Would You Rather
I know, I know, the “Would You Rather”s tend to belong squarely in Bart’s camp and generally I get mega-stressed out when he asks me “Would You Rather” questions. I think he probably views this as one of my greatest shortcomings as a wife. Moving on. . .
Kayla (she has a new blog. . .check it out) and I were talking about books the other day and I mentioned some books that we were written under a pen name and she commented that if she were ever to write a book, it’d be under a fake name, since she’d be too embarrassed to write under her real name.
Both of us, almost simultaneously, said “Stephenie Meyer!”
Which leads me to wonder – if I could choose to be one kind of author, would I rather be the kind that is generally labeled as a lousy writer, but makes a ridiculous amount of money on both books and subsequent movie deals (Stephenie Meyer, Nicholas Sparks, etc) or someone considered to be a brilliant writer, but whose books never really take off in the public marketplace and didn’t make much money?
On the one hand. . . I certainly like money.
On the other hand, I do not care to be the poster child of the downfall of American literature either.
What would you choose?
Easy peazy. I'd entertain and make millions. Then, if I really aspired to be a brilliant writer, I'd have all the time in the world to practice.
I'm shocked that people think Stephanie Meyer is good because people are reading her books, like people reading is an ultimate goal. When it's trash, it's not a good thing to be reading.
I'd choose to be an amazing writer.
If I could write books that were both crazy best-sellers and enjoyable to write, I'd choose the money. And then once I got mega rich, I'd write the good stuff.
Hence the need for a pen name for the cruddy stuff…
I'd rather be a good writer that a few people loved than deface the name of literature. I predict in 200 years (if the world hasn't blown itself up by then) people will mock/have no recollectoin of Ms. Meyer, and I'd rather be remembered and have a lasting affect on readers.
Besides, if you are published at all there is some money that comes with it, right?
xox
I really do think I'd go for writing GOOD books.
But.
Is it too much to ask? That the GOOD writers get handomely wealthy, too? It doesn't have to be obscenely, bloody wealthy. Just enough to enjoy your life by way of your writing.
Where can I choose that???
ps. I think that if you asked her, Stephenie Meyer would probably say that she stayed true to her artistic vision. The fact that she managed to make gajillions of bucks with her vision? Well, it says as much about society as it does about her. While I have severe anti-Twilight sentiments, I still have to hand it to her for finding financial success doing something she loves.
I just don't share the same literary vision as she does.
Hmmm….can't I be both? I'd love to be the next J.K. Rowling but seeing as to how that won't happen, I think I'd rather be known for being a wonderful writer than a sell out or someone that just writes pure crap.
Hi Janssen! I am one of your friends on goodreads and I found your review of a Sarah Dessen novel (I am totally in love with her now!) and then realized you had a blog!! How fun! Anyway, I have only looked around a bit but I did add you and will follow up!
Looks delightful! Cute pictures and I loved your list. I saw myself in quite a bit of that list!
Take Care!
PS. Actually it's funny I am replying under this post you have… I use a pen name for everything!! hahaha! aka This one! The real name is Courtney 😀
You forgot Richard Evans. I don't think I'd ever want my name associated with mediocre anything, so I'm going to choose to join the list of those who write well, have high principles, and can capture an audience too. The story of Mephistopholese (sp?) has always quivered me. Oh, and I don't ever want people in my life to ever be ashamed of me either. I keep wondering what the New York Regional Singles Halloween Dance's grandmother would say. How would she ever hold up her head in the beauty parlor ever again??? And Stephanie–oh my. Please tell me she doesn't wear BYU T-shirts to her booksignings…
I don't know about writing under my real name…more because I dislike my last name than because I wouldn't want to be associated with my writing. But I'd rather be loved by millions than only appreciated by a few. Say what you will about Stephenie Meyer (and personally, I ahve nothing but praise for her and her books), knowing she's created something so many people go absolutely crazy for has to be a good feeling!