My Elder Son Wants Me to Write that I Want Money

And that is actually the truth!

“Just be honest,” my elder son says, completely serious. “Tell people you want money.”

When I was staring at the blank screen, thinking what story should I write next.

And he’s absolutely right. I do want money. I need money. 

Who doesn't?

But being a writer comes with this unspoken rule that we’re supposed to survive on passion alone. As if words alone will cover rent, buy groceries, and pay for the coffee that keeps us functioning.

They don’t.

I love writing. But love doesn’t pay the bills. And if you’re a writer, you know exactly what I mean. 

How many times have you been told, “Can you write this for exposure?” or “Oh, you’re a writer? Must be a fun little hobby.” Fun? Sometimes. Hobby? Yes. Little? No.

Writers, especially those just starting out, hesitate to talk about money. The moment we say, “I want to be paid for my work,” there’s this weird guilt, like we’re betraying some creative code.

But if you were an electrician, a doctor, or even the guy who unclogs toilets, nobody would question why you’re asking for payment. So why do writers second-guess themselves?

Maybe it’s because the world loves the idea of the “starving artist.” Or because we’ve been told that real writers do it for the art, not the income. Or maybe we’ve been underpaid for so long that we’ve started believing it’s normal.

It’s not.

So, I owned the truth!

Money isn’t a dirty word. Wanting to be paid for writing isn’t selfish. What’s actually unfair is expecting skilled professionals to work for free.

So, here’s a reminder for every writer:

• Charge for your work. Exposure won’t pay your bills.
• Stop underpricing yourself just because you’re new.
• Say no to people who think writing is easy and should be free.
• Respect your skills, because they have value, and value deserves compensation.

And if anyone questions why you expect to earn from your work, take my son’s advice: “Tell them you want money.” Because that’s the truth.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go follow my own advice.