Pirates, Dragons, Triond, and Yet More Pirates

The budding author doesn’t only need to think about plots and publishing, themes, or hooks and twists.   One of the most important considerations is the motivation, and the answer to the question  ” Why am I doing this ? ”   It is the most valid question.

For the comparison that follows, let us leave aside for the moment the crucial aspect of advertising and web savvy essential for Triond success, and simply contrast the type of writing endeavour open to the would be author.   

O.K. here we go. Take the whole range of material and depth that can be tackled by a serious budding author.  The sky’s the limit.    On the one hand is a book which is hopefully the definitive one on any particular subject.  Research could take ten years or more.   Is that time available?    Is the desire and the motivation strong enough?   What about the almost certain fact that the book, however well produced, and stuffed with interesting facts, could likely end up with very modest sales and adorning library shelves all over the country or even further afield.  True, some satisfaction can be had from being the authority on subject x, y, or z.   On the ever important subject of remuneration however, it is going to be a poor return for the labour of love over those years.  What a bummer.  There will be the recognition, but little cash.  We can’t eat recognition, can we?

On the other hand, and perhaps perversely, a light hearted, flippant subject written solely with money in mind, would consist only of a liberal dose of eye catching and emotive icons blended together.  Yes, we are talking pirates, dungeons, dragons, ghosts, and yet more pirates, ad nauseum.     No great link with reality, but what the heck, it might sell. In fairness, it must be said that it takes flair, imagination, and talent to pen a successful fairy tale.  So there is at least some poetic justice in the world.  Never mind that the more serious minded among us might baulk at being connected with pirates and their ilk! 

Of course, there is a third category that satisfies both the need for cash and  status.   A rare beast, unfortunately.     We are talking a runaway success, and a film script that will provide the cash, and perhaps the recognition that many authors crave, even if they deny it.   Better still, a box office success will ensure fame and the chance to be a household name.  Only the most ” stuffy ” among us will  decline that prospect, surely!