Creative Work has Value

Artists don’t apologize for selling a painting.

Musicians don’t feel guilty when someone buys a concert ticket to their show.

Furniture makers don’t wince when someone pays for their pieces.

Bakers don’t feel bad when someone purchases a loaf of their bread.

Creative work has value.

So why do some Writers feel guilty when others want to honor their efforts with monetary compensation?

If a story makes someone laugh,

Gives them hope,

Inspires them to begin something bold,

Or simply makes their day a little brighter,

There’s nothing wrong with leaving a little something in the tip jar.

It doesn’t cheapen the art.

It honors the hours, the heart, and the courage it took to create it in the first place.

And every now and then,

Knowing someone believes in your work enough to buy you a coffee

Is exactly the encouragement needed to write the next story.