Is it hard to become an established writer like yourself?

sarahreesbrennan:

lbardugo-deactivated20210617:

Hmmm, this is the second ask I’ve gotten with the term “established” so I had to think on what that word actually means. 

Most writers I know do not get to write full-time for a living. Those that do have to be pretty smart about their projects and their time because we have basically zero job security—you never know how a book will sell or how much marketing it may get. I’m one of the lucky ones. I get to write full time. I get to tour. I get invited to festivals. So I’m going to call that “established.” 

Here’s the thing: I’m very proud of my books, but there are a lot of good books and great writers our there who never get the attention they deserve. I don’t work any harder than they do and that’s the cruel part of this business. 

The challenge of creating art is to continue doing it when no one cares, when there’s no guarantee of success, and no predictable outcome. But that’s also how we get great stories, so I hope you’ll fight that battle. 

Leigh rocked her tumblr Q&A generally, but I loved this answer about the challenge of creating art. It is a supreme act of egotism, to place your love for something imaginary before the world’s indifference. It is one of my favourite things to do.