This is a short e-book free from Jeff Goins's website. He argues that writers should not write for the sake of getting published or winning accolades. Rather the motivation for writing should be our compulsion to write--for self expression, pure enjoyment, or simply because we have something worth saying.Goins contends that the best (and most impactful) works of art happen when we aren't chasing success but are freed up to create for art's sake. Well maybe, the art-for-art's sake movement has also created its share of bad art. Still I do find Goins's call to arms inspiring. Short and sweet. He argues that a writer should not be motivated by accolades or a desire to be heard, but simply by a love of the craft. In fact, he argues that to write for any reason other than the love of the craft is to corrupt the craft. The paradox is that, as one is freed from a focus on the affections of others, he will actually write things that affect others. My take: to suggest that one ought not be motivated by a desire to be read and liked and admired is nonsense. And in fact, isn't this God's own motive in creation? He didn't just create for the love of creating. He created precisesly to be displayed as glorious and wise and good, etc. Does this mean that the creative process was tainted by God's motives? I think not. Creation was a means. But there was a much greater end. Goins' assertion is something akin to saying it's not about the destination but about the journey. What if it's about both? And what if the destination is more ultimate than the journey? Having said all this, I really like to read Jeff Goins. I think he's cool, and I'm really happy for all his success.
What do You think about The Writer's Manifesto (2000)?
Jeff Goins has this clear and strong way of phrasing the essentials. I love this.
—jayasharath
