Why Do You Keep Writing?

Every now and again my wife will ask me, "Why do you keep writing?" or "Why don't you just give up?"

Short answer: There's always the slim chance--though slimmer all the time--that someone might actual purchase one of my books. I might actually make some money from writing words some day.

Last week I read that the average "writer" in America makes less than $20,000 in a year. I was surprised it was this high. I've never made that in a year from writing, not even close. But there are people out there who make millions (some, even, tens of millions a year) so that must bring that average up to that $20,000 a year figure.

So, I always answer in the same fashion. "I'm writing for the money, baby." I'm still holding out the hope that someone, other than my relatives (and the people I bribe) might buy one of my books at the bookstore. And if they do, I'll get a royalty. Something like 75 cents a book. Heck, I'm going to buy another cup of coffee right now!