few episodes with my six-year-old daughter. Her perspective was enlightening: "It's about nice people working hard to make the beach safe for us." With that in mind, I saw value in the project and took it on.
Every project has its limitations. You must work with specific characters and scenarios while avoiding certain topics. This can be challenging, but think of it as a chance to stretch your creativity. Fred Astaire could dance on any stage, with any props. Shouldn't we aspire to the same level of adaptability and artistry?
Find ways to enjoy the writing process, trying new things and connecting with different audiences. Never write down to your audience?"that's the death of art. Flexibility opens doors to more opportunities. A writer ready to dive into new projects and fall in love with them will often outshine those who rigidly demand everything be perfect.
And if this approach worked for Shakespeare, it's certainly good enough for me.
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: It Was Good Enough For Shakespeare .
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