<p>To me, the appeal of writing was that you could do it anytime and anywhere. With other artistic pursuits such as, say, acting or singing, you really couldn't do it part-time. Those pursuits are very regimental and dependent on other people. However, writers can write whenever they please and it is an independent endeavour.</p>
<p>So I am confused as to why many would-be writers go into such unlucrative and cut-throat industries such as publishing. Many great writers had flourishing careers in other fields (i.e. Anton Chekhov was a very respected doctor), so why put all your eggs into a flimsy and frayed basket? Is it because of a lack of options and they don't have the aptitude for anything else? I don't think so, as good writers would probably make good businesspeople, lawyers, and any other profession that is much more stable than publishing.</p>
<p>For you, happiness is a stable career that brings home enough money to live a very comfortable lifestyle, no matter if it is truly what you want to do or not.</p>
<p>For them, happiness is doing something that they truly love to do, with no concern for what kind of house they live in.</p>
<p>Since we only get one chance at life, who is the crazy group again?</p>
<p>Being in the publishing industry and being a writer are two completely different things. There are people who actually look at the publishing industry as an end as opposed to a means?</p>
<p>Tangent, but Conan Doyle was a doctor, too. He came up with Sherlock Holmes because he never had any patients and got bored.</p>
<p>Anyways, I agree with you. I want to go into publishing (or journalism) not as a writer but as an editor not because I’m a failed writer in the first place but because I feel like my skills are more suited to editing and would be better utilized helping others and their work rather than writing my own. Does that make sense?</p>
<p>I would like to know this too. I made my last post on the assumption that you meant becoming a writer, although using Chekhov as an example makes me think that you did mean writing…</p>
<p>You make it seem like anyone who wants to write is automatically going to be the next Hemingway or even John Grisham.</p>
<p>Besides, its not only about the talent anyway, you need to create a name for yourself, you need to get a credible sponsor / publisher to back you, etc. etc.</p>
<p>It’s like asking the question, “why do wannabe finance people always go into banking? why don’t they just start their own firm?”</p>
<p>So does working at the New Yorker help you get in the New Yorker? Don’t most people in the publishing industry end up as glorified secretaries (i.e. “The Devil Wears Prada”)?</p>