Ask David Conway discussion

Hi, David! As an author, I'm interested to know what motivates you to write, and has this motivation changed at all since you actually started the process?

Hi Margaret,

Thanks for your question, it’s a good one!

I write because I have to, I can’t imagine not writing. Writing, when it goes well, gives me a level of satisfaction that I’ve never found in anything else, it is a profoundly absorbing and rewarding activity. From the earliest age, as soon as I knew what books were, I wanted to write them.

That’s not to say I don’t have to be disciplined about it, like most writers, I have to set aside a minimum period of time every day. Also, like most writers, there can be difficult days when progress is slow or the ideas don’t seem to come. I refuse to use the word ‘blocked’ because I think it can be a self-fulfilling prophecy, I just hang in there until something happens.

My motivation has not changed since I started the process, writing now is an essential part of my life and I’ll go on doing it for as long as I’m able to. I just read a wonderful book by Len Deighton who’s 84 and still writing brilliant books!

This isn’t true of all writers. Ian Fleming hated the process of writing, and was always threatening to kill off James Bond so that he wouldn’t have to go on doing it!
Cruel Sister

Do you ever take an extended break from writing, and if so, do you find it helpful?

Hi Margaret,

Good question!

I saw an interview with Martin Amis recently, and he says it’s best to stay away from writing for long periods of time.

I try to write one book per year, and I don’t think I’d want to stay away from writing for longer than that.

Do breaks from writing improve a writer? I doubt it, I can’t think of any other profession where you get better by not practising.

Best wishes,

David Conway
Cruel Sister

Hi

If you don't mind me chipping in . . .

I agree no one improves by not practicing, but for myself I'm sure that it's the periods when I'm kept from thinking in detail about my current work in progress that add depth to my characters. I surprise myself most when I've been away from it for a while.

Interesting point. Some of the greatest books have taken years to complete.

I don't know what I'd do with myself if I took an extended break from writing. It's hard enough just to force myself to take Saturday's off so my brain can recharge. As for motivation, well I write because I have to. I need to. Money would be nice, but there are easier ways to get rich.

I agree with Kyra. Very few writers make enough money from writing to live, so it's rarely their motive. Most of us write because we don't know how to stop.