Don't Write for Money

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Why You Should Keep Writing—Even If You Never Make a Living from It

Okay, friends, we need to talk about something that gets me a little riled up whenever I see other writers—especially self-published authors—saying it.

I was reminded of it while reading Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott.
Here’s the quote that triggered this particular discussion:

“My students do not want to hear this. They do not want to hear that most of them probably won’t get published and that even fewer will make enough to live on. But their fantasy of what it means to be published has very little to do with reality.”

Oof. That’s a tough one to hear, right? For writers with dreams of getting published and possibly even making a living from their books, this hurts. But here’s the thing: it’s true.

And yet, I see writers quitting just because they’re not selling enough books or making a full-time income. That frustrates me. Let’s talk about why.

Publishing Is Easier Than Ever—But Sales Are a Different Story

Lamott’s quote refers to the challenge of traditional publishing—getting your work accepted by a publisher or literary agent. But the world of publishing has changed! Right now, you can publish your book anytime you want through self-publishing. That’s amazing.

But here’s the part that isn’t so easy: getting people to buy your book, making consistent sales, and earning a full-time income from writing.

I see so many self-published authors say things like:

  • “Nobody is buying my book, so what’s the point?”
  • “I’ll never make a living from this—I might as well quit.”

I get it. It’s discouraging when your book doesn’t sell as well as you hoped. But quitting entirely because of that? That’s where I struggle.

Writing Has Value Beyond Money and Sales

If you’re writing only for sales, only for a book deal, only to make a living… I hope that’s not your only reason for writing. Because, statistically speaking, writing full-time and making a sustainable income from books alone is rare—even for traditionally published authors.

There has to be something more to it for you. Otherwise, you’re tying your creative happiness to an outcome you can’t fully control.

Think of it this way:

  • You wouldn’t give up hiking just because you’re not a professional hiker.
  • You wouldn’t stop playing music just because you’re not selling out concerts.
  • You wouldn’t quit painting just because you’re not featured in a major gallery.

So why would you quit writing just because it hasn’t made you rich or famous?

Writing has value beyond money. It’s about expression, creativity, connection, and contribution. If you’re passionate about writing, giving up simply because of book sales is like deciding to never go outside again because you can’t fly.

Yes, it’s frustrating to realize writing might not pay your bills. But does that mean your words don’t matter? Of course not.

Yes, You Can Get Frustrated. But Keep Writing Anyway.

Let’s be real—if you dream of making a living as a writer, it’s okay to feel frustrated when it doesn’t happen. Wishing things were easier, wanting more success—those are completely normal feelings.

But frustration shouldn’t lead to quitting.

Get mad, get a little bitter if you need to, vent about it to your friends, then move on and keep writing. Because here’s the biggest truth:

If you’re a writer, you’ll keep writing—no matter what.

Your creativity isn’t tied to an Amazon ranking. Your passion for storytelling isn’t dependent on a royalty check. If writing truly matters to you, you’ll keep doing it because you have to, not just because you want to.

Don’t Give Up on Writing Because of Sales

It’s heartbreaking to see talented writers give up just because they aren’t making money from their work. The reality is, most traditionally published authors don’t make a full-time income from books alone. Even those who land publishing deals often still have day jobs or side gigs.

So if you’re chasing publication only for financial security, take a hard look at why you write. If money is your sole motivation, writing might not be the best way to achieve that. And that’s okay! You can still write because you love it.

Instead of viewing publication as the only success metric, consider other wins:

  • Finishing a book.
  • Seeing someone—even just one person—connect with your words.
  • The simple joy of creating something meaningful.

Those things matter just as much, if not more, than book sales.

Final Thoughts: Keep Writing for the Right Reasons

I know this might sound negative, but honestly? It’s meant to be encouraging. You don’t have to wait for financial validation to be a “real” writer. You already are one.

Writing is about more than selling books. It’s about storytelling, creativity, and the impact of your words—even if that impact is felt by just a few people (or even just yourself).

So don’t quit just because it’s hard to make a living from writing. Write because you love it. Write because you have stories that need to be told. Write because it means something to you.

The book sales may come—or they may not. But your words, your passion, your creativity? That’s what really matters.

What Do You Think?

Have you ever struggled with this mindset? Have you ever wanted to give up on writing because of low sales or financial concerns? Let’s talk about it! Drop a comment and let me know your thoughts.

Thanks for reading, and keep writing—because the world needs your stories!

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