Just one opinion.

I found this article today:

https://katemckean.substack.com/p/behind-the-publishing-curtain

I disagree. 

I'm going to call it "inapplicable"; I already knew what it's like. Normalcy doesn't apply.

I'm a realist, I suppose. I also look head on at multiple physical instabilities. My case isn't a classic position, by any means. The odds are far different from any "average".

Usually, I only bet on sure things—unless it's a donation disguised as a gamble. That includes things from health to horses. Hand grenades are definitely canted odds, for the record.

Writing as a hobby—with no expectation of what might be termed as success—doesn't mean one should be less than professional in the creation. If anything, one should attempt more professionalism, lest what we do gets taken as lacking in value.

Writing for profit (money, prestige, whatever—value is value) is different. In that, you're bound to pleasing the most buyers possible. In that, the art itself can be distorted.

It comes down to callouses and opinions. Where are your callouses, and what are your opinions? Wearing both well is at the roots of professionalism, in my opinion.

Don't love it? Don't do it. The readers will know. You'll be a slave. Love it, and you're free. 

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Image: Concept covers for works in progress. Unpublished to date. 

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