There are things you want to write and things you have to write. Many authors write books not because they want to, but because they were hired to or they had a good idea that they knew would make some quick money. Many of these authors write to pay the bills, hoping that someday they’ll get the opportunity to write what they really want to whether it makes money or not. They leave that great passionate novel or trip through the Andes on the back burner until the time is right to dust it off and set it free. That’s not a bad thing, but at some point you have to take care of yourself and write what you want to. We all have to pay the rent after all, but when does writing transition from doing it for money to doing it for passion? I guess that all comes down to everyone’s situation, but my advice is to never give up on trading in one for the other.

I’ve written 7 non-fiction books, not all of which have made money, but I’ve come out ahead overall. However, I didn’t always come out ahead in my heart. I wrote several of those books to generate some cash flow instead of to satisfy a passion to write. Sure I liked the subjects, but I always wanted to trade in the non-fiction to tell a great story that moved people and finally I’m getting there. I’ll release one novel this year and another one next year. Besides giving me a little financial cushion to pursue what I really want to write, spending some time knocking out projects for money can build up a great resume and sharpen the writing skills. Eventually you’ll get to a place where you can write what you’re passionate about and that’s priceless.

Curmudgeonism: A Surly Man's Guide to Midlife