I think we're mostly on the same page ... although I was a bit confused when you said:
Quote:
Originally Posted by DMcCunney
I don't think it's quite a case of reading being on the decline.
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... and then explained why reading is on the decline, especially with the younger generations.
For what it's worth, I agree with you, children are learning that reading is a chore you do for school while TV is fun and a reward if you do your homework.
I've always read for enjoyment, and I don't own a TV.
Quote:
Originally Posted by DMcCunney
I think first, you must simply want to do it, whether or not you get recompensed. The act of writing must be its own reward. Whether or not you can get paid for it may determine how much time you can put into it, but not whether you do it at all.
(The late Isaac Asimov once recounted his first wife's displeasure when he took a typewriter along on vacation. She never seemed to understand that he had to write, and wasn't happy if he didn't do it every day.)
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Certainly this is true, and it's the advice I give to anyone who asks me about writing a novel. I definitely wrote my novels for myself, because I wanted to, had to get those words out. Once I did, I wanted to share them with people, and I did, with a relatively small circle of friends and random sales here and there. Recently, I've been incredibly excited to share my work with thousands of readers (and receive priceless comments and thanks from some of those readers), and that wouldn't be possible without e-books.
Now, I am daring to dream of perhaps, maybe, if I work really hard and write more novels and continue to hone my craft and promote like mad and maybe catch a break, maybe I can make a living (not get rich or even make 1/4 what I made at my old career, but maybe pay for rent and groceries) at it ... with the goal being to write MORE, instead of going back to a career that held no meaning for me.