I used to write for living, and, as my editor said, had fire in my eyes. One week of covering a festival, I was coming home at 3-4 in the morning, leaving before 8, and still had enought energy to enjoy every bit of the process, and it showed in my work. So to say, abilities+love=success. On the other hand, I was told many times I'd make a good nurse. I have great respect and gratitude for medical professions, but it's not exactly my cup of tea. But I still try to be good at it. No, I try to be excellent at it. Abilities+"okayness"=possibility of success? So I was wondering: can you make yourself like something and become good at it? Can you artificially become happy? 

Writing-wise, I heard about people trying to fit the trend or changing their venues when their niche becomes unpopular. I think that if you force a book, it'll show. But then, is it wise to write for the market that is obviously dried out?

What do you think? Do you have a profession that you absolutely love? Or do you have a profession and try to love it? And how do you do it? Do you stay in your comfortable zone and hone your skills? Or do you like to try new ventures?

P.S. I'm so happy to report that granny started walking, though very little and very slow. She's a trooper, and that's one of many things I love about her. So, you see, all your good wishes helped! I still had to spend days in the hospital with another family member, but the good thing (yep, I'm trying to find good things even about being in a hospital) the food in my guest tray was amazing. Veggie omelette and salmon better than in a restaurant. Who'd think? 

I'm glad your grandmother has started to walk again - that's most of the battle won!

It's better to do something you enjoy, then it doesn't feel like work, but even if you are doing something you like, it may be a drag if you're doing it with the wrong kind of people

Olga, glad your granny is doing better. As far as loving what you do..I do love to write most of the time..when I'm excited about my characters. It's in my nature to want to do things well, and after, say a best review, you question if you are or not. Funny, I was going to go to nursing school, hubby talked me out of it.:-?

Of course, I meant bad review...I'm going back to bed.:o

Claire, thanks, sweetie! And I know what you mean about people. The great thing about the job I loved was also that all people I've worked with there were absolutely amazing.

Jerri, don't let a bad review put you down! You're a great writer, and we both know that!

Doing what you want/love is so important! What's the point if you're not happy, but happiness means different things to different people. I have lots of things I want to do, but not the time/money/wherewithal to make them all happen (at the moment). Thus I live vicariously through my characters. It's the next best thing!

I'm glad to hear your Gran is better. That's awesome news. :)

Nice pages here. Great information. Will visit again and recommend.

Such great news about your Gran. Hope she continues on the upswing! I've actually been thinking about this lately, the difference between happiness and contentment. I can be content in a job I don't love, and do it to the best of my ability. In the past I've taken jobs I knew I wouldn't love to strech my abilities (especially on the social side). I'm content in my current day job...or I was until I finally got into the classroom and started teaching. Now? Not as content as I used to be, since the teaching surpasses that and goes into happiness. Sometimes you don't know you aren't happy until something happens to show you the difference?

Meretta, I hear you! And happiness is actually a very tricky thing, and I guess we all have our own measures/ideas about it!

Rogers, thanks for visiting and the compliments, and I'll definitely visit you, too!

Marty, I loved it, especially the last sentence: "Sometimes you don't know you aren't happy until something happens to show you the difference". I think in the same way, sometimes you don't know how happy you were until you lose it."

Great news about your grams!
I couldn't do something where I'm not happy. Did that for years and its too stressful and unhealthy for me.

Lis, thanks for input! I'm sorry you had to do something that was stressful for you. I hope you're much happier now!

There are parts of my job I love - finding the right book for someone, working with the books themselves; but other parts I hate. I tend to stay in the comfort zone, but that will be changing soon.

You're right - a "forced" book shows. You need to at least have some emotional connection with the story in order to do it justice.

Good news about your granny!

Ooh, good post.

I'm of two minds (I'm a Gemini, it's allowed). To be honest, the book I signed with the agent is not the proverbial book of my heart. I like it, don't get me wrong, but my "writing soul" isn't in it. I think sometimes it is easier to write a book well if you aren't clouded by your emotions. When you don't have your heart on the line, it takes some of the pressure off. My heart is in historicals, but you can't count the number of historicals I've completed on one hand, even if your had was missing all your fingers except for your thumb.

I've never had a day job I've loved. I didn't have any I despised, either, but I could easily walk away without feeling any angst.

Bailey, I hope you'll get to do more parts of your job you love and less of other ones. You do deserve lots of happiness in your life. And thanks for the good words!

Rene, thanks for the compliment! It's a very interesting opinion. "It is easier to write a book well if you aren't clouded by your emotions." As much as I like to be in love with the book and characters, I see your point. I think it's important to be objective and see what you're doing right and wrong in the book. Rene, thanks for your input!

Hi Olga!

So sorry its been so long since I've been here but thank you for keeping me company on the SoapBox.

Very glad to hear that your Granny is doing good! I'll be praying for 110% recovery. And I am completely with you on the hospital food. My sis was in the hospital a couple yrs ago and I still get a craving for their Caesar salads. Yum!

Writing is definitely in my soul but I'm currently going to school for Web Desgin, which proves just as fun/frustrating as writing itself. But both feel soooo good when you complete it!

Hi, Kat! Glad to see you here again! And it's awesome to study something that you truly love! I hope there'll be more fun and less frustration for you in future!

This actually fits with my current dilemma - write for a series that will likely be a success, or write what I want?

Good news about your granny!

I think you can be great at something even if you don't love it, but if you're not happy with something I think it's time for a change. I still love RS, so I'm going to be writing it as well as YA. We'll see what happens!

Too funny about the food! Good to hear though - and I'm so happy to hear the news about your granny!!!!

I think, we can find a middle in life on things we like, love and can be good at. I love my kids but their hard work - I keep trying, but... I think if most of us were truthful that is a perfect example of something we 'work' at. A love slash learning to love job. :) So finding middle ground to me isn't necessarily a bad thing. :)

Cole

Mary, I understand your dilemma. I know how it's going to sound, but is there a chance you can write for both? Whatever you choose, best of luck!

Kelly, that's a great answer, and I'm sure you'll sell RS again!

Cole, with three boys I can't imagine how you manage! Yes, I think it's a great example of love slash learning to love. And I'm pretty sure you make one great mother!

Glad to hear Granny is doing better! I love my day job. Studied for something different, but ended up doing something I love. As for writing, a few years ago when everyone said regency was out, a pupped writer in our group told another writer who was pupped with regencies only that she shouldn't necessarily change everything, that things came and went that regencies would come back. The secret was to write something regency that was fresh. And low and behold, the last RWR listed quite a few of people looking for regencies... So I think stick to the sort you enjoy. But make it good and make it fresh!

April, that's so awesome that you have the job you love! And it's interesting about the regencies. I heard that historicals are not in right now, and look, Michelle just sold not 1 but 3 historicals! Yes, I guess the secret is to keep with the market but still write something that you love.