There is nothing wrong with wanting a big fanbase or making money with your talent. In fact, I’d argue that we all have this desire (as a writer, I definitely do). The problem arises when these things become goals in and of themselves. Artistry is the soul of creation, and over-engineering it for the sake of a certain outcome kills that soul.

There are writers and there are grifters. There are artists and there are content creators.

This isn’t about highbrow versus lowbrow art, but rather algorithmic versus authentic creation.

creative works cannot be deeply transformational for your audience if they are not meaningful to you first.