Robert A. Heinlein stated the reasons he wrote in
Grumbles from the Grave, and was totally unequivocal about it:
Quote:
I write for the following reasons - - To support myself and my family;
- To entertain my readers;
- And, if possible, to cause my readers to think.
GftG, Orbit 1991 ed, p.290
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If the author is successful with a series, with a huge fanbase, and people hanging on every word about the next sequel, surely it must be counterproductive for him/her to invest up to two years of work in a departure from his/her successful work.
I would have thought it must be regarded as a luxury to be able to do so, and only achievable by the very top-selling authors.