Are you writing for publication?

Hello!

I write because I enjoy it, and because people who read my work seem to enjoy it. I don't write because I must, although I miss it and feel antsy when I don't indulge. It's like...chocolate.

Of course I write for publication. I make my living writing (technical writing), and have had non-fiction articles, short stories, and poems published (mostly for pay). Two things make me feel that my writing is valued: reader feedback, and cash. I value the ability to use words to educate, to entertain, to inform, to touch, to provoke, to communicate the thoughts in my head and achieve a meeting of the minds.

I'm lazy about submitting my work for publication. Most of my published, freelance writing was done on assignment, for editors who knew me and had read my work. They know I can write well and meet deadlines. I don't like having to "sell myself," and the thought of throwing my work over the transom at someone who's probably groaning and thinking "Oh, lovely, another one for the slush pile..." just depresses me. I've got to get over it somehow. Or not. I'd love to publish a bestselling novel. Of course I'd have to write one first. And afterwards, I'd have to do publicity and try to help sell it. Bleh. Yeah, I have a mental block. I need to get over it.