A New and Unexpected Pet Peeve

I'm probably going to sound like a total snob when I say this, but I'm hoping that as I explain, you'll all come to understand.

So, there's this guy at school who has published a novel. He's in a few of my classes, not a bad guy by any means. Except that he likes Twilight so... we have very different tastes in literature. 

I walked into my Methods class early today. I'd been in a meeting with a professor and didn't see the point in going to find my friends only to walk back down to the first floor ten minutes later. My knee has been acting up, so sue me. Anyway, this guy was there writing away and a group of three other students, one I knew, were sitting closer to the door. They were chatting back and forth as I did my thing until finally, Writer Dude starts peddling his wares. All of a sudden, the three are talking to me asking me if I know who this guy is, if I'm aware that he's been published, so on and so forth. 

While it was lovely to see that they supported him, I was tired, I had a headache and I wasn't aware that I was participating in their conversation. And because I know very little about him and have no interest in knowing more, I simply replied that I did know him and that I too am a published author. I wasn't snotty or rude, just matter of fact. They didn't talk to me after that. Writer Dude however was not to be dissuaded. Because I'd only said no three times before, he asked me again if I'd like to buy his book. I politely declined. I honest do not carry cash unless I've planned something for the day so I truly didn't have 12$. On top of which, I don't like vampires. Rather than telling him all of this, I just told him that I noticed he wasn't properly equipped to accept debit. Nope, that wasn't good enough. He told me he's been known to trade his novel for 12$ worth of various items. I was starting to get annoyed and it also kind of bothered me on a personal level. Again I said no because I don't have crap that I want to trade for a novel. My computer is worth over 1200 $... not quite the same. (Random side note, it reminded me of this scene from Family Guy)

I was bothered because I write because I love it. I love my characters, I love my stories and I agonize over finding the right words to bring them to life. I work hard at my writing and it's something I'm proud of. I practice daily, I read whenever and whatever I can. I put a lot of time and effort into what I do. It's not a hobby or a way to make money to me. It's love. (Corntastic, I'm aware.) It bugged the crap out of me that he was devaluing his work like that. Yeah, sure, if you're starving and living in the street and some dude offers to trade you some food for a novel, I get that. But to trade it for random crap? No, I don't think the money is what gives the work value. Money is something that people work hard for. If they're willing to give you some of their money aka some of their hard work in exchange for some of yours, that is valuable. Giving away something you love for things people are willing to throw away just so you'll stop talking? Not really a fair transaction. Not in my mind at least. I want recognition for my hard work and effort. I don't think that's a bad thing. 

I know he may not feel the same way about his writing as I do. I know that I'm not really in a position to judge. The thing is, I feel like everyone is just trying to "get famous" or make the easy money. How many people sing on youtube trying to get discovered Justin Bieber style? I feel like everyone is so ready to sell themselves short just to make that fast money and that's all that matters. Do people not care about their work anymore? About their passion? What about pride and self-respect? Last time I checked these were all good things... 

Work at what you love and money will come. If you love what you do, you'll excel at what you do and your excellence will be recognized. Yup, I'm an idealist. Vive la revolution! 

Lauren.