What compels one to become a writer, to pick up the pen—computer—to subject himself/herself to the torment, disappointments, neuroses of such a venture? You think it’s easy. You believe that you can write a better novel than the one you’re reading. You think you have a thick skin.

As an author of eight novels and five screenplays, I’m here to tell you, writing is not easy, and it doesn’t get any easier. Some days, the words don’t come, life interferes during creative moments, ideas stagnate. You wonder why you ever wanted to do it or even thought you could do it. You question whether you actually do have a talent for writing, if your work really stacks up. And no matter how thick you think your skin, it’s never thick enough for negative reviews on a novel or lack of interest in a screenplay you put your blood, sweat, and tears into.

The best thing to do is to take heart from the positive reviews, keep working, and remind yourself that writing is subjective. You’re not going to please everyone. The problem might be something as simple as the reader not being able to relate to the story due to a dislike for the character’s name. On a personal note, I saw my book Destiny’s Shadow, which was set against the backdrop of the Civil War, decrease in sales and go from four-and five-star ratings to two and three stars with the current political division in this country. I can’t think that was coincidental.

If, on the other hand, reviews are consistently negative, don’t get discouraged and quit. Consider hiring a professional editor, which can cost up to $3000. If you don’t have the funds—most writers don’t— join a writers group or association where members critique each other’s work. The more you write, the better you get. When I compare my earlier works to my later works, I see a big difference.

Completing a book or screenplay is just the first step. The elephant in the room is promotion. Your book is one among millions, your screenplay one among thousands, a daunting reality right out of the gate. I’m always amazed and grateful when readers find my books. Whether you’re an indie novelist or published by a traditional publisher, promotion is the writer’s responsibility and nightmare. It costs money—I know many novelists who have fallen into that money pit with little or no return. And promotion costs writers their most valued commodity, time—lots of it. Screenplays are a different matter for another blog.

So why write? The money? With the few dollars a writer makes on royalties, he/she has to sell a boatload of books or screenplays, particularly if one has a financial agreement with an agent and/or a promotion team. My experience and research have found that promotion teams can’t guarantee enough sales to pay their fees, so don’t quit your day job.

Again, you ask, then why write? The simple answer—for the love of it. I love the research, the freedom to explore diverse themes, cultures, and perspectives. I love the creativity involved in constructing stories, in crafting characters with just words. When this world becomes too much, I have another world to escape into, one in which I am the wizard behind the green curtain, where possibilities are endless, where characters can defy societal norms, where plots can twist and turn in unexpected ways limited only by my imagination—and where I determine the ending.

Beyond providing an outlet for creativity, writing can be a powerful form of self-expression and a catharsis. To quote Jane Austen, “In one’s darkest moments, it is often the written word that offers solace and understanding.” To carry it a step further, writers can articulate ideas, thoughts, and feelings they may not be able to convey in everyday life through their characters. When I view my books through an objective lens, I’m always surprised to see how much of myself I’ve unconsciously imbued in my characters.

Last but not least, writing can mean community and support for those who engage in workshops, reading groups, or literary festivals, thus enhancing creativity and self-confidence in an otherwise solitary art.

Are you a writer?