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*settles down on heap of treasure* *moves because it’s terribly uncomfortable to rest on*

So, I do think there is a difference between something like the editing @briannastorm does and writing. At least how I view it, editing is more of something anyone would sit down and do the same way. Well, I say anyone. I couldn’t do it, and people who can edit have my greatest respect. Still, it’s more technical skill than anything else, such as when I formatted books for people–some of them works I’d never read, let alone write.

And most technical skill, unless it’s applied to one’s own work, is used to earn money. Now as Christians, there are some standards that could be set even with technical skill. One wouldn’t want to edit a book filled with sensuality and swearing. Or create a cover for something like that. Formatting is a little looser perhaps since a formatter’s name isn’t really coupled with a book and since one isn’t really reading or representing a book with their work. I never did enough of that to figure out where I stood on the topic. *coughs* I’m rambling. But that aspect of writing I wouldn’t consider so much a conflict between mission and money simply because it’s something people need help with and pay to get that help. It would be more of a ‘job’, like graphic design or creating websites (though those who do editing might feel completely different about it so let me know if I’m horribly wrong about this).

As to writing in general… Writing solely for money would, I think, undercut the good a Christian author could do.

And that’s a good point, @Karthmin, about not having a first work be something written just for money/entertainment. Obviously, that’s not the first kind of exposure one wants to have. Not to mention, once authors tend to get into ‘grooves’ and connect with readers, they tend to write in a similar strain because that is what’s expected and what sells for them. So building a brand is definitely something to take into consideration as well (speaking of branding, I did love Endbringer. I… may have seen it on our trello boards and accidentally read the whole thing).

Moving on. I agree that in theory, writing for money isn’t morally wrong. But it’s also not as satisfying as writing for one’s self. I’m not sure the actual idea of writing for money would go against why I write–I’d not reject it out of hand because of that, at least. I would, however, consider the whole opportunity in light of my vision of writing as a whole, both short-term and long-term plans.

My main end and passion in writing is to show there is so much more than what we can see. Hope in darkness. Victory in sorrow. It’s a theme that weaves through my mind as I write all my stories. Even if it’s not brought out in an overt manner it’s still part of the subtext.

So if I got an opportunity to write for money, I would consider it in terms of my overall vision and purpose of writing. Is there a way the theme of hope would run through the story and maybe reach people I couldn’t reach before? Would the exposure help people see other works of mine, which could then inspire them? Would the money or exposure help me forward greater projects than I could do with my current audience/budget? And, most importantly, what is the cost in time? Is it something that would push aside works I might deem as more important and keep me from what I really felt called to do, or would it be a quicker project that would fit alongside the rest?

Basically, to sum up, I think writing for money can be valid. But I think the fact that one is getting paid is only one of a number of factors that would need to be considered before plunging into it. It might make something worthwhile that wasn’t considered before, but it would need to be weighed and thought about first. And when it comes to making money and earning a living, I think the role of writing needs to be taken into consideration way at the beginning (like you mentioned, Karthmin). Because what importance one places on making money when it comes to writing will also greatly impact how they treat the idea of writing just to earn it.

Which also brings up another topic. Least, it’s kinda related. But what about stories that are just for fun? Maybe scenes or snippets of legends that will never make it into a book. Basically the things one writes for fun, for themselves, and maybe for a few friends. Things that don’t have set themes, though your values and themes tend to be part of them to some degree. What place do these have in ‘taking up’ a writer’s time and/or sharing them with readers in general?