Is Hack Good Enough For You?

[NOIRTRASH]

I'm okay with being a hack writer.

I understand a hack writer is a writer who colors within his lines with every effort, and doesn't try and change hearts and minds. The hack writer isn't on a mission from her god. Writing is like selling pussy or insurance or whatever.

To this end I have in mind a series of books about a cop involved with a crime mobster, involved with a slimy politician, involved with immoral clergy, charity thieves, etc.

 

[lovecraft68]

I'm fine with it for a lot of stuff here. I'm writing kink and smut and have no desire to act like I'm serving some higher purpose or yap about how 'literary' I am.

For stuff I write off lit and a handful of stories here I have a more serious approach, but even then, I write what I like how I like it and don't have the need to have people fawn over me and I'm fine with people telling me I suck.

 

[NOIRTRASH]

I'm now using relevant quotes from literature. Like this jewel from Casanova...WOMEN ONLY KNOW ONE FORM OF GRATITUDE.

 

[Nathan_Brazil]

There is absolutely no shame in being a hack.

Many 'famous' authors are hacks.

 

[SamScribble]

I'm okay with being a hack writer.

I understand a hack writer is a writer who colors within his lines with every effort, and doesn't try and change hearts and minds. The hack writer isn't on a mission from her god. Writing is like selling pussy or insurance or whatever.

To this end I have in mind a series of books about a cop involved with a crime mobster, involved with a slimy politician, involved with immoral clergy, charity thieves, etc.

Here you go, James. Nothing wrong with hackery as far as I am concerned.

http://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2009/aug/13/hack-writers

 

[legerdemer]

"I aspire to the hackery of Pratchett, Gaiman and Leonard, and I think every writer working today should do the same. There's nothing wrong with being prolific, inventive, writing for a populist mass-market readership and nursing a glimmer of hope that someone might bung you a few quid for it. If it's good enough for Pratchett, then it's certainly good enough for me. Say it out loud, be a hack and be proud." - from David Barnett's article.


I'd love to work up to being a hack in this sense. Alas, I don't have the time or the speed or the talent. And have a day- job that competes too much for my liking or my aspirations.

 

[NOIRTRASH]

"I aspire to the hackery of Pratchett, Gaiman and Leonard, and I think every writer working today should do the same. There's nothing wrong with being prolific, inventive, writing for a populist mass-market readership and nursing a glimmer of hope that someone might bung you a few quid for it. If it's good enough for Pratchett, then it's certainly good enough for me. Say it out loud, be a hack and be proud." - from David Barnett's article.


I'd love to work up to being a hack in this sense. Alas, I don't have the time or the speed or the talent. And have a day- job that competes too much for my liking or my aspirations.

I've been to social events where the expensive fare reminded me of meatloaf, grass clippings, and baked potato-something. 13 years ago it cost $100 a plate, and wasn't as tasty as McDonalds. Expensive coffee is lost on me. I read whats fun to read and interesting. And the Brooks Brothers suit I hadda get for a wedding 10 years ago, hangs in the closet, worn once.