If the writings good enough, it will find an audience.

You'd think. You'd think having a skill is enough to succeed---you'd be inspiring, but wrong. Example? I wrote [url=https://www.fictionpress.com/s/3208956/1/Halo-Terranova]THIS[/url] a bit ago. It's good (modestly) but very few people are interested in reading a non-canon novel from that genre/fiction. And the company behind it blatantly ignored me XD I can write. I can write very well. But it DOES take time, and I love to write because I love to create and send people on adventures through storytelling. I've learned from experience not to throw as much energy and time into something no one wants. I'd write it anyway, but with less of a sense of urgency. Right now I'm working on three other projects, but knowing that this one has an audience allows me to prioritize. "If you build it, they will come..." sounds nice but doesn't work in my experience. [spoiler]Case and point, the Halo novel is written well. But you're probably not going to actually take the time to read a 99k word, 20 chapter novel. Quality doesn't matter as much as interest, unfortunately.[/spoiler]

Quick question. Do you only write fanfic? Not that I have an issue with fanfic, it's just that you're targeting a niche within a niche. I'd be interested to read something original of yours, even if it's only small. And you're right, an author should keep one eye on the market if they want to be successful, but I don't think writing by committee is a good idea. I wish you luck in the future. Writing was never a glamorous career, and the rewards are even smaller these days, but you can't stop doing something you love.

I REALLY can't stop. Haha that's the truth of it. Maybe, hidden this far into replies, I can admit that I just sort of look for a way to justify it. I feel silly writing, no matter how much I love it. It's just not something someone gets into to 'make it' in the world. All practical parts of me tell me to go learn to do something else (and I mean, I hold a pretty good job so maybe I should focus more on that). I've got plenty of original work! I'm just jaded and sort of assume that people will only give me a chance if there's a big name associated with what I've written. 99% of my work is original. [url=https://www.fictionpress.com/s/3208967/1/Book-1-Sovereign]This[/url] is a short and sloppy example. I just can't see any publisher paying attention to some no-name with no credentials at all, for a completely new series. Best bet seemed to be stepping in with something established to get some looks, then trying to get my own universes out there.

I know a couple of writers who have gone the self publishing route. I know 'self publishing' is seen as a bit of a dirty word to some writers, but they're making money and getting their name out there. I also have a friend who had several short stories published online before signing on with an epublisher who specialises in short stories. Again, while she's a long way from retiring, she makes a small amount of income from her writing and gets her name known. I'd say, if you love it, don't stop doing it. And, if it's in your blood, you won't be able to stop - even if you try.

Self publishing is a [i]very[/i] dirty term :). It's seen as sort of death knell to any attempt to make a career out of it---but stigma and fact don't line up very often. It's great to hear that you know people finding success with it. It's a little awkward sometimes to say that possible income from writing is a factor. You do it because you love it. But you can do it more if it isn't getting in the way of making a living (or, you know, helps in making a living). I doubt I'll ever make it HUGE. It'd just be nice to pick up a [i]little[/i] something, and most of all open doors so that I at least get a second look. Thanks so much for the encouragement, conversation, and curiosity. Your friends epublishing are lucky to have you around to keep them grounded and encourage them to move forward.