Thursday, June 23, 2011

Is art validated only if it sells?

On a blog I like to frequent, an author said something along the lines of... If no one buys my book then all the time I spent writing it was a waste.
Um...
A few weeks ago a friend said something like... You have to create to fulfill a need inside yourself. If it sells that's fine, but that isn't the bottom line.
Um...
So, what do you think? Why do you create? Is it for tangible or intangible reasons?

Update:  in a rejection letter a publisher took the time to write...
'Always remember that the business of publishing is apart from this ancient work of creating, and our decision to publish or not publish your manuscript should not be taken as a reflection or stand against the innate worthiness of creating through the craft of writing.'