Whenever I tell someone that I am writing a novel, three things tend to happen. Firstly, the other person tends to start treating me with a bit of awe. This is because, as I have come to realize, many people have actually not had the opportunity to deal with a novel writer in person before. Secondly, the other person will tend to start asking me questions about the novel – in spite of my repetition of the fact that the novel is still a work in progress. And thirdly, the other person will tend to pose the question as to why I have chosen to write a novel.
I find the third aspect of my interactions with ‘fans’ to be particularly interesting – that is, the aspect where I am asked about my motivations for writing a novel. I find it interesting because, perhaps surprisingly to some people, it is actually not something I have given much (conscious) thought to. The way I view it, I have been an ardent reader of other people’s novels for practically all my adult life – and it was bound to be just a matter of time before I thought of writing my own novel at some point. It is a matter of natural progression.
Thus, contrary to what some people imagine, I have not embarked on this project with the hope of winning a Nobel prize for literature, or a Pulitzer award or something along those lines. Neither have I embarked on this project with the hope of earning a fortune from book sales. I am very well aware of the fact that the chances of becoming rich through book sales are just as high as the chances of becoming wealthy through the fortnightly paychecks received through the Securitasepay system. In other words, the chances are slim. Thus, I am well in touch with the harsh realities. As a matter of fact, it is due to my appreciation of the harsh reality that I have made the choice to go against the grain, and embrace the online publication for my novel.
In a nutshell, I can say that I have decided to write a novel, in order to make my humble contribution to the body of literary wealth that exists in the world. I don’t expect my novel to be outstanding. I don’t expect to earn a Nobel or a Pulitzer award out of it. I also don’t expect to earn a fortune out of it. But if just one person gets to read the story and enjoys it, that will be my biggest reward for the effort.