The real reason writers write?

Professional writers write for money. At least that’s been the case through the ages. The Internet—for all its greatness in opening platforms and making more opportunities available—has limited pros’ ability to make a living. As one article stated this week, most digital writing is not done for attention or money; it’s just a way to talk to someone.

We’ll also explore the use of sense memory in writing, the new creative lexicon, and more:

Writing to talk: One of the worst things about the Internet for professional or aspiring authors, poets, playwrights, and other scribes is that it has made everyone a “writer.” The glut of Facebook posts, tweets, and blog posts has lessened the need for anyone to pay anyone to write. Still, the Internet has been great for those who just want someone to listen—which is basically the stuff that fills up your Facebook wall. Noah Berlatsky writes for The Atlantic about why social media scribes are the modern-day letter writers.